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      Estimating Link Windows Operating System

      This article explains why Windows Home is not supported and provides a step-by-step guide on how to upgrade your system to Windows Pro.

      Introduction


      At The Construction Link, Inc., we strive to deliver the best possible experience with our software, Estimating Link. To ensure optimal performance and security, we require Estimating Link to be run on Windows Pro editions. This article explains why Windows Home is not supported and provides a step-by-step guide on how to upgrade your system to Windows Pro.


      Why Windows Home is Not Supported


      Windows Home edition is designed primarily for personal use and lacks several critical features necessary for running business-oriented applications like Estimating Link. Here are the key reasons:

      • Lack of Advanced Security Features: Windows Home does not include BitLocker encryption, which is essential for protecting sensitive project data.
      • Limited Device Management: Windows Home does not support Group Policy Management, making it difficult to enforce security policies and manage multiple devices efficiently.
      • No Remote Desktop Support: Estimating Link often requires remote access capabilities, which are available in Windows Pro through Remote Desktop.
      • Reduced Virtualization Support: Windows Home lacks Hyper-V, a tool used for running virtual machines, which can be crucial for testing and development purposes.

      Due to these limitations, we recommend upgrading to Windows Pro to ensure full compatibility and a seamless experience with Estimating Link.

      How to Upgrade from Windows Home to Windows Pro


      Upgrading to Windows Pro is a straightforward process. Follow the steps below:

      1. Check Your Current Edition:
        • Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
        • Navigate to System > About and look under Windows specifications to confirm you are using Windows Home.
      2. Purchase a Windows Pro License:
        • Purchase a Windows Pro license from the Microsoft Store or any authorized retailer. Alternatively, you can buy it directly through the upgrade process.
      3. Open Settings:
        • Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
      4. Navigate to Activation:
        • Go to Update & Security > Activation.
      5. Upgrade to Pro:
        • In the Activation menu, select Go to the Store (Windows 10) or Open Store (Windows 11).
        • In the Microsoft Store, follow the prompts to purchase and install Windows Pro.
      6. Enter the Product Key:
        • If you have already purchased a product key, click on Change product key, enter the 25-character key, and follow the prompts to complete the upgrade.
      7. Restart Your PC:
        • After completing the upgrade, restart your PC to apply the changes.
      8. Verify the Upgrade:
        • After restarting, go back to Settings > System > About to confirm that your edition now shows Windows Pro.

      Conclusion


      By upgrading to Windows Pro, you will gain access to the advanced features and security necessary for running Estimating Link efficiently.