Tech / Technology

Best Microsoft deal: Windows 11 Pro lifetime license for $25

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A Microsoft Windows 11 Pro lifetime license is currently on sale for $24.97. That’s 87% off the software’s regular price of $199.
The Windows 11 Pro software box shown next to a laptop that is running the actual software, over a bluish background

TL;DR: As of November 6, you can get a lifetime license to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro for just $24.97 instead of $199, which is a savings of 87%.

Have a refurbished computer on your wish list this holiday season? Whether you’re hoping to receive a new-to-you device, or you are planning on placing a refurbished PC under the tree for a loved one, don’t forget that it may need an upgrade in the Microsoft operating system department. That’s where Microsoft Windows 11 Pro comes in.

Ahead of Black Friday sales, you can save on a Microsoft Windows 11 Pro license a little early with this amazing deal on the updated operating system. Windows 11 Pro makes an old device feel brand-new, and a lifetime license is currently available for just $24,97 (reg. $199), no coupon code needed, if you purchase before November 9. 

Refurbished devices are excellent for saving money, but you may not realize they likely won’t come with the latest and greatest operating system. This deal on Microsoft Windows 11 Pro fixes that for a steal, offering the versatility of this revamped system. Not only is it packed with valuable features, it also offers enhanced security, improved performance, and plenty of customizable options to make your device your own.

Among the most helpful features available? Features that provide peace of mind like Microsoft Information Protection integration, which helps keep your most important info safe from data leaks, and BitLocker Encryption, which encrypts your data on your hard drive so it can’t be read unless a correct decryption key is available. And with Windows 11 Pro, you’ll get new updates and exclusive features, while enjoying all kinds of apps, features, and updates that aren’t available to those with Windows 10. 

Save big on a lifetime license to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro, available for $24.97, with no coupon code required, until November 9 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Prices subject to change. 


The Windows 11 Pro software in its physical, packaged form over a white background

Credit: Microsoft


Lifetime license to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro

$24.97 at the Mashable Shop

Tech / Technology

Windows 11 23H2 update: 3 new features coming to your PC

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Microsoft dropped a new Windows 11 23H2 update earlier this week; here are the 7 new features coming to your PC
Windows 11 Copilot

Microsoft officially dropped a new Windows 11 update on Tuesday. However, it’s a minor one, so don’t expect it to blow your mind.

After all, in late September, the Redmond-based tech giant already dropped a major update — the one with all the cool new Copilot-based AI features that improved popular apps such as Snipping Tool and Paint. This juicy update introduced a new passwordless experience, too.

This time around, Microsoft is dropping a new “scoped, cumulative release,” according to John Cable, Microsoft’s VP of Windows Servicing and Delivery. In other words, the new October Windows 11 update contains all the features Microsoft recently announced — yes, Copilot included — as well as a few minor enhancements.

3 new Windows 11 23H2 features

If you haven’t updated your PC in September, this is your chance to finally get all those AI goodies Microsoft has been boasting about – plus a little bit extra. The new three features coming to Windows 11 version 23H2 mainly affect Microsoft Teams. Let’s break it down.

Teams on new Windows 11 23H2

Teams on the new Windows 11 23H2 update.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

1. The ‘Chat’ app is now Microsoft Teams

Before the update, the Chat app was pinned to the taskbar. Now, with Windows 11 23H2, you’ll notice that it has been renamed to Microsoft Teams. When you click on it, you’ll see a more compact window that lets you communicate with friends, family, colleagues, and more.

People tab on Teams via Windows 11 23H2

There’s a People tab on Teams that lets you add contacts.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

2. You can send and receive texts within the Microsoft Teams app

Although you can use the “Your Phone” app to link your Android to your PC, you can do the same within this new compact Teams window. You’ll also find a new “People” experience, which lets you migrate your contacts to the Teams app. “Because Teams syncs with your Outlook and Skype contacts, you can connect to them whenever you want,” Cable said.

3. Apps that are “system” programs will get a new label

Under the “All apps” section in the Start menu, system components will be given a “system” label, giving you an easy way to determine which apps were pre-installed with the PC. Plus, instead of these apps being listed under Settings > Apps > Installed Apps, they’ll be placed inside Settings > System > System Components.

Again, this is all in addition to all the Copilot-assisted features Microsoft already dropped last month. As mentioned at the outset, this update isn’t particularly remarkable. But it’s got a few nice-to-haves.

Tech / Technology

Black Friday Xbox deals 2023: Save on ‘Assassin’s Creed’ franchise, more

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Gaming deals are always bountiful during the Black Friday season. Here are the best Xbox deals ahead of the big shopping event.
'Assassin's Creed Valhalla' screenshot

UPDATE: Nov. 1, 2023, 1:00 p.m. EDT This article has been has been updated with the latest early Black Friday deals for Xbox games, consoles, accessories, and more.

Best Xbox deals for Black Friday 2023
Best game deal

‘Assassin’s Creed Valhalla’ Deluxe Edition

$19.99 at Microsoft Store
(save $60)

'Assassin's Creed Valhalla' Deluxe Edition box art

Best hardware deal

SteelSeries Arctis 9X wireless gaming headset

$99.99 at Amazon
(save $93.51)

SteelSeries Arctis 9X wireless gaming headset

Best subscription deal

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (14-day Subscription)

$1.00 ($16.99 per month after)

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate logo

No matter what console you play on, Black Friday is always going to be an absolute treat for gamers everywhere. Get ready, because steep deals on games, consoles, accessories, and more are coming in hot. And by “coming in hot,” we mean right now.

SEE ALSO:

The best gaming deals for October 2023, from ‘Elden Ring’ to the Nintendo Switch holiday bundle

Xbox players, this one’s for you. To keep you safe from the holiday shopping stress, we’ve compiled a list of all the best Xbox-related deals, including great discounts on console bundles, Game Pass subscriptions, and games both new and old. Read on and have at it — just make sure to keep checking back with us, as we’ll be adding new deals as they come in.

Xbox deals


'Assassin's Creed Valhalla' Deluxe Edition box art

Credit: Ubisoft


Our pick: ‘Assassin’s Creed Valhalla’ Deluxe Edition

$19.99 at Microsoft Store (save $60)

Why we like it

With the smaller, more focused Assassin’s Creed Mirage just recently being released, some AC fans may still be clamoring for the open-world style that has now become the franchise’s bread and butter. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla will certainly scratch that itch — it’s massive, and it’s a direct predecessor to Mirage, so you’ll probably want to play it anyway. You can pick up a copy of the deluxe edition in the Microsoft Store for just $19.99 right now, a full $60 off the original price ahead of Black Friday.

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