Windows 11 digital licenses now available through Microsoft
Almost a year after the launch of Windows 11, digital licenses for the OS are now available through Microsoft.
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What you need to know
Windows 11has been out for almost a year, but Microsoft only recently added digital licenses for it to the Microsoft Store. Now, people can purchase a digital license of Windows 11 Home ($139) or Windows 11 Pro ($200). Licenses for Windows 11 were already available on USB drives, but now PC owners have the option to purchase digital ones.
Microsoft’s latest operating system is available as a free upgrade from Windows 10, but many people need to purchase new licenses for Windows. For example, anyonebuilding their own PCor wanting to use a virtual machine will have to pick one up.
Microsoft highlights that the digital licenses are intended for PCs that need a new license and that meet the minimum requirements of Windows 11. People with PCs that cannot upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10 won’t be able to use a digital license as a way around the restriction.
If you purchase a digital license, you’ll still need a USB drive to perform a clean install, which is the best way to get Windows 11 onto a PC. Our guide onhow to do a clean installation of Windows 11can help you get started once you order a digital license of the operating system.
Windows 11 Home | $139
Windows 11 is the latest operating system from Microsoft. It has a refreshed interface designed to deliver a cleaner experience. It also has some handy features for gaming, such as DirectStorage support.
Windows 11 Pro | $200
Windows 11 Pro has all of the features of Windows 11 Home plus several tools and options aimed at professionals, such as BitLocker and Active Directory support.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
