We all know the joy of acquiring a new laptop and the excitement of exploring its features and functionalities. However, the vast majority of laptops are only sold with a specific proprietary operating system: Microsoft Windows. The vendors do not remove the Windows license, and you must pay the entire price, even if you do not want to use this system.
This is unfair and we want to change it! Consumers should be able to buy laptops without any specific operating system, and should not have to pay the license price if they don’t want to.
You should not have to pay for software you don’t want. Devices like laptops and smartphones are general purpose computers so, they should be neutral in relation to the software they run. Manufacturers and vendors should not have the right to impose specific operating systems on you. When you request a refund, the process should be easy, quick and straightforward. Here’s what we demand:
Take pictures of the screen of the clauses of the contract where the reimbursement is indicated or make a video by scrolling through the whole contract (maybe useful later). If possible, do not format/erase yet your computer storage.
Contact the manufacturer by telephone or, better still, chat/email, and keep the relevant correspondence. For the telephone, note the date, time and with whom you spoke. For chat, copy/paste what was written.
Problem Not Solved: fill-in the Refund Form and send it to the manufacturer.
Here you can find useful material to refund the cost of the Windows operating system.
Not all manufacturers and vendors are equal.Some react differently and treat consumers better. We have a lot of experience in requesting refunds, and keep track of those who respect your right to choose—and those who don’t. Below we provide reports on manufacturers concerning their licenses and refund policies to help you in getting your money back.
Reports received.Get inspired. Explore information from other users like you who got their license fee back!
Paolo requested a refund of the Windows license for his new Lenovo computer, but he only received denials. He moved his report to the Italian Antitrust (AGCM), also appearing to be without response.(IT) First answer from Lenovo,(IT) Second answer from Lenovo
Following repeated unsuccessful telephone contacts, the ITfor company in Turin took Acer Italia to the Justice of the Peace contesting the manner in which the license was reimbursed. After several hearings and adjournments, Acer Italia granted payment of 50 euros + 100 euros for legal fees incurred.Writ of Lawsuit,Minutes of Conciliation,Complete documentation
After purchasing a Mediacom PC, Luca went directly to Datamatic S.p.A. (the parent company of the Mediacom brand) to request a refund of the Windows license. Only after the legal summons was served, and just before the legal hearing, Luca received an offer for a private transaction and awarded a refund of 44 euros.Complete documentation