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Windows 11 Pro is down to $9.97 (if you’re still running Windows 10)

Mashable - Sat, 01/03/2026 - 18:00

TL;DR: Windows 11 Pro is available for $9.97 (reg. $199), offering a low-cost upgrade now that Windows 10 support has officially ended.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $9.97
$199 Save $189.03   Get Deal

Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 may not feel urgent until something breaks — but as of October 2025, Windows 10 has officially reached the end of its support cycle. That means no more security updates, bug fixes, or long-term protection from newly discovered threats. If you’re still running Windows 10, upgrading your operating system is now one of the simplest ways to keep your PC secure without replacing perfectly functional hardware. Even better, a Windows 11 Pro license is currently on sale for just $9.97 (regularly $199).

Windows 11 Pro doesn’t just refresh how your PC looks — it improves how it works under the hood, too. The operating system introduces a cleaner, more intuitive interface that makes everyday navigation faster and less cluttered. Features like Snap Layouts help you organize multiple windows more efficiently, while improved voice typing and desktop management tools make multitasking feel smoother.

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Security is one of the biggest reasons to upgrade. Windows 11 Pro includes built-in protections such as TPM 2.0, Smart App Control, and biometric sign-in options, which work together to help prevent unauthorized access and malware attacks. With Windows 10 no longer receiving updates, these protections are especially important for safeguarding your personal files, work documents, and other sensitive data.

For users who also game on their PCs, Windows 11 Pro supports DirectX 12 Ultimate, allowing compatible hardware to deliver improved graphics and performance. And for those using their PC primarily for work, Windows 11 Pro includes advanced features like BitLocker device encryption, Windows Sandbox, Hyper-V, and Azure AD support, which can be useful for remote work, testing environments, and secure file handling.

Instead of investing in new hardware, upgrading your operating system extends the useful life of your current PC. With Windows 10 support already ended, moving to Windows 11 Pro is now more of a practical update than a cosmetic one.

For a limited time, you can upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for $9.97 (reg. $199).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

This refurbished MacBook Air costs less than most tablets at under $200

Mashable - Sat, 01/03/2026 - 18:00

TL;DR: This refurbished 2017 MacBook Air is on sale for $199.97 (reg. $999), offering a reliable Apple laptop for work, school, and everyday use at a fraction of its original price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air 2017 (Refurbished) $199.97
$999 Save $799.03   Get Deal

Buying a brand-new MacBook Air at full price isn’t always realistic — especially when everyday expenses already feel like they’re doing the most. The good news is that you don’t actually need the latest model to get the familiar Apple experience. Right now, a refurbished MacBook Air is available for $199.97.

If your laptop needs revolve around work, school, streaming, or general day-to-day browsing, this new-to-you MacBook Air still checks a lot of boxes. Sure, it’s a 2017 model, but it remains a dependable machine for common tasks like writing papers, answering emails, attending video calls, and managing spreadsheets.

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It may not have an M-series chip under the hood, but it runs on an Intel Core i5 processor, which still delivers solid performance for multitasking. You can have multiple tabs open, switch between apps, and handle routine workloads without constant lag. Paired with reliable Wi-Fi connectivity, it’s capable of keeping up with both planned work and last-minute tasks.

The 13.3-inch widescreen display offers a 1440×900 native resolution, supported by Intel HD Graphics 6000. That’s perfect for streaming shows and movies, casual photo editing, and even light video work. While it’s not built for heavy creative workloads, it holds up well for your day-to-day.

Storage comes in at 128GB via SSD, which helps the system boot quickly and keeps apps running efficiently. While that number may sound paltry, it’s enough for tens of thousands of photos, thousands of songs, and plenty of documents. If you’re relying largely on cloud storage anyway, it’s more than enough.

The battery life isn’t something to scoff at, either. It can last up to 12 hours on a single charge, making it easy to use throughout the day without constantly hunting for an outlet.

This unit carries a Grade A/B refurbished rating, meaning it may show light cosmetic wear like small scratches or scuffs, but it’s fully functional and tested for reliability.

Grab this chance to take home a MacBook Air for way less. This refurbished unit is on sale for just $199.97 (reg. $999).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

The FCC chair will speak at CES. Will he address the DJI drone ban?

Mashable - Sat, 01/03/2026 - 14:10

CES is normally a place for big tech news, but this year's show could add a dash of political intrigue to the mix.

At 11 a.m. on Thursday in Las Vegas, the annual Consumer Electronics Show will act as the venue for a "fireside chat" between Consumer Technology Association CEO Gary Shapiro, FCC chairman Brendan Carr, and FTC chairman Andrew Ferguson. Carr's involvement is key here because the FCC recently banned the sale of drones from the Chinese firm DJI, which manufactures a large majority of consumer drones on the market.

The big question here is will Carr address the DJI drone ban at CES? It would certainly be an appropriate venue for it, given the tech-focused nature of the event. However, the description of the fireside chat is incredibly vague, promising only "candid conversations on how [the FCC and FTC] are navigating the rapidly changing tech landscape." There's no mention of a Q&A or anything like that, so it's very possible that the topics of conversation will steer clear of anything potentially controversial. We will have to wait and see.

SEE ALSO: How to watch CES 2026 live: Streaming schedule, keynotes, events What is the DJI ban?

In case you haven't been following the news, the momentum towards a total ban on DJI drones in the United States started last year as part of the Trump administration's trade war with China. The government required all Chinese-manufactured drones to undergo a "national security risk assessment" by late December. Unfortunately for DJI, late December came and the ban went into place.

For its part, DJI agreed to take part in audits, but apparently that wasn't enough for the FCC. Again, it's not certain if Carr will or won't address the ban at CES, but in case you're curious how he feels about it, he provided a statement at the time of the ban that might say everything you need to know.

"President Trump has been clear that his Administration will act to secure our airspace and unleash American drone dominance," Carr said.

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