Can you use a windows 11 license to install windows 10 and then upgrade it back up to windows 11?

YagyuA5 5 Reputation points
2024-10-12T15:19:44.5966667+00:00

I'm having no end of trouble trying to do a fresh install of windows 11 on a new PC build. I know for a fact that everything in the system is ready for 11 and I even have TPM enabled correctly. My issue is that no matter what usb I find and put the windows boot data on, and no matter what settings I do in the BIOS to get it to boot, I just get a variety of blue screens with varying errors. Occasionally it will go all the way through and start the installation setup but only as far as the product key entry; if I put in my key or even just use the "I don't have one" option, it just blue screens again.

I'm wondering if I can instead put windows 10 onto a usb and try to install it on the off chance that it doesn't have the same issues. Would I be able to use my windows 11 key to activate windows 10 and still be able to use that license to upgrade back up to 11?

Windows 10
Windows 10
A Microsoft operating system that runs on personal computers and tablets.
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Windows 11
Windows 11
A Microsoft operating system designed for productivity, creativity, and ease of use.
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Windows Licensing
Windows Licensing
Windows: A family of Microsoft operating systems that run across personal computers, tablets, laptops, phones, internet of things devices, self-contained mixed reality headsets, large collaboration screens, and other devices.Licensing: Rules, regulations, and restrictions that define how software can be used and distributed.
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  1. Hania Lian 17,786 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2024-10-14T08:04:06.0733333+00:00

    Hello.

    Windows 11 keys do not activate Windows 10. Each version of Windows has its specific activation key.

    It is recommended that you use Win11 Installation Assistant to perform a clean installation of Win11:

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11/?msockid=1c9999426ba069af2dd68dbb6aa168ec

    Best Regards,

    Hania Lian

    ============================================

    If the Answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.

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