I recently assembled my new PC and discovered how costly Windows 11 can be—should I really be using it?
I recently assembled my new PC and discovered how costly Windows 11 can be—should I really be using it?
Besides the bothersome watermark and limited customization, there aren't many significant drawbacks to skipping Windows 11 Home for a gaming PC. I could get a CD key for a lower price, but I'm wary of the reliability of those sites and how they obtain keys. If it's genuine, I might consider it if the cost is under $80 AU. Although that seems too good to be true, I've already invested a lot in my budget PC and prefer buying more games rather than Windows 11. Still, it's a one-time purchase, so I'm unsure about its value.
No drawbacks. Several of my devices run unactivated Windows versions. Themes and other third-party applications can also help conceal the watermark.
My latest 9800X3D build runs on an unactivated Windows 11 Pro and appears functional. The main issues are with the desktop icon settings not being reachable without a CMD command and the Windows Sounds preferences being difficult to access, which could affect setting up Dolby Atmos or 5.1. I suspect other settings are similarly hard to find but a simple CMD command should work around them.
Avoid referencing particular options. Stick to general guidance.
Ignore the update from April 19, 2025 by Turtlemaster seeking information on Windows 11 key sources.