R5Updated November 2026

Best Operating Systems of 2026

Windows licenses and supported operating systems for a new build.

Windows licenses and supported operating systems for a new build. These picks are ranked by our score, which blends independent review data, specs, street price and owner feedback. Prices and availability move fast, so check the date beside each price before buying.

  1. Microsoft 365 Personal
    01Best overall8.2
    Microsoft 365 Personal

    Personal (1 person, 1 TB) · Retail

    A one-person Microsoft 365 subscription with 1 TB of storage and Word, Excel and PowerPoint apps across devices.

    $29.99Nov 9Buy at Official store
  2. Microsoft Windows 11 Home
    027.5
    Microsoft Windows 11 Home

    Home · Retail

    Microsoft's consumer desktop OS, sold as a full license for PCs that meet the Windows 11 hardware requirements.

    $139Nov 9Buy at Official store
  3. Microsoft Windows 11 Pro
    037.5
    Microsoft Windows 11 Pro

    Pro · Retail

    The business-oriented edition of Windows 11, adding management and security tools over Home for power users and small offices.

    $200Nov 9Buy at Best Buy
  4. Malwarebytes Premium
    04Best value7.4
    Malwarebytes Premium

    Premium (Standard plan) · Retail

    Malwarebytes' paid real-time protection suite for Windows, Mac and mobile, marketed as its Standard plan today.

    $29.99Nov 9Buy at Best Buy
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