FIX: There is no option to select a different version of Windows 11/10 to install. (Pro, Home, Etc.).
If you cannot choose a different version of Windows to install, then read this guide to solve the problem.
When performing a clean install of Windows 10/11 on a custom-built PC or a new PC without Windows pre-installed, users have the option during installation to install the version they want, according to the Windows license key they have purchased/own (eg Windows Home, Pro, Education, etc.).
However, on pre-installed Windows 10/11 PCs, users are not able to select a different Edition of Windows to install because the "Select the operating system you want to install" window is not displayed at all.
Why is Windows edition not showing during installation?
This is because on pre-installed Windows 10/11 computers the Windows license is stored in the BIOS/UEFI and retrieved from there.
In this tutorial you will learn how to be able to install a different version of Windows than the one that is preinstalled. So, if you unable to choose the desired Windows 10/11 Edition to install, continue reading below.
How to FIX: Unable to select Windows version during Clean Installation of Windows 10/11.
To be able to select the desired edition (Windows 10/11 Home or Windows 10/11 Pro), during a clean installation, apply the following steps.
Step 1. Create a Windows 10/11 USB Installation media.
If you haven't already done so, go ahead and create a Windows USB installation media, according to the version of Windows you want to install (Windows 10 or Windows 11). For instructions, see this article: How to create a bootable Windows 10/11 USB installation media.
Step 2. Create "ei.cfg" file in "sources" directory.
1. Connect the Windows USB installation media (drive) to another computer.
2. Open Notepad and then copy & paste the following four (4) lines (in bold letters):
[EditionID]
Professional
[Channel]
Retail
3. When done, from the File menu select Save as.
4a. Select the Windows USB installation media (drive) on the left and open the "sources" folder on the right.
4b. In File name field Type "ei.cfg" (exactly as shown, with the quotes) and click Save. *
* Attention: Ensure that you save the 'ei.cfg' file inside the "sources" folder on the Windows install disk.
5. Close Notepad and you're done! Boot from the Windows install disk on the affected PC and you'll be able to choose the Windows version you desire to install.*
* Note: If you are still unable to select a different version of Windows to install, try the alternatives below:
Solution A. Open the 'ei.cfg' with Notepad and just add the following two (2) lines:
[Channel]
Retail
Solution B. Open the 'ei.cfg' with Notepad and add the following lines:
[Channel]
_Default
[VL]
0
That's it! Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about your experience. Please like and share this guide to help others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I select a different Windows edition during installation on my pre-installed Windows PC?
The Windows license on pre-installed Windows 10/11 PCs is stored in the BIOS/UEFI, which automatically selects the Windows edition during installation without allowing you to choose.
How can I install a different version of Windows on a PC with pre-installed Windows?
You can install a different version by creating a Windows USB installation media, adding an 'ei.cfg' file to the sources directory, and modifying its content to specify the desired Windows edition.
What should I include in the 'ei.cfg' file to choose a Windows version?
The 'ei.cfg' file should contain:
```
[EditionID]
Professional
[Channel]
Retail
```Save it inside the 'sources' folder on your installation media.
What can I do if I'm still unable to select a different Windows version after following the steps?
If the issue persists, try modifying the 'ei.cfg' file as follows:
Solution A:
```
[Channel]
Retail
```
Solution B:
```
[Channel]
_Default
[VL]
0
```
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