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To use many newer applications, you’ll need a 64-bit version of Windows — typically Windows 8 or newer.
- Start by checking the System Requirements listed for the application you want to use.
- Then check the version of Windows installed on your computer by right-clicking on the "My Computer" or "This PC" icon in Windows Explorer, then choosing Properties from the pop-up menu.
If you already have a 64-bit version of Windows 8 or newer on your computer, you do not need to download a newer version. Skip to the next step.
Many Students Can Download Windows for Free
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- Stanford students can download and install a license for Windows 10 or 11 for free from the Stanford Software Licensing Webstore.
- If you don’t have access to a free license thru the Stanford Software Licensing Webstore, you can purchase a license for Windows 11 from many online sources with varying prices, for example:
- IMPORTANT: Choose any digital vendor carefully. If the price seems too good to be true, proceed with caution.
- Or, if you will be installing Parallels Desktop, you can download and install Windows 11 as part of the Parallels Desktop setup process.
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If you are a cyberstudent, check with your university to see if a free Windows download is available.
If Windows is Not Available for Free from your University, check to See If You Qualify for a Free or Low Cost Upgrade to Windows 11 Education (or Windows 8.1 Pro)
Microsoft is offering free or very low cost copies of Windows 11 Education to students at many schools. Please go to this link, then scroll down and click on "Check Eligibility" to see if your school qualifies:
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