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Love it or loathe it, Microsoft's Windows powers most desktop computers nowadays, and that makes this a coveted piece of software. But buying a copy can come at a cost, and that means that it's always worth keeping an eye on any potential discounts that might appear. One example is this StackSocial deal that offers a Windows 11 Pro license for just $20, down from the usual asking price of almost $200. That means you're in for a massive savings of 89%, or $180, all without having to do anything cumbersome like enter discount codes or clip any coupons. The deal ends on Sept. 3, so you have a few days to get in on the savings.
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 on Sept. 3, so act fast. Those still considering options for a new computer should check out our roundup of the best laptop deals and desktop deals for some solid options. We're also keeping tabs on any tech, home and software deals that could pop up this Labor Day so you can save on these necessary goods.