Planning a PC build involves careful budgeting. You might allocate specific amounts for the CPU, motherboard, and graphics card. But what about the operating system? Microsoft charges a hefty $139 for a Windows 11 Home license and $199 for Windows 11 Pro. However, there are ways to get Windows 11 for free or at a significantly reduced price. This article explores various methods to obtain Windows 11, comparing their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Unlocking Windows 11: Free and Low-Cost Alternatives
Unlike PC manufacturers who benefit from bulk OEM licenses, individual builders often face the full retail price. Fortunately, you don’t have to. Let’s dive into the different avenues for acquiring Windows 11 without breaking the bank.
| Method | Price | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Don’t Activate Windows | Free | No cost, minimal restrictions | Desktop watermark, limited personalization, no Microsoft support |
| Buy a Cheap Key | $12 – $25 | Fully functional Windows at a low price | Risk of key not working, potential legitimacy concerns |
| Upgrade from Windows 10 | Free | Free upgrade path | Requires existing Windows 10 installation |
| Use a Windows 10 Key | Free | Re-use a valid key you already own | Requires owning a previously unused Windows 10 key |
| Buy OEM DVD from Amazon | $119 | Reputable seller | Pricey, OEM key (non-transferable), requires a DVD drive |
| Buy Key From Microsoft | Home: $139, Pro: $199 | Transferable to other PCs | Expensive |
Downloading Windows 11: The First Step
Regardless of how you plan to activate it, downloading Windows 11 is free and should always be done directly from Microsoft’s official website to avoid malware. You can use the Windows 11 download page.
You have two primary download options: downloading a Windows 11 ISO file (which requires a tool like Rufus to create a bootable USB drive) or using Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool, which handles the entire process of downloading the latest version and creating a bootable USB drive. Using one of the best flash drives will speed up the installation process.
Once your bootable media is ready, boot your computer from it and begin the installation. The setup process will prompt you for a product key. If you don’t have one yet, you can skip this step by selecting “I don’t have a product key,” but be aware of the limitations of running unactivated Windows, which we’ll cover later.
Method 1: Free Upgrade from Windows 10
If you’re already running Windows 10 on a compatible computer, upgrading to Windows 11 is free. Your system needs to meet the minimum requirements, including TPM 2.0 support, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. To check if your system is eligible, go to Settings -> Update & Security. Windows Update will prominently display the option to upgrade if your system qualifies.
Method 2: Buying a Low-Cost Windows 11 Key
For those without an existing Windows license, purchasing a key from a third-party seller can be a cost-effective option. Retailers like Groupon and Kinguin often offer Windows 11 keys for significantly less than the official Microsoft price.
While these keys are significantly cheaper, there are potential risks. Some keys might not work, and concerns about legitimacy exist. However, reputable marketplaces like Kinguin have implemented measures to ensure the validity of the keys they sell.
When purchasing from Kinguin, consider paying extra for a key with “online activation.” This usually ensures automatic activation without requiring a phone call to Microsoft support.
Here’s a price comparison:
| Kinguin Price | Groupon Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 Home | $21.89 | $12.60 |
| Windows 11 Home (Online Activation) | $23.04 | $12.60 |
| Windows 11 Pro | $25.93 | $12.60 |
| Windows 11 Pro (Online Activation) | $25.35 | $12.60 |
Kinguin asserts that their merchants acquire keys from wholesalers with surplus copies of Windows. They also claim to randomly purchase keys to verify their legitimacy and offer customer support to resolve any issues with activation.
Method 3: Utilizing an Old Windows 10 Key
If you have a retail (non-OEM) Windows 10 key from a previous PC that is no longer in use, you can reuse it to activate Windows 11. First, ensure the key is deactivated on the old PC. Our guide on how to transfer a Windows 10 or 11 license to a new PC provides detailed instructions.
The deactivation process varies depending on whether you have a digital or non-digital license. Digital licenses require logging into your Microsoft account to deactivate the old PC, while non-digital licenses involve using a command-line command.
OEM keys tied to prebuilt computers may not work on a new PC, but it’s worth trying.
Method 4: Running Windows 11 Unactivated
You can install and use Windows 11 without activating it by skipping the product key entry during installation. The primary drawbacks are a persistent watermark on the screen and limited personalization options, such as changing the wallpaper or theme.
However, if you use a Microsoft account synced with another computer that has custom wallpaper, that wallpaper may still appear. You can also manually set a wallpaper by right-clicking a JPG image and selecting “Set as Desktop Background.”
Microsoft also restricts access to tech support for unactivated copies. Despite these limitations, unactivated Windows 11 receives automatic updates and functions reasonably well.
Method 5: Buying Discounted Windows 11 from Amazon
Amazon sometimes offers OEM copies of Windows 11 at slightly discounted prices. However, the savings are minimal, and OEM licenses are non-transferable.
Method 6: Purchasing Directly from Microsoft
The most straightforward but expensive option is buying a Windows 11 license directly from Microsoft.
The primary advantage is that you receive a retail license, which can be transferred to another PC in the future.
Finding the Best Windows 11 Deal
The best approach depends on your individual circumstances. If you have a spare Windows 10 key, reusing it is the ideal solution. If not, consider the trade-offs of using an unactivated version versus purchasing a discounted key from a third-party seller.
While some consider using Windows without paying ethically questionable, Microsoft’s relaxed enforcement suggests they prioritize user numbers and data collection.
If you decide to purchase a key, explore low-cost sellers like Groupon or Kinguin. When using Kinguin, opt for a key with online activation to avoid potential activation issues.
Ultimately, avoiding the full MSRP for Windows 11 allows you to allocate your budget to other essential components like a best graphics cards or a fastest SSDs.
