Refund4Freedom get back the money Windows is worth

For those who don't know, Windows updates are free, but the operating system itself is not. This cost is hidden from the customer, as it is usually built into the price of the hardware. When a vendor like HP, Lenovo, Dell, or almost anyone else sells you a PC with Windows 11, they have already included the cost of the operating system license in the final price you pay. But a new movement is urging customers to request refunds for that Windows license.

Refund4Freedom.org is campaigning for the right of customers to not include the cost of a Windows license in their hardware purchase. It says that some customers simply don't want to use Windows, but are forced to pay for it anyway, as many computers come with it. This results in a higher cost than you would pay for the same computer without an operating system or with a free Linux distribution.

See more articles from iGuRu.gr when you search for news on Google.

iGuRu.gr preferred source

The campaign demands an end to software enforcement, emphasizing that a computer is a general-purpose device that can and should be used in any way the customer wants. It also calls for transparent pricing, so that customers can refuse Windows pricing and reduce the price of the computer they want to buy. Finally, it urges vendors to implement hassle-free refunds, so that customers can get their money back in a simplified way.

• Microsoft increases the price of Windows

For now, Refund4Freedom is asking Windows PC users to contact their vendor's support channel and request a refund. If the answer is no, the website has a template for a refund form that threatens legal action, while also highlighting cases where plaintiffs have received compensation in lawsuits over software refunds. The campaign originates in Italy, so it provides contact details for local antitrust authorities.

How do suppliers respond:

HP: It has no refund process and always ignores such requests
Lenovo: Has a refund process, but the computer must be sent to a Lenovo help center
ASUS: It offers a refund process, but it's not documented on its website. However, you must reject the EULA and contact the company for a refund within 30 days of first activating the machine.
Dell: It does not offer a refund process and in the terms and conditions it states that you must return the computer if you do not approve of the provided operating system.
Acer: Has a refund process, but the computer must be sent to an Acer help center

As shown above, most companies aren't very friendly to the idea of ​​refunds for Windows licenses and usually put up enough hurdles to make it not worth it.

What is very important is that the refund process depends on rejecting the EULA and contacting your vendor directly. Most, if not all, simply accept EULAs without reading them, as they are incredibly long.

newsbot

Although the press releases will range from very select to rare, I said I'd pass...because sometimes the editors hide.