Windows 10 support ended last year, so PCs still running it no longer get security patches and are becoming an easier target by the day. Moving up to Windows 11 Pro closes that gap, and the Pro edition layers on protection that Home leaves out. During StackSocial's version of Prime Day, a lifetime license is on sale for $9.97 (reg. $199).

Windows 11 Pro is the version for people who want to lock things down. The security tools that set it apart from Home include

• BitLocker drive encryption: scrambles your whole drive, so a lost or stolen laptop doesn't hand your files to whoever finds it.
• Windows Sandbox: a throwaway, walled-off space to open sketchy files or test untrusted software without it ever touching your main system.
• Hyper-V: runs full virtual machines, useful for isolating risky work or testing on a clean install.
• Azure AD: ties into business identity and access management for managed, secure sign-ins.
• TPM 2.0 with biometrics: backs fingerprint and facial login with hardware-level security instead of a guessable password.

Until June 28 at 11:59 p.m. PT, it's only $9.97 to get Windows 11 Pro.

Browse the full deal collection during StackSocial's answer to Prime Day.

You also get the full Windows 11 experience underneath all that: Snap layouts for managing windows, DirectX 12 Ultimate for gaming at full hardware capacity, and Copilot in the taskbar to answer questions, summarize pages, and generate content.

This is a fresh license for one PC, and it's non-transferable. Run Microsoft's PC Health Check first to make sure your machine clears the Windows 11 requirements, since a Windows 10 PC that can't take the free upgrade won't install this either. Access is desktop only, the code lands in your email right after purchase, and you'll want to redeem within 30 days. It covers Windows 11 Pro only and doesn't include Microsoft Office.

Until June 28 at 11:59 p.m. PT, it's only $9.97 to get Windows 11 Pro.

Browse the full deal collection during StackSocial's answer to Prime Day.