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November 26th, 2024 22:00
how to stop Windows 10/11 edition automatic selection during clean install
on a Dell PC that had previous factory Win 10 install
"When performing a clean installation of the new Windows 10//11 version, users can’t select which Windows 10 edition they want to install. The Windows 10 installer automatically installs the Windows 10 Home edition in their computer without giving any option to the user to choose a different edition.
This is because the installer detects the previous Windows Edition product key which is stored in BIOS. Then it automatically installs the corresponding edition of Windows 10/11 new version.
how to force the Windows 10 installer to provide a selection screen so that we can choose which Windows 10 Edition we want to install.
We can force the Windows 10 installer to install our desired Windows 10 edition by adding a new file called “ei.cfg”. in the Windows 10 installer media tool. By adding this file to the Windows 10 installer, it will display the above selection screen and allows you to choose your preferred Windows 10 edition.
Step 1 – Create Windows 10 Installation Media
Create a Windows 10 USB Installer using Microsoft Installation Media Tool.
Step 2 – Create ei.cfg File
Copy and paste the following code into Windows Notepad.
[Channel]
_Default
[VL]
0
Save the file as “ei.cfg”.
Use the double-quotes “ ” while saving the file. Otherwise, the Notepad program will create a text file with the name of ei.cfg.txt unless you have already enabled the file name extensions, you can skip this.
Step 3 – Move the ei.cfg file into the Sources folder of the Windows 10 Installation Media.
Now move / copy the ei.cfg file that you have created into the Sources folder of the Windows 10 Installation Media.
Step 4 – Run the Windows 10 Installation
If you do it right, you will be able to see the Windows 10 Edition selection screen
redxps630
9 Legend
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November 26th, 2024 23:08
I tested the above pro tip. works perfectly. now I can install Win 11 Pro in my Dell previously had Win 10 home
redxps630
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November 27th, 2024 02:52
more in depth learning:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/windows-setup-edition-configuration-and-product-id-files--eicfg-and-pidtxt?view=windows-11
The EI.cfg file specifies the values for the edition ID, the channel, and the volume license.
The EI.cfg file has the following format (txt):
{Edition ID} must be a valid Windows Edition ID.
If you don't specify a name or an index number, the output won't include the Edition ID.
{Channel Type} must be either "OEM" or "Retail"
{Volume License} must be either 1, if this is a volume license, or 0, if this is not a volume license.
(edited)
redxps630
9 Legend
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November 27th, 2024 03:17
of course, if the PC were shipped with Win 10 home oem license and now user has installed Win 10 or 11 Pro, Windows is no longer activated and needs a new product key. that is a separate problem.
Chino de Oro
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November 27th, 2024 03:28
Or, you can also create PID file that simply contains product key for the Windows edition you wanted. Then, copy PID file into Source folder. Windows will install the edition you wanted.
redxps630
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November 27th, 2024 03:29
The PID.txt file contains the product key for the edition of Windows that you are installing.
The PID.txt file has the following format:
Where
XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXXis the product key.(edited)
Chino de Oro
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November 27th, 2024 03:47
Use generic product keys for system builders. See PM.
krazeeartist
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January 10th, 2025 05:56
Is there a way to include the PID.txt file in the recovery drive so that Support Assist Recovery Assistant can use it?