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Upgrade to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro for Just $25 Today, Before It's Too Late

If you want to upgrade your PC's operating system, you can now do so for only $25 -- but you'll need to act fast.

Adam Oram Senior Editor
Adam Oram is a Senior Editor at CNET. He studied Media at Newcastle University and has been writing about technology since 2013. He previously worked as a Senior Writer at iMore, Deals Editor at Thrifter, and as an Apple Genius. His spare time is spent watching football (both kinds), playing Pokémon games, and eating vegan food.
Expertise Deals | Apple
Oliver Haslam Writer
Oliver Haslam has been writing about phones, computers, games, and anything else that takes a battery or plugs in for more than he'd like to admit. With a focus on mobile and laptops, Oliver is never too far away from whatever social network is trending today and is never short of an opinion to share.
Expertise Apple, phones, laptops, smartwatches, mobile accessories, gaming, apps
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Adam Oram
Oliver Haslam
2 min read
Windows 11 Pro box on pink gradient background
Microsoft/Screenshot by CNET

When you buy a new PC or laptop today it'll come with some version of Windows 11 installed. Windows 11 Pro can be a notable upgrade over the Home version for anyone who wants to take advantage of extra features, including the addition of BitLocker Drive Encryption. Sure, you can get Windows 11 Pro directly from Microsoft but going that route means handing over around $200, which is a lot. Alternatively, you can get it for much cheaper at StackSocial with a Windows 11 Pro license currently on sale for $25. Just keep in mind that this deal is only going to be available for three more days -- order soon, before you miss out.

Although this is an excellent deal, it's important to note that not every computer out there can run Windows 11, so before you buy it, you want to ensure that your machine meets the requirements for the operating system. Additionally, the listing says that 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 either.

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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. To be clear, purchases like this are generally intended for advanced users, folks who are building a new computer or who want to dual-boot an existing computer with a second OS. If you're doing that, you'll need a secondary 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 $25. 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.