Method 1: Settings (recommended)
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Select System in the left menu, then scroll down and select About.
- Under Windows specifications, look at Edition. It will say Windows 11 Home, Windows 11 Pro or another edition.
The same page shows Version (for example 24H2) and whether the PC's processor and RAM are listed under Device specifications.
Method 2: winver
Press Windows + R, type winver and press Enter. The About Windows box names the edition in its license line.
Method 3: Command line
Open Terminal or Command Prompt and run:
systeminfo | findstr /B /C:"OS Name"
The result reads, for example, Microsoft Windows 11 Pro.
Which key matches your edition
| Your edition | Key that activates it |
|---|---|
| Windows 11 Home | Home key, or a Pro key to upgrade to Pro |
| Windows 11 Pro | Pro key (retail or OEM) |
| Windows 11 Home in S mode | Switch out of S mode first (free, in Microsoft Store), then use a Home or Pro key |
| Enterprise, Education, Pro for Workstations | Not covered by Home or Pro keys; these are licensed through organizations |
Check whether Windows is already activated
Go to Settings › System › Activation. If Activation state says Active, you don't need a key for this edition. If it says Not active, the page shows why, and a product key will fix it when the edition matches.