I'm trying to figure out what setting in my BIOS or CMOS setup dictates which version of Windows gets installed on my Dell laptop. As many know, these laptops come with an OEM license for Windows that auto-installs, typically resulting in Windows Home being installed if that's what came with the system. I really want to install Windows 11 Pro, but it's not allowing me to choose that version anymore. I remember being able to change a setting in the BIOS to bypass this restriction, but it seems I've turned that option back on. What is that specific setting called so I can disable it again and have the option to install Windows 11 Pro?
3 Answers
If your laptop is licensed for Windows 10, it should be able to install both 10 and 11 automatically. However, if it's refusing to let you select the version during installation, some BIOS settings might need adjusting. Also, some BIOS versions have an option to clear factory keys; this could trigger the version selection screen during installation. Keep an eye out for that!
You can actually use specific setup files to force the installation of a different version than what the BIOS key indicates. Check Microsoft’s documentation for the exact files you need to configure this. It might be a little technical, but it should help!
The setting you're looking for is usually related to the embedded license key in the BIOS. You might want to look for options like "OEM Key" or "License Key" in your BIOS setup. It can often be found under security or advanced settings, depending on your model. Good luck!
Thanks! Do you have any idea where exactly I might find that in the BIOS? I wish I had taken notes previously.