If you have a PC, like any Windows user out there, I’m sure you are looking forward to the release of Windows 10 as much as the rest of us (especially since Microsoft announced that anyone with a Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 license will be able to upgrade to Windows 10 for free)! This is excellent news, even for holders of pirated licenses as they will also be eligible for upgrades, although their upgrades will be non-genuine.

If you missed the $14.99 offer for Windows 8 from Microsoft, with the prices of legitimate Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 licenses steadily dropping, now is as better time than ever to purchase a license with a view of modernizing, upgrading or legitimizing your current Windows license. Before you do so, however, you should check that your computer system will be able to accommodate Windows 10 as per minimum requirements.

Once you’ve ensured that your PC will be able to handle Windows 10, you’ll probably want to scour the Internet (or your local computer stores) for the best Windows license bargains. Don’t worry, we have already done the work for you and this is what we have found in terms of the best deals (as well as some to avoid!).

1. Amazon : Always, a first stop for many people, Amazon is a great place to shop for PC consumables. Although you need to do some serious digging around the site, if you have the patience, you could eventually pick up an “open-box” offer for as little as $30. However, Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 licenses range from $30 to $100 so you need to search far and wide the site to find what you want!
2. G2A : This website is considered as one of the largest global marketplaces for marked down steam-keys. While you will be able to pick up a Windows 8 license for as little as $22, you won’t find any Windows 7 licenses.
3. Bonanza : Bonanza is really the unsung hero if you’re shopping for online IT merchandise as you could receive your license key within an hour of purchasing it. Windows 7 and 8 license keys are available for around $35 which is not bad for such great service.
4. MicrosoftSoftwareSwap : A subsection of Reddit, this website enables you to swap Microsoft software at really amazing prices (eg. for as low as $10, you can pick up Windows 7 Home Basic). Not only can you swap, but you can also buy new licenses.
5. Pricegrabber : This another site to consider but they are on the expensive side, offering Windows 7 licenses at $60 and Windows 8 at $70.

When shopping online for Windows licenses, always try to avoid sites that look dodgy. There are a few known scamsters out there, such as MrHighTech, Pay4VIP and WINDOWS7ANYTIMEKEY. If your seller is based in China, it may be worth double-checking that they are legitimate (we are not saying that all Chinese sellers are illegitimate, but the region has unfortunately had a rather bad reputation of late).

Good luck!