Top ways to save money on Microsoft software keys, including Windows 11 Pro

When building a new PC or upgrading your current system, the cost of Windows can be a significant part of your budget — but a Windows 11 Pro key can help. While Microsoft officially sells Windows 11 Home for $139 and Windows 11 Pro for $199, there are several legitimate ways to obtain Windows for less. And in fact, you might even be able to get one for free.

Here’s how to save money on Microsoft software without compromising on functionality, including shopping with our favorite third-party discount seller, CdkeySales.com, which often offers Windows 11 CD keys on sale.

Spend less on software keys for Windows 11 Pro, Microsoft Office and more

Here at Cult of Mac, we’re always looking for deals on Apple gear and all things tech. That’s why we partner with companies like CdkeySales to hook our readers up with the best software prices around.

Sometimes you don’t even need to pay, though. See if any of these situations apply to you.

Free methods: Get the latest Windows 11 Pro key version

1. Upgrade from Windows 10

If you’re already running Windows 10 on your PC and it meets Windows 11’s system requirements (including TPM 2.0 support, 4GB RAM and 64GB storage), you can upgrade to Windows 11 for free. Simply check Settings > Update & Security to see if the upgrade is available.

2. Transfer an existing license

If you have a retail (non-OEM) Windows 10 license that you’re no longer using on another PC, you can transfer it to your new build. However, you’ll need to deactivate Windows on the old computer first. Digital licenses require signing into your Microsoft account to deactivate, while physical keys need a command-line process.

Note that OEM licenses (those that came with prebuilt computers) technically aren’t transferable, though some users report success in doing so.

3. Use Windows without activation

You can download Windows 11 directly from Microsoft and install it without a product key. During installation, simply select, “I don’t have a product key” when prompted. Unactivated Windows has only two significant limitations:

• A watermark appears in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
• Personalization options (like changing wallpaper and themes) are restricted.

Despite these limitations, unactivated Windows receives security updates and functions normally.

Low-cost options for Windows 11 Pro key (or Windows 10)

1. Third-party software key marketplaces like CkeySales.com

Marketplaces like CdkeySales.com offer Windows keys at substantial discounts — often as low as $17 for a Windows 10 CD key or $22 for a Windows 11 Pro key. These sellers typically acquire keys through volume licensing arrangements or from regions where Microsoft prices its software lower.

The process for upgrading using a Microsoft software key from a third-party seller is straightforward:

1. Purchase a key from the marketplace
2. Receive the key via email.
3. Enter it during Windows installation or in the activation settings of an unactivated copy.

While Microsoft doesn’t officially endorse these marketplaces, many users save money using them. And the savings can be significant — often 80% to 90% off retail prices. And at CdkeySales.com, you can enter promo code CULT at checkout to get the most savings — an additional 30% off the site’s low prices on genuine software keys.

Score huge savings on Microsoft Windows:

• Windows 11 Pro (global key): $22.71 (30% off code C​ULT)
• Windows 10 Pro (global key): $17.05 (30% off code CULT)
• Windows 11 Home (global key): $21.84 (30% off code CULT)
• Windows 10 Home (global key): $14.10 (30% off code CULT)

2. Discounted retail copies

Some retailers like Amazon occasionally offer small discounts on official Windows copies. However, the savings are typically minimal — around $15 or $20 off retail price. And they may require waiting for physical delivery if purchasing a DVD version.

Which method is best?

Your best approach depends on your situation and comfort level:

• If you already have a retail Windows license: Transfer it for free.
• If you’re budget-conscious: Consider a third-party marketplace like CdkeySales.com.
• If you need a transferable license: Purchase retail from Microsoft or a major retailer.
• If you’re extremely budget-limited: Use Windows without activation.

Remember that when downloading Windows, you should only obtain installation files directly from Microsoft.com to avoid malware risks. You can either download an ISO file (and use a tool like Rufus to create installation media) or use Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool.

Beyond Windows: Office and other Microsoft software

Many third-party marketplaces also offer significant discounts on Microsoft Office and other productivity software. For example, during sales events, you might find Microsoft Office Professional for a fraction of the retail price.

Check out these current deals on Microsoft Office at CdkeySales.com, as well as Windows and Office bundles:

• Microsoft Office 2019 Professional Plus (global key): $51.30 (30% off code CULT)
• Microsoft Office 2016 Professional Plus (global key): $28.20 (30% off code CULT)
• Microsoft Office 365 (global key good for one-year subscription on one device): $20.83 (30% off code CULT)
• SwifDoo PDF Monthly Plan 1PC (global key): $13.27 (30% off code CULT)
• Windows 10 Pro + Office 2016 Professional Plus keys: $42.21 (30% off code CULT)
• Windows 10 Pro + Office 2019 Professional Plus keys: $58.83 (30% off code CULT)

As you can see, paying full retail price for Windows or Office is rarely necessary. Whether through free upgrades, license transfers, third-party marketplaces like CdkeySales.com (where you can buy a Windows 11 Pro key for less), or even using unactivated versions of Windows, there are multiple legitimate ways to save on Microsoft software. The money saved can be better invested in other components for your PC build, such as a better graphics card or more storage.

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Staff Writer

Cult of Mac is your source for news on tech and culture as seen through an Apple lens.