Unable to boot Windows USB (Rufus)

[acb2]

I am trying to install Windows 10 Pro on the laptop (replacing the Windows 10 Home). I used Rufus to transfer the ISO to a USB drive yet when I boot the laptop I get "Could not locate '\efi\boot\bootx64.efi': [14] Not Found".

I've disabled the secure boot function in the BIOS.

What can I do / use to write an ISO to a pen drive and boot it?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

If you try to clean install W10 Pro, all you will do is get W10 Home again, because the W10 Home product key in the BIOS trumps any other key you have.

Here is how to upgrade from Home to Pro when you have a W10 Pro product key...

1. Select the Start  button, then select Settings  > Update & Security  > Activation .

2. Select Change product key, and then enter the 25-character Windows 10 Pro product key.

3. Select Next to start the upgrade to Windows 10 Pro.

[acb2]

Thanks @Paul_Tikkanen.

This is very inefficient in my opinion.  First of all why should I have to modify (upgrade) Win 10 Home to Pro when I could clean install it.  Is there a way this functionality can be disabled?

In my case I would be using a Microsoft Volume Licence.  I hope it works.  My experience with other products is that many preinstalled OS do not like / accept such a license. 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

If you have to clean install W10...Instead of using Rufus, see if using the Microsoft tool that I zipped up and attached below allows you to make a bootable USB flash drive.

[acb2]

I found this Microsoft post: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/windows-setup-edition-configur...

This caters for Volume Licencing situation.  If it overrides the BIOS key, it I would address my need.

Has anyone every tried this?

Thanks