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Microsoft Windows is the software that's powered gaming machines, office workstations and everything in between for decades. But buying a copy afresh can come at a surprisingly hefty cost, and that means it's always a good idea to keep an eye out for any discounts when it's time to upgrade your operating system or build a new computer. Right now StackSocial has a deal that makes this software much more affordable, but it won't stay that way for long. Act fast and you can snag a Windows 11 Pro license for just $20, down from the usual asking price of almost $200. That's a huge savings, but StackSocial's deals don't stick around forever and this one will end soon.
Although this is an excellent deal, it's important to note that not every computer can run Windows 11, so before you buy it, ensure that your machine meets the requirements for the operating system. If you have a PC that's already running Windows 10, and Windows Update doesn't let you install the free Windows 11 upgrade, your computer won't be compatible with this version.
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After you've bought the license, you'll get an activation key that you can use to install and activate Windows 11 Pro on one computer. You'll then have 30 days to redeem your download code before it expires.
If you're doing a standard upgrade from an older version of Windows, the download and install process is pretty straightforward. For advanced users -- folks who are building a new computer or who want to dual-boot an existing computer with a second OS -- there will be some extra steps involved. In those cases, you might need a second PC to access and download the files, so be sure you can access everything from another computer in your home or that you have a friend's machine you can use temporarily. Also, note that you'll want to have a USB thumb drive available to transfer the file.
If you're still on Windows 10 and don't want to move to Windows 11, there's a Windows 10 Pro license on sale as well for just $20. Likewise, this offer ends soon, so act fast to lock in that price. Those still considering options for a new computer should check out our roundups of the best laptop deals and desktop deals for some solid options.