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If You Need Windows 11, You Can Get It For Cheap Right Now

Typically sold for well over $100, you can pick up a Windows 11 Pro license for only $30.

By Jon Bitner on March 15, 2024 at 12:35PM PDT

48 Comments

If you're planning on building your own PC or want to replace your operating system, you should check out this deal on Windows 11 Pro. Over at StackCommerce, you can purchase a Windows 11 Pro license for only $30. Windows 11 Pro retails for $200 (Home version is $139) directly from Microsoft, so this is quite the deal if you're in need of a Windows 11 license.

See at StackCommerce

That’s an impressive price cut, but not everyone will be eligible for the savings. Specifically, this purchase is designed for “PCs that need a new license for Windows and meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11.” If you need help checking your specs, you can verify your compatibility here.

It's worth noting that if you already have an active Windows 10 license, you should be able to upgrade for free. This deal could be useful for you if you're looking to build your own computer or want to install Windows on a compatible device that doesn't currently have it.

Once you’ve verified your computer will support Windows 11, you’ll have 30 days to redeem your code after purchase. One key can be used for up to three devices, and you’ll be granted lifetime access to Windows 11 Pro.

Windows 11 makes a few big changes to the operating system, with a simple new UI, enhanced security features, and the ability to create custom layouts to enhance your productivity. Here’s a look at some of the features that are included with your purchase:

Windows 11 Pro features

BitLocker device encryption
Device encryption
Find my device
Firewall & network protection
Internet protection
Parental controls & protection
Secure boot
Windows Hello
Windows Information Protection (WIP)
Windows Security

Disclosure: The GameSpot Deals storefront is run by one of GameSpot's affiliate partners, StackCommerce. If you have any issues with your order, please contact StackCommerce.

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jsprunk

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Edited By jsprunk

I just wish isometric and first-person game controls didn't suck so bad on consoles or I'd never own a PC again.

Upvote • 2 months ago

silv3rst0rm

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silv3rst0rm

I've been seeing this promo since like forever...

Talk about a "Limited" time offer!

2 • 2 months ago

abovan

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abovan

So, an important note to make on this listing is that this for Windows 11 PRO. Now, if all you ever, ever plan on doing on your computer is gaming, then Home is likely fine. But there are a few tangible benefits for using Pro over Home.

Bitlocker - drive encryption. Very low impact and if you worry about someone stealing your drives, this can provide a layer of protection so bad guys will not be able to steal your data. Good for laptops and people living with untrustworthy roommates.

Hyper-V - Run computers in your computer. I use it for my Linux boxes, where I do most of my non-gaming stuff. This way I don't have to worry about dual-booting, but your personal preference may vary. There are unsupported ways on getting Hyper-V on your PC with Home, but those hack jobs might be patched out at any moment.

Super-duper computer support. Home taps out at 128GB, Pro will let you have 2TB of memory. CPU Cores are limited to 64 core on Home, 128 on Pro. Pro also supports dual CPUs, but unless you are running some Xeon or Epyc chips, I wouldn't worry about this point. If you are running those, get back to work and remember to close out your tickets when you complete them. Both 64 cores and 128GB of ram is well above what you will need for any games for the foreseeable future.

Remote desktop in and Active Directory support. There's other ways to remote into your PC, but running the service to log into your PC over Remote Desktop is a Pro feature. AD stuff is usually a business to manage PCs across their enterprise. But if you have a homelab and you want to learn how a super popular directory and PC management system works, it may be worth it to have.

tl;dr: This is the 11 PRO Windows license, not home. While 90% of the users here are interested in mostly games, there's a few reasons to go Pro.

3 • 7 months ago

jecht187

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Edited By jecht187

Been using Linux Mint since version 17.3. NEVER going back to Windows!!

8 • 9 months ago

YukoAsho

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YukoAsho

@jecht187: I've been a dual-booter for a while now (with Windows really being only a games console while I do my everyday computing on Linux). While I'm more into rolling releases (currently using openSuse Tumbleweed), Mint is a pretty damn solid offering.

2 • 7 months ago

lonewolf1044

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Edited By lonewolf1044

@jecht187: I remember back in the day having so many versions of Linux and being there was no standard I never installed them. But now I have 5 systems and maybe I can use Linux on one of my systems and seeing you use Mint is that good as I remember Red Hat. OSes do not excite me like Win95 first came out and pet peeve I have with Windows is I still can't find all the tools that used to be in the same place up until Windows 8 and it can be a drag and IMHO Windows makes one lazy unlike it was with (this is old but I enjoyed it) Windows 3.11 where I had fun tweaking it.

Upvote • 8 months ago

jecht187

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jecht187

@lonewolf1044: Red Hat at the time i used it was more command line than GUI. Mint is much more intuitive and it has a software center with over 95000+ free apps and add-ons. Give it a try, you never know, it might surprise you :-)

Upvote • 8 months ago

Destructionzz

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Destructionzz

@jecht187: I'm looking at buying a new setup in the near future and I was actually thinking "what if I went Linux this time". That leads me to the question, would it be difficult for a newbie to go Linux after like, 25 years as a Windows user? Depending on the answer which kind of Linux would be best for a newcomer.

Upvote • 9 months ago

jecht187

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Edited By jecht187

@Destructionzz:

It can be a little difficult, but also easy depending on your troubleshooting skills.
I suggest Linux Mint as it is built from Ubuntu as it is a very popular linux distro, but Mint feels and looks more like Windows 7.
The packages are "*.deb", as Windows is "*.exe".

Please see below the steps:

1. follow the easy steps on the Linux Mint website:
https://linuxmint-installation-guide.readthedocs.io/en/latest/

2. After you successfully install, read and follow the instruction in the welcome screen and updated Linux mint

3. Follow the steps below to install Wine (will need to copy/paste commands in your terminal (Linux version of DOS)):https://wiki.winehq.org/Ubuntu

4. After Wine has been installed, Install Steam from your "Software manager" in Linux Mint.

5. After Steam has been installed, go to settings -> Steamplay, place check in bot boxes and choose "Proton" or "Proton Experimental"

Extra: For Epic and GOG, you can install "Heroic games launcher" also from your "Software Manager" in Linux Mint

Gaming on a Linux computer can be a little challenging as you can see above, but the payout is great!!! no need to buy any OS, apps, no driver needed for controllers like the PS4, PS5, Switch, and more

Happy gaming!

4 • 9 months ago

sippio

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Edited By sippio

I'm still missing the full control i had w/ XP.

6 • 9 months ago

lonewolf1044

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Edited By lonewolf1044

@sippio: I liked XP and 7 but I hated Windows 8(which to me had e scratching my head at why did they screw this up) 8.1 was a little better and Win 10 was okay and then Windows 11 I was a little pissed off at the two requirements that costed me losing three systems in 2025 but luckily I have four other systems that could the upgrade and so far I have no problems with it. I believe the move was designed to help out the computer makers in some aspects force people to upgrade some just did upgrade but still could not upgrade to Win 11. Sorry to be long with my post :).

Upvote • 8 months ago

Ives74

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Ives74

Let microsoft farm all your data for the low price of $40. If you do this get a debloater. "thisiswin11" is a free one. Search that and you'll get pointed in the right direction. Also look into how to get into the os without needing a microsoft account. I can't say for sure if it gets around all their telemtry bs but at least it's something.

9 • 9 months ago

YukoAsho

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@ives74: Thisiswin11 seems to be discontinued, with the author recommending people use BloatyNosy instead.

4 • 7 months ago

S9Fx55Fe77LAM

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Edited By S9Fx55Fe77LAM

When I did my last computer build about six months ago. I purchased Windows 11 Pro from Amazon for a hefty price. The kit including a thumb drive was directly from Microsoft. I have received Windows upgrades and/or Windows installs in spite of changing out a lot of parts. I have a Windows 10 Pro that I will want to rebuild at some point which according to MS is not automatically upgradeable to Win 11 now. Regarding Windows 11 Pro, I don't understand some of the negative comments here about the OS. I have had NO issues since I started Windows 11 Pro, and while there is a difference in appearance. I've found it as easy to use as past Windows versions. I've had more problems with Windows "upgrades" on Windows 10, changing things around and/or creating problems with various settings.

4 • 10 months ago

illegal_peanut

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illegal_peanut

I'll get windows 11 when it stops sucking.

7 • 10 months ago

bcmatt

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bcmatt

Is there a way to tell if this is legitimate and verified/legal Windows licenses?

Upvote • 10 months ago

jenovaschilld

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jenovaschilld

@bcmatt: Hmm... well if you goto settings, update security, activation. You should then see your edition/activation saying windows is activated, etc along with your product key. For all rights and purposes - it is a legit and active product. Legal.

There is no way to tell what your buying until you get it and activate it, and hopefully have a way to get a refund. Most of these secondary sellers are legit, and offer a good product. Some are indeed scams, I personally have not seen one yet, but have heard some stuff on reddit.

The only difference in these products is region locking. One sold here or there, and another sold elsewhere, like Germany, etc. It would have to take some kind of massive corporate law change to suddenly ban these legit windows keys, and most would be notified in advanced.

It would have to be upto you whether you decide to or not to. But for just a gaming pc, it's cost will not be that important. After all most gaming pcs are very expensive toys, that are for entertainment, not a necessity or shared with a work computer. fyi I paid like $24 for my windows 10/11 pro key.

Upvote • 7 months ago

S9Fx55Fe77LAM

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Edited By S9Fx55Fe77LAM

@YukoAsho: Good to know that reaching out to the MS hotline is actually helpful. Stay well.

2 • 10 months ago

S9Fx55Fe77LAM

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Edited By S9Fx55Fe77LAM

@girlusocrazy: 👍👍😊 You be very smart😎 Seriously, I look forward to more of your informative posts here. Stay well, and have a pleasant and safe holiday if you are somewhere that celebrates one this weekend.😉

Upvote • 9 months ago

S9Fx55Fe77LAM

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Edited By S9Fx55Fe77LAM

@girlusocrazy: Yes Dear Person.. (I don't want to get into the whole "gender thing"), so I think as an honorific "Person" is a neutral way of not offending anyone and should be considered the norm now. Your question regarding Old Bay Spice mix, intrigues me🤔😊 I do have an age old can of it in my assortment of seasonings, but must admit that I never use it. I do cook, make my own ground beef (a class of food that is frequently recalled because of some kind of contamination) , salad dressings, and slice my own deli cheeses and meats (I'm particular about how they should be sliced). My cooking has won over a number of female hearts👍👍😉 I reside in the fair and over taxed state of Connecticut, U.S.A. I have enjoyed some very nice conversations in this forum. Please do not hesitate to reach out regarding any topic or subject and I will be happy to respond asap. Stay well.😊

Upvote • 9 months ago

S9Fx55Fe77LAM

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Edited By S9Fx55Fe77LAM

@girlusocrazy: 😲You takin to me!!?? In case you aren't joking fellow New Englander. Please don't think of me as being some who is smart. Opinionated... definitely. I would in all seriousness say the old adages still apply. "Do unto others..", "If you can't say something nice..", "Honor thy father and mother..", and "Ask not what your country can do for you.. but what you can do for your country." As an old guy and fervent student of History. I can only say of current political and social issues. These things will pass. Humans tend to go to extremes, but fortunately for the human race as a whole, common sense and necessity eventually prevail. Over to you Dear Person. 😊

Upvote • 9 months ago

Rolento25

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Edited By Rolento25

$40? I got it for $5

HRKgames if anyone was wondering.

3 • 10 months ago

Ph00p

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Ph00p

@rolento25: Yup, and same level of shadiness.

Upvote • 7 months ago

lonewolf1044

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lonewolf1044

@grizzlybeary: The requirement to redeem code within 30 days is on the advertisement page. you have to read the whole advertisement page to see it. It should be if anything where one notices it readily.

3 • 10 months ago

lonewolf1044

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lonewolf1044

All in all this is a good deal and you can install up to three computers.

2 • 10 months ago