This is a program that enables Microsoft to work with small and medium-sized refurbishers to license genuine software on refurbished computers for the commercial and citizenship market.

• A PC 6 months old or older
• A previously used PC
• A refurbished PC going to a new owner

To generate a printable PDF with the new product key, you need to report the old COA label as used:

• Commercial – Enter the old COA number
• Citizenship – Enter the recipient information

Devices with illegible COAs are eligible for the Citizenship licenses, where the pre-existing COA number is not necessary.

Product availability varies by type of license. Commercial licenses are available for Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Professional, Windows 8.1, Windows 8.1 Pro and Skype™ for Windows® Desktop for Refurbished PCs. Citizenship licenses are available for Windows 7 Professional, Windows 8.1 Pro, Windows Multipoint Server 2011 Premium, Microsoft Office Home & Business 2010 and Skype™ for Windows® Desktop for Refurbished PCs. Program products are available in multiple languages.

All Windows 8.1 SKUs are available as 32 or 64bit. Windows 7 Professional is available as 32 or 64bit. Windows 7 Home Premium is only available as 32bit.

Yes, multiple languages are available:

• Commercial – Ask your OEM distributor
• Citizenship – If the language you want isn’t available to order on your account, you can request it by emailing rrp@msdirectservices.com

Yes, cross border sales are allowed.

Public or private and commercial or non-commercial organizations are eligible to apply for the program. Organizations should be carrying out quality computer refurbishment for end user customers.

The program provides refurbishers several benefits including: recognition and status as a Microsoft Registered Refurbisher, an opportunity to build additional opportunity via market differentiation, access to tools to simplify Windows deployment on refurbished PCs, and cost effective genuine Microsoft licenses for refurbished PCs.

No, active membership is a prerequisite of maintaining enrollment.

Refurbished PCs are typically three to five years old so it may be more suitable to run compatible operating system versions from that time period. If a refurbished PC has the necessary technical specifications to run a newer operating system version, the refurbisher may elect to preinstall it based on availability. End users can also choose to update refurbished PCs by acquiring an upgrade Windows license through retail options.

Commercial returns of:

• Unopened 3packs – Between you and MS OEM distributor
• Returns of used COAs – Not allowed

Citizenship returns of:

• Unused COAs – Can be returned for destruction only, refunds are not given
• Returns of used COAs – Not allowed

To learn more please visit: Microsoft Refurbished PC's »

No. There is also the Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher program. This program is a commercial offering for large refurbishers that meet a minimum volume threshold of computers shipped yearly with Microsoft licenses. More information on all of the Microsoft Refurbished PC programs can be found at www.microsoft.com/refurbishedpcs.