Windows 11 is going to be the standard for operating systems soon, as much as some of us desperately try to cling to Windows 10. Whether you're gaming, working or content creating, Windows 11 is an excellent idea. It's not cheap, though, as it normally costs nearly $200. Thankfully, we've found an excellent StackSocial deal that knocks it down to just $18 for the Pro version or the Home version. All things being equal, going Pro will give you a few more perks. Act fast, though -- this deal won't last long.
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.
Those still considering an upgrade to a new computer should check out our roundups of the best laptop deals and desktop deals for some solid options.
If you're happy you've saved money on a sensible upgrade to your PC, then why take a look at our toys gift guide and spend money on something a little less sensible?
Will Windows 11 Pro go on sale again this year?
StackSocial does put things on sale fairly often, but there's still no way of knowing when that'll happen. While it's possible that this could go on sale again this year, we're running out of weeks, which means it's becoming less likely by the day. If you want to upgrade you'd be better off going for it now than waiting.
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