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Lol refund. I just use the batch file to activate Windows 11.
This would be great if I were in Italy.
Does it work?
Middle of the page they have specific manufacturer instructions to follow.
Can’t remember the last time I bought a pre-built computer (well over 30 years ago) where the Windows tax would apply.
TBH, even my laptops - where it might apply by default - have been work laptops that they’ve let me keep after I left. But for desktops: are there many typical users here who buy pre-built machines where this happens?
This is a little far fetched. If you don’t want Windows, then don’t buy laptop that comes with it. 🤷
It isn’t that far fetched, even today it’s still uncommon to find anything consumer computing that doesn’t have windows preloaded. Your exceptions are apple devices, mobile devices, and toy computing like the raspberry pi. System 76 exists, and Dell does sell some models without windows, but aside from building one yourself those two sources are like 50% of your choices.
I mean, the best laptops don’t come with Windows, but you already mentioned the MacBook as an exception.
With desktops, I kinda get it if you’re a gamer, but for a laptop… why??
Farfetched … I mean that you buy something and then you demand a refund. It should be sold without Windows in first place. As per Windowsless laptops, there are Framework, Tuxedo at very least and I’m sure others, as well as selected ones from big manufacturers. Vote with your wallet…
It isn’t farfetched to ask for a refund for something forcibly included that you don’t want but is optional and contributing to the cost. Usually it’s up front, sure. But with computers it’s almost always needed to be done after the fact.
There are like six manufacturers that let you buy a full-featured laptop without a Windows license included in the price, and one of them is Apple. None of them are budget-friendly brands, except the Chromebook manufacturers who are selling near-e-waste. Microsoft has done a gigantic amount of work signing deals with OEMs over the past forty years to make sure that Windows is the default and keeping it off the device is hard.
Even refurbishers and second-hand resellers often put Windows on a device by default. It’s massively easier to buy a device without an OS at all than it used to be, and even with that, you have to either pay for a more expensive machine or settle for something really underpowered.
Sure, but deal with it before buying it. This is something that should be handled at EU level (or another entity that supervises fair trade) anyway, pressure them to put it into law. Buying such laptops and later demand refund, unless supported by dealer/manufacturer, is not a proper way IMO. Do not get me wrong, I’m with you, it’s just the way that doesn’t seem right.
Most laptops come with it by default, with Linux options either not provided or costing more for the convenience.
Lenovo knocks $59 off for having Ubuntu installed instead of Windows 11.
