Windows license REFUND

(70-80€ BACK)

As topic describes there is a way to return windows license back to Micro$oft and get it fully refunded. Easy task right? However not that simple to understand the process and go through it. So here you have the process to get it done in a week time!

Nowadays roughly every laptop comes with preinstalled windows license - mostly hated 10thish version. If you are a simple user and don't really care for 70-80€ every time you get a new laptop you might be safer to stop right here and enjoy your guaranteed privacy. But what if you already own another windows license or just wanna go opensource and don't want to spend extra money on something you don't want but are forced to buy anyway?

Problem:

Laptop manufactures have deals with M$ where they burn windows key directly to the motherboard of the laptop which will conflict with any other windows license no matter the version. Such a trend disallows to use any other user owned windows license (transparent one or from previous laptop). So you are basically forced to use the license witch came with the laptop. This is against the EU law where the end user should be free to choose system to his personal preference.

There is a significant lack of knowledge between the sellers thus they cannot inform buyers about possibility to return windows license and get money back.

Solution:

I have summed up the process into 5 steps. You may encounter troubles or lack of willingness or even "not possible" scenarios, but you must be certain and strict. They will try to stop you during the process multiple times,.. just don't fool for it.

  1. Buy laptop according to your preference. Once you have it, don't even bother turning it ON! You will encounter a license agreement (EULA) page which cannot be declined by any button! You can just forcibly shut down the PC - no other way around it! Once you agree - you are doomed!
  2. Find closest service based on the manufacturer - mine was Acer. Deliver or go there directly with whole package.
  3. Describe them you don't want preinstalled windows and want the key from the motherboard removed and money refunded. They will bring the form, you will need to sign. They might try to scare you stating: "By signing no further warranty for any software related issues will be provided!" - in my case it was bold at the bottom. Still to that point I didn't know the amount of money I will be refunded. They were bullsh<>ng it is roughly 10-15€ (seriously lol). Anyway, good thing is they have 5 days to clean the key and another month to refund money back to your bank account you stated in the form. So, the customer still has another 5 business days to test the laptop with his operating system and still return within 14 days "no reason" warranty.
  4. You will probably get called in 2-3 days it's done. If you can come to pick it up, do it. Otherwise they will charge you for the delivery. This happened by accident when I came to pick it up and Acer was refunding me less of 12€ because of the shipment.
  5. Install your system and enjoy. Didn't have any issues with the drivers neither under my transparent windows license or Ubuntu. Everything worked flawlessly (also touch screen and function keys). In about 2-3 weeks you will get your money. In my case of Windows 10 Professional it was almost 80€. In case of Windows 10 Home it's around 70€. However your final price can vary a bit, since it is based on the deal between the manufacturer and M$..

Hopefully I have helped you to overcome the fear of big corporates and save you some extra money e.g. for extending your warranty as I did.

Feel free to let everybody know what was your refund in the comment section ;)