Windows license Archives

Winsage

November 29, 2025

You Can Get Windows 11 Pro on Sale for Just $10 for Black Friday

Black Friday sales will begin on November 28 and run through Cyber Monday, December 1. Lifehacker is curating deals and providing updates through a live blog and a shopping newsletter. A notable offer is Microsoft Windows 11 Pro, available for a reduced price on StackSocial, ending after Cyber Monday. The software requires a 1GHz processor, 4GB RAM, TPM 2.0, and UEFI firmware for installation. Windows 11 Pro features a cleaner design, improved multitasking capabilities, and professional tools like BitLocker and Hyper-V. It also enhances security with biometric login options and Smart App Control. This deal does not include an Office upgrade but can work alongside an existing Office license.

Winsage

November 16, 2025

Windows 11 Pro upgrade plummets under $10

Prices for a Windows 11 Pro license have dropped below , making it affordable to upgrade older PCs into capable daily drivers. The upgrade offers a streamlined interface, enhanced multitasking with snap layouts, improved search functionality, and integrated Microsoft Teams. It also includes advanced security features like virtualization-based security, Smart App Control, and BitLocker device encryption. Windows Update packages are reported to be up to 40% smaller, allowing older hardware to operate more efficiently. To ensure compatibility, a machine must have a 64-bit CPU, at least 4GB of RAM, a minimum of 64GB storage, support for Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0. Microsoft's PC Health Check app can verify these requirements. A smooth setup requires a discounted Windows 11 Pro license, an 8–16GB USB drive for installation, and access to free online installation media and drivers. The clean installation process involves backing up files, creating a bootable USB installer, installing Windows 11 Pro, and running Windows Update for patches. Users can optimize their setup by enabling Storage Sense, Core Isolation, and uninstalling unnecessary applications. StatCounter reports that Windows 11 powers about one-third of the world’s PCs, improving performance for browsers and office applications. A clean install can significantly reduce boot times and enhance overall system responsiveness. Security features like Secure Boot and Credential Guard help reduce vulnerabilities. When purchasing a Windows license, it's important to buy from reputable sellers to ensure the key is legitimate. Students and employees may have access to free or low-cost licenses through educational or corporate programs. For machines that cannot run Windows 11, modern Linux distributions like Mint and Ubuntu offer practical, cost-free alternatives with user-friendly installers and built-in drivers.

Winsage

November 12, 2025

Microsoft November 2025 Patch Tuesday fixes 1 zero-day, 63 flaws

Microsoft's November 2025 Patch Tuesday addresses a total of 63 vulnerabilities, including one actively exploited zero-day flaw (CVE-2025-62215) related to Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege. The updates include four vulnerabilities classified as "Critical," with two for remote code execution, one for elevation of privileges, and one for information disclosure. The breakdown of vulnerabilities is as follows: - 29 Elevation of Privilege Vulnerabilities - 2 Security Feature Bypass Vulnerabilities - 16 Remote Code Execution Vulnerabilities - 11 Information Disclosure Vulnerabilities - 3 Denial of Service Vulnerabilities - 2 Spoofing Vulnerabilities This Patch Tuesday marks the first extended security update (ESU) for Windows 10, and users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 or enroll in the ESU program. Microsoft has also released an out-of-band update to assist with enrollment issues. Other companies, including Adobe, Cisco, and Google, have also issued security updates in November 2025.

Winsage

October 4, 2025

How to Install Windows 11 on a New PC: The Ultimate 2025…

To install Windows 11 on a new PC, you need the following: a brand-new PC without an operating system, a working Windows computer to prepare installation media, a USB flash drive (16GB or larger), a valid Windows 11 license key, and a stable internet connection. To create installation media, download Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool on a functioning computer, run it, accept the license terms, and select “Create installation media for another PC.” Choose a USB flash drive as the destination, and the tool will download Windows 11 onto the USB. To install Windows 11, insert the USB into the new PC and reboot it. Access the BIOS/UEFI boot menu and set the USB drive as the primary boot option. Once the setup loads, select your language, region, and keyboard layout, enter your product key, and accept the license terms. Choose your primary SSD or HDD for a clean installation, which will erase all existing data on that drive. After installation, Windows will reboot multiple times. Complete the out-of-the-box experience by naming your PC, creating a user account, selecting privacy settings, and connecting to Wi-Fi. Post-installation, check for missing drivers via Windows Update and install essential software like a web browser and antivirus. If you need to transfer files from an old PC, consider using system migration software like 4DDiG Partition Manager for a smoother transition. You can install Windows 11 without a license key but will need to activate it later. If your new PC cannot connect to the internet, download necessary network drivers on another computer and transfer them via USB.

Winsage

September 12, 2025

Legal fight over Microsoft Office and Windows license resales could reshape Europe’s second hand software industry

Microsoft is engaged in a legal dispute with ValueLicensing, a UK reseller of pre-owned software licenses, which is being heard at the Competition Appeal Tribunal. Microsoft claims that the resale of these licenses is unlawful, arguing it holds copyright over not just the software code but also components like the graphical user interface. ValueLicensing alleges that Microsoft has restricted the resale market by incentivizing customers to switch to subscription services and including clauses in contracts that limit resale rights, resulting in an estimated £270 million in lost profits. The case could significantly impact the future of the second-hand software marketplace in Europe.

Winsage

September 10, 2025

5 ways to run Windows apps on MacOS – and 2 are free

VirtualBox is a free virtual machine manager that allows users to run Windows as a guest OS on MacOS. Kegworks is a free implementation of Wine for MacOS, optimized for versions 10.15.4 and later, supporting Windows applications and games. CrossOver is a paid solution that simplifies running Windows applications on MacOS, offering a free trial and user-friendly documentation. Parallels is a hypervisor that enables seamless virtualization of Windows and Linux on MacOS, available for a subscription with a free trial. Windows 365 Cloud PC is a cloud-based service that provides virtual Windows PCs, requiring a stable internet connection, with plans starting at a monthly fee.

Winsage

September 9, 2025

Windows 11 upgrade: Can I keep using my old Windows 10 license?

Users can transfer their Windows 10 license to Windows 11 at no additional cost if their hardware meets the requirements. The upgrade process is facilitated by a digital license generated during the installation of Windows 10, which is stored on Microsoft’s servers. Minor hardware changes do not affect the digital license, but a motherboard change may require the product key. Windows can be used without a valid license for a trial period of 30 days, after which certain features are restricted, and this practice is not legally compliant. If the current hardware does not meet Windows 11 specifications, users can either install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware using third-party software, upgrade their hardware, or purchase a new computer with Windows 11 pre-installed. To use an existing Windows 10 license on a new computer, users must have a retail version of Windows 10. If a digital license or product key for Windows 11 is lacking, users can purchase one from the Microsoft Store, with prices varying. To transfer the Windows 10 license, users need to locate their product key, which can be found in the purchase confirmation email or extracted using tools. Linking the product key to a Microsoft account is recommended for easier identification during installation. After installation, users can check the activation status in the Settings app, which categorizes activation into four scenarios.

Winsage

August 3, 2025

Microsoft Windows: Everything you need to know

Windows is the dominant operating system globally, developed by Microsoft, and serves over a billion users. The latest version is Windows 11, which debuted in October 2021, featuring significant visual and functional enhancements. Microsoft began rolling out the 24H2 update in mid-2024, introducing AI hardware support, enhanced security, and new features like Copilot and Recall. The upcoming 25H2 update is expected in late 2025, utilizing a lightweight enablement package for a swift upgrade process. Development on Windows 12, codenamed Hudson Valley, is ongoing, with a potential release in late 2026 or early 2027, focusing on AI-first computing and modular architecture. Users can check their current Windows version by pressing the Windows key + R and typing winver. Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is free for eligible systems, while Windows 11 Home costs 9 and Windows 11 Pro costs 9. The end-of-support date for Windows 10 is October 14, 2025, making an upgrade advisable for continued security and access to new features.

Winsage

August 2, 2025

This Windows 11 Pro at 92% Off Feels Like a Donation From Microsoft Ahead of Back-to-School

Windows 11 Pro offers innovative user interface features that enhance multitasking and security. StackSocial is currently selling a license for Windows 11 Pro at a 92% discount, reducing the price to just . Key features include a Universal Search tool on the taskbar, the ability to create multiple desktop environments, and seamless integration with OneDrive for syncing files across devices.

Winsage

July 31, 2025

Official Windows Key for Just $7! It’s Time to Upgrade With WDKeys

Using an unlicensed version of Windows can lead to limitations such as restricted features, lack of personalization options, and withheld critical updates. A legitimate Windows 11 license can be purchased from platforms like WDKeys, with prices for Windows 11 Home starting under eight dollars. This license provides access to the full Windows experience, including features like dark mode, customizable wallpapers, and consistent updates. Support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025, and purchasing a Windows key now allows for a free upgrade to Windows 11 if hardware requirements are met. WDKeys offers both Windows 11 Home and Pro at lower prices than Microsoft, and their OEM keys are linked to a single machine for reinstallation. Support is available through email or live chat.