Microsoft has slashed the price of a digital license for Windows 11 Pro to just $9.97. This significant discount is available through July 19, offering one of the lowest entry points we have seen for the professional edition of the operating system.
The cost breakdown
Normally, upgrading from Windows 10 or Windows 11 Home to Pro carries a higher price tag. At just under ten dollars, this deal makes the transition nearly negligible in terms of cost. The offer applies to digital licenses, meaning you will not receive physical media or packaging.
What changes when you switch to Pro?
If you are currently on Windows 11 Home, moving to Pro unlocks several key features that many power users and IT professionals rely on. The most notable additions include:
- BitLocker device encryption: Essential for securing data on lost or stolen devices.
- Remote Desktop host capabilities: Allows you to control your PC from another machine easily.
- Group Policy Editor access: Provides granular control over system settings, which is crucial for advanced customization and enterprise management via tools like Intune or local policy editors.
- Hyper-V virtualization: Enables you to run virtual machines directly on your hardware without third-party software.
Is this worth it for everyday users?
For the average consumer who primarily uses their PC for web browsing, streaming, and office work, Windows 11 Home is likely sufficient. However, if you have ever needed to encrypt a drive for privacy or wanted to run virtual machines for testing software, the Pro features are invaluable.
At $9.97, the financial risk is minimal. If you suspect you might need these advanced tools in the future, locking in this price now is a smart move before the deal expires on July 19.
Source: Neowin
Over to you: Do you use any of the exclusive Pro features like BitLocker or Hyper-V, or would you stick with Home?
