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.
Case 1: If you already have the minimum required version of Windows installed on your computer, you do not need to download a newer version.
Case 2: If you need to download a newer version of Windows:
- 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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