The Pro license on my current PC is a retail license purchased from the Microsoft Store.

Paul T. Sorry, I didn’t realize there was a duplicate thread.

PKCano. Thanks for the input. However, not being an expert in this area, I’m afraid I need some additional detailed information.

1. How and where do I enter the license on the Surface pro 7 (new PC)? I do have the 25 character product key.
2. How do I use the 1903 Group Policy to control the upgrade version? I know very little about this app, but I did find out about gpedit.msc and ran it. Couldn’t find anything under “Local Computer Policy” that seemed to apply.
3. How do I use “TargetReleaseVersion”? Searched for that on the Internet and found a document titled “Specify Target Feature Update Version in Local Group Policy Editor” but it contained a note saying that it only applied to v. 2004 and higher, so no help there. I found another reference at ghacks.net that indicated that I need to use Registry Editor >Windows Update to change value of TargetReleaseVersionInfo to the desired version, in my case 1909. An 8-step process is described. However, when I ran regedit on my current system and started through the steps, I got to step 3 which instructed me to select New>Dword (32-bit). Not sure this is correct for me since I have a 64-bit Windows. There is an alternate selection for Qword (64-bit) so not sure which to use. Further, editing the Register is not something I’d prefer to do!

Additional help will be appreciated!

D. Eager

PKCano,

Would it be possible to take this discussion into Direct Message? I’d rather not continue to display my ignorance to the “world” and also would prefer to cut off the additional responses, often conflicting, from others on the forum. I have confidence that you know what you’re doing and would like to stick with your advice.

Thanks,

D. Eager

Thanks for letting me know that DM is not to be used for assistance. Didn’t know that. So, per your instructions, here is additional information. I am REALLY stressing out about this SURFACE Pro 4 to Pro 7 conversion. I’m afraid that if I’m not VERY careful and do everything correctly that I could end up with two non-operational PCs. So, I’d like to provide some additional context on the process as I see it in the hope that you can guide me. The issue of upgrading the OS on the new PC, with which you are already assisting me, is only a part of the process. I have so far identified five options to accomplish the overall conversion. Here they are in what I think is the order of preference:

1. Do a complete 1-step conversion using Acronis True Image 2021, which I already own. According to them, I should be able to do an “Entire PC” backup of the Pro 4 to an external USB HDD and then restore it to the Pro 7. They indicate that this process will essentially format the SSD on the Pro 7 and then install EVERYTHING (including the OS from the Pro 4) on it from the USB backup. If this works, then it seems I’d just have to switch the Win10 Pro license to the Pro 7 and de-activate it on the Pro 4. However, I’m currently working with Acronis Tech Support on several questions and potential issues that remain unresolved.
2. Do a complete 1-step conversion using Windows System Image. I would create a system image of the Pro 4 on an external USB HDD using that app and then restore it using the same app on the P7. Finally, switch the Win10 Pro license to the Pro 7 and de-activate it on the Pro 4. I have not done much research on this option, so I’m not sure if it is feasible.
3. Do a complete 1-step conversion by purchasing, installing and using Macrium Reflect (or similar), to create a clone of the Pro 4 on an external USB HDD and then installing it on the Pro 7 from that drive. The vendor has indicated that EVERYTHING (including the OS) should transfer. After the transfer, switch the Win10 Pro license to the Pro 7 and de-activate it on the Pro 4. The main disadvantage of this option is the cost of the app.
4. Do a 2-step conversion by first updating the OS on the Pro 7 as we’ve discussed: update the Windows 10 Home (1903) on the Pro 7 to Home (1909), then enter the product code for Windows 10 Pro on the Pro 7 to update it to Pro (1909). With new OS on place on the Pro 7, purchase, install and use PCMover (or similar) to move everything besides the OS over. Vendor has advised that their product will NOT move the OS. Finally, de-activate Win 10 Pro on the Pro 4. Disadvantages of this option are a complicated two-step process and the cost of the transfer app.
5. Pay somebody, like Best Buy Geek Squad, to do this for me. This makes me nervous since I’d have no control over the process and can’t be sure it will come out as I desire. An additional downside is the cost.

There, of course, may be other options I haven’t discovered yet.

Please give me your input on these options, specifically which one you’d recommend and why. I have some additional questions on the information you previously provided about moving the OS. However, I’ll defer asking them until I get your feedback on the options discussed above, in case we decide that option 4 is not the preferred way to go.

Thanks again for putting up with all my questions and concerns.

D. Eager

I have decided to use the two-step approach to this transition, doing the OS first followed by everything else, as you recommended. However, I need some additional clarification.

In your last response, you indicated that I should make, by my count, four images and one copy during the transition process. What tool do you recommend for making the images? How about for the data copy? Also, how do I determine the files/folders that contain the data to be copied?

Will I be able to continue to use the Pro 4 after transferring the Windows 10 Pro license to the Pro 7 as long as I don’t use it to access the Internet? I will obviously need to use it to transfer the non-OS content by whatever method I finally decide upon.

Will my current Windows settings in Pro 1909 on the Pro 4 be transferred to the Pro 7 during the 1903 Home to 1903 Pro to 1909 Pro process?

Will I automatically get all applicable Windows updates after upgrading from 1903 Home to 1903 Pro? How about when I go from 1903 Pro to 1909 Pro? How will this occur? Will I see them in wushowhide? Currently have Feature Updates deferred for 365 days and Quality Updates for 30 days. Currently have Metered Connection ON. Any changes needed?

Continued thanks for you patience.

D. Eager

I’m back…

In your last response, you indicated that, as part of the pre-transfer process, I “need to copy to an external HDD everything in C:\Users\<your ID>.” However, you didn’t indicate how this was to be done. Can Macrium handle this? If not, would I have to copy from C: drive and paste to the external HDD?

I started the Pro 7 for the first time OFFLINE as you recommended. However, I don’t recall creating a Local ID, although I may have. When I start the Pro 7, it displays “Don & Lulu” on the Welcome screen. Is this the Local ID?

I was not asked to update during the initial startup process as far as I recall, so didn’t have to answer NO. Probably because I wasn’t on-line then.

Unfortunately, I did go online before I got your recommendation. Just setting up and seeing if my in-home Wi-Fi router worked. It did. Once I received your recommendations, I went through the Settings on the Pro 7 and compared them to those on the Pro 4. I changed any on the Pro 7 that didn’t match to those on the Pro 4. This took several hours, since I recorded all the changes.

I went into Settings on the Pro 7 to set the Win Update Pause on the Pro 7 to 7 days. Unfortunately, Update started downloading stuff before I could get over to Advanced. Only three drivers and three Defender definition updates were installed before I could stop it. Have about 5 more days to go, so I must get busy and change over the OS.

Please verify that the following steps to get the Pro 7 to Pro v. 1909 are correct and complete:

1. On the Pro 7, go to Settings>System>About>Change product key or upgrade your edition of Windows and enter the Product Key.
2. See what happens and address any problems encountered.
3. OS should now be Win 10 Pro (v. 1903).
4. Use search of gpedit.msc to access the Local Group Policy Editor.
5. Navigate to Local Computer Policy>Computer Configuration>Administrative Templates>Windows Components (dbl click)>Windows Update (dbl click)>Windows Update for Business (dbl click)>Select the Target Feature Update Version (dbl click).
6. Click the Enabled radio button.
7. Enter 1909 the box under Target Version for Feature Updates.
8. Click OK.
9. See what happens?

NOTE: In KB2000016, Section 3, the step to double-click Windows Update is missing between Windows Components and Windows Update for Business. Also, several of the required steps do not mention the need to double-click on the selected item.

After this initial OS upgrading, should I cancel the GP and TRV settings and revert to wushowhide and Windows Update>Advanced Options>Choose when updates are installed process with which I am more familiar.

Thanks again!

Don E.

OK, this was very clear. I think I’m about ready to begin the transfer. I’ll let you know what happens.

I have to order Macrium to begin the images you recommended as the first step.

As I understand your last paragraph, I should leave the GP settings as is until I’m ready to move to beyond v. 1909. I currently have Update Advanced Settings for Feature Updates at 365 days. Should I change that? If so, to what?

Should I leave the Quality setting at 30 days, which I’ve been using for sometime. Once “Patch Lady” gives the OK for monthly updates, I set it to 0 and process them via wushowhide. Is this still an acceptable procedure?

D. Eager

PKCano,

Sorry, I didn’t receive your previous post carefully enough. I missed the fact that the last paragraph involved Quality Updates. I thought we’d just been addressing Feature Updates.

Is GUI the Windows Update>Advanced Options>Choose when updates are installed boxes for Feature and Quality Updates?

Wow! This is a long one too! Still want to move here?

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth now UP on Pro 7 after reverting to 1903 Home. Turns out that the Network Adapter was totally different from that on the old Pro 4!

Looking forward to moving ahead with the OS update.

Yes. Still on 1909, that build, on Pro 4.

Used Macrium instead of PCMover, so that stuff on this thread doesn’t apply.

Was able to re-install Quicken on Pro 7. Had been previously transferred via Macrium image from Pro 4, but was deleted when reverted to Win Home. Was able to recover all but last two day’s data from File History drive. I’m happy about this. After getting the OS figured out, next big issue is Office 2o19, which was moved over to Pro 7 by Macrium, then deleted during reversion to Home. I already transferred the license, but will probably have to do it again when it is re-installed. All associated Office files, except those for Outlook, which remain on the Pro 4 are gone on both Surfaces, but probably mostly recoverable from File History.

OK. Don’t want to make any more mistakes, so, I’ll be checking with you on any doubts.

On the 7, Windows Update & Security>Windows Updates>Advanced Options>Pause Updates is is not showing a date in the pull down box. Does this mean that Pause is not set?

Got wushowhide copied over to Downloads folder and created a shortcut on Desktop.

I don’t see a setting for Pause on the Windows Update page, only a link to turn it ON. Is that what you’re referring to?

Second question, should we be installing the December update? Susan still has it as Defer on the Master Patch List.

Operational question. If I leave this thread open, will your next answer show there? I’ve been closing the thread and leaving the site after each time I post. Then re-connecting to the site and re-opening the thread.

Please see my post @ 12:15 PM today. I am not using, or ever used, use PCMover. Used Macrium Reflect 7 for all images and backups made during this process. Does that make any difference in the plan?

New questions. I looked at Section 2 of 20000016 to review the two commands you mentioned and am confused. Are the two commands you referenced listed as #2 and #3 after the Windows PowerShell (Admin) command? If so, they appear to me to be identical. So, what do I do after entering and executing the first command and before entering it the second time? What do I do after the second one?

I printed out #2286499 and reviewed it. Not sure how it relates to items #2 and #3. Do I have to access the registry via PowerShell twice, once, entering the TargetReleaseVersion parameter, then again, entering the TargetReleaseVersionInfo parameter?

I don’t understand how to verify the settings as shown in the screenshot from #2286499. They look to be the same as what I would have just entered. Am I to exit PowerShell and then re-enter?

Sorry I’m so slow on the uptake, but I don’t want to assume anything and mess this up.

Ah hah! The copy and paste lines for #2 and #3 in 20000016 are incomplete! Now it makes sense.

Since I have no Internet at present on the Pro 7, I guess I’ll have to copy the two commands onto a flash drive on the Pro 4, then mount that on the Pro 7 and copy them one at a time into PowerShell. Agree?

The verification process goes to the same place, but does not enter via PowerShell, but directly thru the regedit command? Correct?

After these two questions are answered, I think I’m ready to try it!

Do you agree with how I proposed to get the commands from the Pro 4 to the Pro 7 using a USB. I’ve never tried to transfer text that way, only documents.

The first command did not work.

The command was displayed with the word reg in yellow font. Stated “Error invalid key name Type “REG ADD /?” for usage”

Any ideas?

I’m reaching you on the Surface Pro 7! Everything seems to have run normally and am now on 1903 Home Build 18362.418.

wushowhide reported a LOT of available updates. About 30 of them I considered to be drivers and I tried to hide them. Some refused to hide after four attempts. These are: Intel…(5 of them) and Surface-Extension. I also hid KB4023057, which is that “preparation for upgrade” thing that I was told long ago to hide forever.

That left me with these “good” updates to possibly install per your instructions:

2020-10 Security update for Adobe Flash

MSRT

2020-11 Cumulative update for .NET

Security Intelligence Update for Defender

Feature update to 1909.

What should I do with these?

Last question for today, I promise.

I don’t know how to find out what is in the Windows Update Queue. I’m only familiar with wushowhide available for hiding list.

There is NO list shown on the Windows Update page. I don’t think I’ve EVER seen any list there unless I clicked Check for Updates, which we don’t want to do now, right?

Yes. Looks EXACTLY like that. Shall I click Check for Updates?

Trehe updates that I hid (>20) look fine. Still hidden.

However, there are 7 updates, other than the five we want, still waiting to be hidden. Clicked them all and tried to hide. Only 3 showed up in next step. Proceeded anyway. It looked like they were hidden, but when I went back to available to hide, they were still there! Tried this twice, same result.

The 7 (names abbreviated) are:

Intel System

Intel System

Intel system

Surface Extension

Intel system

Intel System

Surface Extension

What to do now?

I tried to attach the screenshot. Don’t know what happened. Trying again. Clicked Select file below. A .PNG window was added.
Clicked Insert into content. Did it work this time?

Completed all steps. Now waiting one hour. What is supposed to be happening during this time. Thought the install was complete once the OS finished. At this time winver is 1909 (OS Build 18363.1256).

There are numerous updates currently hidden in wushowhide. See 3 screenshots below. There are also updates to be hidden. However, those 2 screenshots would not attach here. I’ll send in a different post.

Nothing shown in Windows Update.

Verified that metered connection is still ON.

After we figure out what to do with these pending updates, we can figure out the next stop.

Here are the 2 screenshots of what’s available to hide in wushowhide.

Yes. That is why I think we might need to install Office 2019 on the Pro 7 BEFORE we move the Win Pro license. I’m not supposed to connect to the Internet after that is done, correct? Therefore, I’d be electronically incommunicado. All files/folders associated with Outlook are still in use on the Pro 4, are being modified hourly as I use Outlook and can be transferred.

Other things to consider. Office was transferred to the Pro 7 by Macrium, along with all the associated data. After that was done, I transferred the license to the Pro 7, before the problems were revealed. Of course, when I restored the original Pro 7 image, all that was lost. I do have a File History image taken of the Pro 7 BEFORE it was reverted. All the Excel and Word files are there as they existed on 12/16. I verified that today.

Sorry I missed your requirements re the Pro 4 content. Truthfully, I hadn’t even read that paragraph since I wasn’t sure if you’d still want to do the Windows Pro transfer first. I don’t know why or how it happened, but the folder for Word data disappeared and the folder for Excel data is empty,

despite the fact that the apps are still installed.

Anyway, here are what I hope are the screenshots you need. Let me know if there is a problem with them.

Forgot…There ARE documents in the Documents folder on the 4. They look normal, except for Excel and Word, but I can’t be sure.

Are you referring to donea? I don’t know what that is and I’ve never used it to my knowledge. Only the Don & Lulu Eager is used as far as I know.

Per Control Panel, the ONLY apps currently installed on the 7 are: Google Chrome, Macrium Reflect, Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Visual C++ 2013, Quicken, RoboForm 8, and Screenshot Captor. I installed all of these except the C++ items. These are the bare minimum I’ve need to get anything routine done. Using Outlook on the 4 and have not updated any Excel or Word files in the past several days.

I’ve read over your latest post a couple of times and think the two scenarios you propose are not mutually exclusive. I don’t see much of a downside to upgrading the 7 to Pro first. The only issue I see, you may have other thoughts on this, is that I’d be without Outlook for the time between the OS update and the installation of Office on the 7. I know how to do this, having done it a few days ago, before we blew it away with the reversion to Home 1903. I should be able to do this via the MS Store from which I purchased the Pro license. I doubt this would take more than a few hours tops. At that point, I don’t see any reason I’d have to go online with the 4 anymore, so no more licensing issue. Can you see any other possible problems?

Here’s what I propose.

1. Update to 4 to include the December updates, since Susan has given the go-ahead. This would make both Surfaces on the same version and build (except Home vs. Pro).
2. Perform the license upgrade on the 7. I have some info on this, but might need some help.
3. Uninstall Office from the 4. I’ve read this is a requirement to legally transfer it to another PC.
4. Install Office on the 7.
5. Copy the .pst files from the 4 to the 7, thereby transferring all the Outlook data.
6. Recover the Excel and Word files/folders from the File History drive to the 7 C: drive. This is a backup of the 7 done after Office (app and files) were transferred to it by Macrium and has the most recent data. This would give me operability for most important daily functions.
7. Work with Macrium (not PCMover, which I don’t have) to move the remaining apps, data, profiles and settings.

Please tell me if you see any potential issues with this scheme.

How will I learn about the new “drivers” thread?

Thanks again for your advice and patience!

I will confirm with Macrium Tech Support that it can move individual files and folders from the image. If not, I may have to do a new files/folders backup of the 4. What was done before WAS an image.

Will do an image of the 7 before I let Macrium loose again.

Will definitely leave Metered on on the 7. This is my standard practice anyway.

As soon as I transfer the Pro license, I’ll set the appropriate GP.

I thought Susan recommended installing Dec patches, but I’ll check again.

Probably won’t start on this till Monday. Need to rest up from this hassle and will have better chance of reaching tech support.

I’m now totally lost! What, exactly, am I supposed to transfer? Is everything I need to transfer, apps, their data and settings not found in C:/Users? Where else might things be found?

PKCano,

I lied. Can’t wait until Monday to start moving forward on this. Based on what you’ve recently posted, I’ve revised my plan. PLEASE comment on the feasibility of the following:

• Await recommendations on updates that are available to hide or hidden.
• Apply those to Win 10 Home (1909) on 7.
• Upgrade Win license on 7 to Pro.
• Change G.P. parameters to those provided in AKB2318864.
• Change Win Update advanced settings for Quality and Feature to o days.
• Stop using 4 on-line.
• Install Office on 7 and fix license, as needed.
• Create an Outlook Files folder in Documents manually, if not automatically created during Office install.
• Copy .pst files from 4 and paste into Documents\Outlook Files folder on 7.
• Create Excel Files and Word Files folders on 7.
• Recover Excel and Word files to above folders on 7 from File History (12/16/20).
• This provides MINIMUM operability for daily tasks.
• Image 7 using Macrium Reflect.
• Worry about other apps and data later.
  • See what Macrium can do re transferring other apps and associated data files using points raised in AKB 2321132.
  • If they can’t help with this, re-install apps individually from the Internet.
  • Transfer data to 7 from C:/Users folder on 4. (A bit concerned about exactly what to transfer.)

Just to be clear, are you saying that PCMover and Macrium Reflect have very different functionality, i.e. PCMover will transfer individual programs in working order and their associated data but NOT the OS; while Macrium will image both but not recover just individual programs in working order and their data? If that’s the case. I’ll have to review the information on PCMover and see how much they want for PCMover again. I looked at it before, but discounted it since, as I recall, it wouldn’t transfer the OS as Macrium claimed.

Before I do anything, I’ll contact Macrium tech support tomorrow and see if  they say their app will  recover from the image of the 4 individual programs in working order and associated data WITHOUT affecting the OS.

I’ll postpone the Pro upgrade until the app/data situation is resolved. Please evaluate the new plan below.

OK. I sort of came to the conclusion on my own that Macrium and PCMover are essentially for the different purposes you described . Unfortunately, either Macrium misrepresented what their software could do regarding TRANSFERRING between systems or I misunderstood. If you’re pretty confident that PCMover will do what we need, I’ll buy it. Upon re-reading their documentation, It appears that it will. Here’s hoping!

I’ll keep Macrium for weekly imaging for use in restoring to the 7 in the future, if needed.

I forgot that you recommended imaging the 7 using Macrium BEFORE changing anything. I added that as the first step in my plan.

I also restored from File History all Excel and Word files to the 7 where they were before we reverted to Home. I then copied them to a USB and pasted them to the 4 where they belong, so PCMover can transfer them along with Office. Then deleted them from the 7 to await the mass transfer.

Since I’ve now converted to Group Policy procedures for Quality Updates, once they appear in the Update queue on the Windows Update page for downloading, will I automatically get the applicable Service Stack update? Will it also be listed in the queue?

Thanks!

PKCano,

Haven’t bugged you for a while. Conversion things have settled at last. A few questions for you, the last for THIS year.

1. Susan gave the OK to install the December Cumulative Update (Quality), KB4592449. How do I get it? It was released BEFORE all my conversion efforts began. Therefore, assume that I won’t see it in either wushowhide or the queue. Do I need to get from the catalog manually? It doesn’t appear that there was a new Servicing Stack update for December. I have no SS update installed at this time since the conversion. Do I need one in conjunction with the CU? If so, what is the KB for it so I can get it from the catalog manually.
2. Has Susan given the OK to update to 2004? If so, I want to install it. Shall I use the ISO I saved a few months ago or can I get it by changing the Feature parameter in Group Policy from 1909 to 2004?

Happy New Year. May 2021 be a big improvement over 2020!

Don E.

I hate to sound ignorant, but what is the “MS download page” and where do I find it? I haven’t seen this terminology before. I’m only familiar with the queue that appears on the Settings>Windows Update & Security page where available updates pending download appear and with wushowhide>Updates available to hide. Will it also have the Servicing Stack? I don’t know the KB for the last SS update issued.