Amazon Renewed marketplaces were quietly listing dozens of refurbished PCs that cannot be upgraded to Windows 11 — a problem Techlicious exposed that forced Amazon to remove listings but left a larger question about how refurbished-device marketplaces police compatibility and protect buyers. The story is straightforward and urgent: Microsoft ended mainstream support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, and many low-cost Renewed listings were for machines that lack the hardware baseline Windows 11 requires, yet were advertised without clear warnings — and in some cases claimed to be running Windows 11. That mismatch risks leaving purchasers with insecure, unsupported computers or with machines that only appear to be modern because they’ve had Windows 11 installed through unsupported hacks.
Background / Overview
Microsoft’s lifecycle decision is the linchpin of this story. Windows 10 reached its official end-of-support date on October 14, 2025; after that date Microsoft no longer supplies routine feature or quality updates to Windows 10, and security updates are only available via the Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program through October 13, 2026. Microsoft documents the ESU options — including the consumer enrollment routes — on its site. At the same time Windows 11 enforces a hardware
compatibility floor that many older devices cannot meet: a supported processor (Intel 8th-gen and later for most mainstream Intel CPUs),
TPM 2.0, UEFI with Secure Boot, 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage minimums, and DirectX 12/WDDM 2.0 graphics support. Microsoft publishes both the general system requirements and the exhaustive lists of supported Intel and AMD processors used to determine eligibility. These constraints were chosen to raise platform security and reliability — but they also create a hard divide between a huge installed base of perfectly functional Windows 10 hardware and the smaller set of machines that will remain fully supported on Windows 11. Amazon Renewed is a major marketplace for refurbished hardware. In the weeks surrounding Windows 10’s end of mainstream support, Techlicious sampled hundreds of Renewed listings and identified dozens of laptops and desktops that do not meet Microsoft’s Windows 11 hardware requirements — many priced under $300 and often under $200. Techlicious shared 32 suspect Renewed listings with Microsoft; Microsoft confirmed those machines could not be upgraded to Windows 11. Amazon later stated it had removed the listings after being notified and said it works with approved suppliers to enforce operating-system support requirements, but Techlicious’ spot checks showed other problematic Renewed listings persisted.
What Techlicious found — the headline facts
- Techlicious identified dozens of Amazon Renewed listings advertising refurbished laptops and desktops that lack the CPU, TPM, or firmware support necessary for a supported Windows 11 upgrade. Many listings made no mention that the devices are ineligible for Windows 11.
- Microsoft confirmed that a sample of 32 listings were not upgradeable to Windows 11; Amazon removed those 32 listings after being notified via Techlicious’ reporting.
- Some listings explicitly claimed Windows 11 was installed. Because there are known community workarounds that bypass Microsoft's hardware checks to install Windows 11 on unsupported machines, a seller can put Windows 11 on older hardware — but Microsoft warns that such installations are unsupported, may malfunction, and may not receive updates. Techlicious did not examine whether Windows 11 had actually been installed on the questionable Renewed units; that fact remains unverified.
These findings are both practical and alarming: a buyer who purchases one of these low-cost Renewed bargains expecting a fully supported Windows 11 experience might end up with a device that will never receive Microsoft security updates (unless they enroll in ESU), or that will be stuck on an older Windows 11 build and thus vulnerable.
Why these PCs are ineligible for Windows 11
CPU generation and the supported-processor lists
Microsoft requires that a system’s CPU appear on its approved list. For Intel-based machines, the practical rule of thumb has been
8th-generation Intel Core and later for broad compatibility; Intel’s documentation and Microsoft’s processor lists reiterate that 8th-gen Core and newer CPUs are the baseline for Windows 11 support. Many bargain Renewed systems rely on 6th- or 7th-generation Intel chips (for example, Core i5-6300U or Core i5-6500) that Microsoft does not include on its supported processor tables for Windows 11. If the processor is not on Microsoft’s supported list, the PC is not considered eligible for the official Windows 11 upgrade path or for guaranteed updates.
TPM 2.0, UEFI Secure Boot, and firmware
Windows 11’s platform security features depend on firmware- and silicon-backed protections such as TPM 2.0 and UEFI with Secure Boot. Many older enterprise desktop motherboards and consumer laptops either lack a TPM chip, ship with only TPM 1.2, or have a firmware TPM (fTPM) that is disabled or inaccessible. Enabling TPM in firmware is sometimes possible but not always, particularly with locked OEM firmware on older devices. Without TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, the platform cannot meet Microsoft’s supported security baseline.
Unsupported installs: the caveats and the risk
There are documented methods to
install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware — unofficial registry tweaks, custom installers, or third-party tools that skip the hardware checks. Microsoft explicitly states these installations are unsupported, may malfunction due to other hardware incompatibilities, and may not be eligible for updates, including security patches. That means a device that appears to be running Windows 11 could still be risky and may not receive critical protections. Techlicious flagged listings claiming Windows 11 was installed but could not independently validate whether the installs used official upgrade paths or hacks. Buyers should treat such claims with skepticism.
Marketplace behavior and platform enforcement — who’s responsible?
Amazon Renewed’s role
Amazon Renewed operates as a marketplace (third-party sellers supply the refurbished inventory). That marketplace model creates a difficult enforcement problem: Amazon provides the platform and Renewed program rules but depends on sellers to follow technical requirements and to represent device capabilities accurately. In Techlicious’ case, Amazon responded by saying it “works closely with our selling partners” and that it had removed the identified listings after being notified. The company also said it had proactively removed the “vast majority” of devices that didn’t meet requirements prior to the reporting. While removal of confirmed bad listings is the correct immediate response, monitoring tens of thousands of Renewed SKUs is nontrivial, and spot checks after the fact continued to find other non-upgradeable listings during subsequent searches.
How other refurbished marketplaces compare
Not all recommerce platforms behave the same way. Back Market, for example, reportedly created a dedicated category for non–Windows 11-compatible machines labeled “Obsolete Computers,” and provides explicit buyer guidance explaining those devices cannot run Windows 11 and recommending alternatives, including ChromeOS or Linux installs where appropriate. Other resale marketplaces — notably consumer-to-consumer platforms — may have weaker criteria and focus on accurate listing descriptions rather than enforcing compatibility baselines. That means the level of protection a buyer receives varies dramatically by platform.
Why this happens: incentives and friction
- Refurbishers have incentives to re-image devices with a current OS to increase saleability. If they can install Windows 11 (via an unsupported workaround), a unit becomes easier to sell.
- Platforms want to offer good Renewed inventory but must balance automated vetting with manual checks. Automated text or spec checks can miss nuanced compatibility issues like disabled TPM or nonstandard firmware.
- Consumers often lack the technical knowledge or the time to verify a device’s CPU family, TPM presence, or UEFI configuration from a product listing. That information is often buried or omitted.
Consumer protections and the return path
Amazon Renewed Guarantee and returns
Amazon offers the Renewed Guarantee and the platform’s return windows apply to Renewed items; many Renewed products carry a 90-day return window or a 30-day return window depending on the listing and seller, often accompanied by an 11-month limited warranty against defects. Where a buyer receives a Renewed PC that turns out to be not as described — for example, advertised as Windows 11-capable but ineligible — the Renewed Guarantee and Amazon’s returns processes generally provide a route to a refund or replacement. However, policies and timelines vary by seller and item, and the practical steps involved (return shipping, refunds, restocking) can be painful for buyers who discover compatibility problems after a short trial. Amazon’s product pages and Renewed details describe these return protections, but consumers must act quickly and keep documentation.
Back Market, Swappa and other marketplaces
- Back Market: maintains a policy of labeling and explaining obsolete computers clearly and offers a 30‑day return window plus a 12‑month warranty; it also promotes alternative OS options.
- Swappa: takes a different approach — it focuses on listing accuracy and functionality but does not proactively remove listings purely on the basis of OS end-of-life. Swappa requires sellers to be transparent about condition and functionality but leaves compatibility checks largely to buyers. This difference is crucial for consumers shopping for low-cost machines.
If you already bought one — a practical return checklist
- Document the listing and screenshots showing the advertised OS claims.
- Run the Windows PC Health Check tool to confirm upgrade eligibility and save results. Microsoft’s Health Check app provides a direct indicator of Windows 11 eligibility.
- Contact the seller and Amazon Renewed customer support immediately; open a return request citing “item not as described” if the seller misrepresented the OS capability.
- If the return window is closed, escalate to Amazon’s A-to-z Guarantee or the Renewed Guarantee process and retain all communication records.
- Consider enrolling in Windows 10 Consumer ESU as a short-term mitigation if replacing the device immediately isn’t possible — ESU is free if you sync PC settings to a Microsoft account, or available for $30 or via 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points; ESU covers critical and important security updates through October 13, 2026 but does not provide feature updates or full technical support.
Practical buying advice: how to avoid obsolete Renewed PCs
The immediate checklist (what to look for in a listing)
- Processor family: Look for Intel 8th Gen+ or the AMD equivalents listed on Microsoft’s supported CPU pages. If the listing shows older model numbers (6th or 7th gen Intel), assume no Windows 11 upgrade. Verify the exact CPU model against Microsoft’s supported-processor lists before buying.
- TPM / Secure Boot: Look for explicit confirmation that TPM 2.0 and UEFI Secure Boot are present and enabled. If the listing doesn’t mention TPM at all, ask the seller to confirm.
- OS claim accuracy: If the seller claims “Windows 11 installed,” ask whether the installation was performed via Microsoft’s supported upgrade path or via an unsupported bypass. If the seller cannot confirm, treat the claim with caution.
- Return and warranty: Prefer listings that explicitly state a 90‑day Renewed Guarantee and a clear returns process. Keep records of seller-supplied test reports or refurbishment certificates.
Tools and verification steps before purchase
- Ask the seller for the exact CPU model and the BIOS/UEFI version.
- Confirm whether TPM 2.0 is present and enabled (sellers can check tpm.msc in Windows).
- If buying locally, boot the device and run Device Security in Windows Security to confirm TPM and Secure Boot status; run Microsoft’s PC Health Check to verify Windows 11 eligibility.
- For remote purchases, insist on screenshots of PC Health Check results and the Windows System > About page showing processor details and installed Windows build.
- Use independent vendor reputations and review histories to prefer certified refurbishers or marketplace partners with a track record for accurate listings.
Alternatives and cost-effective options
1) Enroll in Windows 10 ESU as a stopgap
Microsoft’s
Windows 10 Consumer ESU program provides critical/important security updates through October 13, 2026; enrollment is available and Microsoft documents the enrollment routes (free with account sync, Microsoft Rewards, or $30 one-time). ESU is a pragmatic bridge for devices that cannot be upgraded to Windows 11 right now, but it’s short-term and does not include feature or quality updates long-term.
2) Buy a refurbished PC that actually supports Windows 11
Refurbished inventory that meets Windows 11’s baseline exists and often retails for prices that are still modest (frequently under $500 for capable machines). When shopping refurbished, prefer models with:
- Intel 10th-gen or newer (or AMD Ryzen 3000 / 4000 series and later depending on Microsoft’s lists)
- 8–16 GB RAM (4 GB is the bare minimum but not recommended)
- 128 GB+ SSD storage for real-world usability
Always confirm Windows 11 eligibility with the seller before purchase.
3) Consider ChromeOS or ChromeOS Flex as a practical alternative
Chromebooks can be extremely cost-effective and often receive long-term automatic updates. Google extended ChromeOS Auto Update Expiration (AUE) to
10 years for devices released in 2021 and later, and announced options to extend updates on older platforms — a strong argument for cost-conscious buyers who rely heavily on web apps. ChromeOS supports Android apps and many cloud-first workflows, making it an excellent choice for basic productivity and education use cases. If you need a desktop experience,
Chromebox devices exist too.
4) Move to Linux or ChromeOS Flex on older hardware
If your workflows do not require Windows-only software, modern Linux distributions or ChromeOS Flex (a Google-supported, Chromium-based OS for older PCs) can extend the life of older PCs safely and securely — provided you know compatibility for specific peripherals and required apps. This option is particularly attractive for organizations or individuals who primarily use web apps (Google Docs, web mail, Slack, SaaS tools, etc..
Critical analysis — what this episode shows about the refurbished market
Strengths and positive signs
- Platforms and Microsoft responded: reporting prompted Amazon to remove identified listings, and Microsoft confirmed the ineligibility of the sampled machines, which shows the reporting chain can work. That is the right remedial step and demonstrates that marketplaces do take compliance seriously when specific listings are flagged.
- Consumers have options: ESU provides a limited safety valve, ChromeOS offers a long-term update window for many users, and alternative OSes can reuse hardware — tempering the immediate need to buy brand-new PCs.
Risks and shortcomings
- Information asymmetry: buyers rarely have the technical expertise to verify CPU generation, TPM status, or firmware settings from a product page. That asymmetry favors sellers who list aggressively optimistic claims.
- Incentives to misrepresent: refurbishers and sellers face pressure to make older hardware look fresh and competitive; installing Windows 11 via unsupported workarounds or simply omitting incompatibility caveats can make a device easier to sell but exposes buyers to security risk. Techlicious was explicit that some listings claimed Windows 11 installed despite being hardware-ineligible; whether those installs were unsupported hacks—or misrepresentations—remains unresolved in many cases. This is an area where the available public evidence is incomplete and should be treated with caution.
- Patch and support fragility: even a Windows 11 install on unsupported hardware could be excluded from critical updates or may have unpredictable reliability — a false sense of security that matters particularly for nontechnical or budget-limited consumers.
Structural implications
- This episode amplifies an existing tension in recommerce: maximizing reuse and reducing e‑waste versus accurately representing remaining support and security posture. Marketplaces, legislatures, and consumer advocates are likely to focus more on disclosure standards and the technical verification of sales listings for refurbished PC categories going forward.
What regulators, marketplaces, and refurbishers should do (short list)
- Require a clear “Windows 11 compatibility” checkbox on Renewed and refurbished PC listings tied to machine-verified evidence (PC Health Check screenshots, firmware TPM confirmation).
- Enforce penalties or mandatory delistings for sellers that repeatedly misrepresent OS compatibility.
- Provide a visible “Obsolete / Windows 10 only” category for devices that will not be able to run Windows 11, and force sellers to show alternatives such as ChromeOS Flex or Linux compatibility notes.
- Offer buyers safer default options (e.g., a refurbisher-supplied PC Health Check report or a machine inspection guarantee) so consumers can rely on standardized checks rather than seller statements alone.
Final recommendations for buyers right now
- If you need a PC that will be secure and supported for the next several years, buy one that actually meets Windows 11 system requirements — do not assume a low price implies compatibility. Verify the CPU model against Microsoft’s supported lists and confirm TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot.
- If you already purchased a Renewed PC that appears to be misrepresented, document the listing, run PC Health Check, and initiate returns promptly under the Renewed Guarantee or the seller’s warranty. Consider ESU as a short-term mitigation while you replace or reimage.
- Consider alternatives such as Chromebooks (many now receive 10 years of updates) or ChromeOS Flex/Linux if your workload permits — these platforms can provide secure, maintained environments at lower cost than replacing with a Windows 11-capable PC.
Microsoft’s hardware gate and the end-of-life for Windows 10 have exposed a fragile point in the refurbished-PC ecosystem: reuse and sustainability are worthy goals, but they must be joined with accurate compatibility disclosures and enforceable marketplace rules. Techlicious’ reporting forced one set of removals and highlighted how easy it is for a buyer to be misled by a promising price tag. That immediate fix matters, but the longer-term solution will require better listing standards, clearer vendor accountability, and more buyer education so the recommerce market can scale responsibly without turning secure computing into a hidden risk. In the interim, buyers should treat “Windows 11 installed” claims with healthy skepticism on low‑price Renewed offers, do the CPU/TPM checks outlined above, and favor sellers and marketplaces that provide explicit, verifiable compatibility evidence and robust return protections.
Source: Techlicious
Amazon Renewed Has Been Selling Obsolete PCs That Can’t Run Windows 11