Learn about MAR Program
What is MAR?
Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR) program is a partnership tailored to meet the needs of largest device refurbishers in the world. Microsoft enables them to professionally refurbish Windows devices and preinstall genuine Microsoft software, ensuring a great customer experience.
Get new customers
Offer customers hardware with legal software. By participating in the MAR program, customers perceive you as a trusted supplier. Increase trust in your company! Diversify your offer! Expand your offer
Buy cheap and legal licenses
By participating in the MAR program, you have the opportunity to buy licenses 80% cheaper*. Be a source of knowledge for your customers. Get the assurance that your customers use the software in accordance with the license.
*calculated based on the price of the “OEM” license for new devices
Technical support
Why buy Genuine Windows?
Only genuine Windows operating systems offer to end users the quality and security they expect with the added benefit of ensuring their PC is always up to date.
Why Purchase from a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR)?
Microsoft Refurbisher partners follow strict requirements established by Microsoft to ensure customers receive a high quality, professional refurbished device installed with genuine Microsoft Windows software. Such devices are free of defects, malware and viruses that could negatively impact your privacy and security.
WHAT is the MAR program and how it works?
MAR, or Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher, is a program launched by Microsoft almost 20 years ago. The principles of the program is to provide original licenses and software for used and refurbished computers at a fraction of a regular license cost. Used equipment is highly popular due to its attractive pricing and proven reliability. The operating system is a vital component – in the vast majority of cases it is Microsoft Windows in its subsequent versions.
WHY you need licenses from MAR program?
Most refurbished devices require an operating system to function. A legal and genuine operating system is one of the key components for your clients.
Installing a genuine Microsoft Windows operating system distinguishes your company from the competition and builds customer trust. Devices with genuine MAR licenses feature a special holographic label, confirming the right to use the software and helping customers easily identify a reliable partner. As a member of the MAR program, your company receives a certificate of partnership.
HOW you can deploy Windows and attach licenses?
1. Join the program through a MAR company and accept the terms and conditions of the TPR agreement.
2 You will receive a certificate of membership, and all that remains is a technical onboarding session to equip you with the necessary tools and training.
3. Start the onboarding process with our engineers and let them do their magic. In a few hours you’ll get a complete XDE installed and comprehensive training will follow. Some more tests and tweaks and you are good to go!
WHO can join MAR program and get all benefits?
All businesses involved in refurbished computer hardware require cost-effective and genuine licenses.
We collaborate with computer hardware service providers offering repair and software installation services, as well as foundations, public benefit organizations, and charities, for whom we offer a unique selection of highly affordable licenses for non-commercial use.
How to buy a MAR license? Become our partner and get low priced licenses!
Choose license or licenses you need
We sale from just one!
Make a payment
Quick purchase and installation. 30 EUR for PRO or 20 EUR for HOME license
Schedule a remote installation
Remote installation will take 2-5 minutes. During it, we will not only install the new license, but also generate a report that we will send to Microsoft. Reporting on each installation is a manufacturer requirement and the responsibility of each company providing licenses under the MAR program.
What Microsoft Software is available in the MAR program?
| Besides a regular MAR offer: | You can expect much more: |
|---|---|
|
• Windows 10 Home and Pro (commercial), • Windows 11 Home and Pro (commercial), • Windows 10 / 11 Pro Citizenship (non-commercial, for eligible recipients only), • Office 2019 Home & Student Citizenship (non-commercial, for eligible recipients only). • Office is available as COA (Certificate of Authenticity), while the rest is in electronic distribution only as DPK (Digital Product Key). • N versions of Windows are also available. |
• XDE is our proprietary deployment environment that, when implemented within your organization, will significantly enhance both productivity and deployment quality. • You can benefit from highly competitive pricing, flexible payment terms, and a personalized approach tailored to your unique needs. • With extensive expertise in Microsoft licensing terms and deployment skills, we mitigate risks associated with intellectual property infringement. • Every issue is addressed promptly and efficiently, ensuring a seamless resolution without delays. |
Standard licenses
When is a new Windows license required for Refurbished PCs?
Software is governed by legal conditions that dictate both who can use it and how it may be used, typically articulated within a software license agreement. This agreement not only outlines the terms of software usage but also establishes the legal framework for its distribution. Microsoft, through these licenses, authorizes refurbishers to install Windows on PCs, which are then sold to end users. The installed Windows software is subsequently licensed to the end user under the provisions detailed in the End User License Agreement (EULA).
A refurbisher may receive a PC that is installed with original Windows software, or with Windows software obtained from the open market. A new Windows for Refurbished PCs license is required for that PC if the original Windows software was not transferred in accordance with its EULA terms. In order to distribute Windows software on
a refurbished PC to a new owner, the refurbisher must ensure that either
1. The Windows software was properly transferred under the terms of its license to the refurbisher and the terms of that license then allow the refurbisher to transfer that software with the refurbished system. Unfortunately refurbishers usually do not know the device/software history – that’s why the original Windows re-use is not recommended duе to potential security & intellectual property problems
or
2. The refurbisher installs and distributes a new Windows for Refurbished PCs product under the terms of its Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher Agreement or its Third Party Refurbisher Agreement.
Why is proper Windows licensing important for refurbished PCs I sell?
Selling a PC with an unlicensed copy of Windows infringes Microsoft’s intellectual property rights and can subject the seller to legal action.
If you sell a refurbished PC with Windows installed, it is your responsibility to ensure that all software installed on the PC is properly licensed.
Infringement of intellectual property is taken seriously by the software industry and law enforcement. Piracy reports are investigated and, in the appropriate cases, legal action may be taken. For more information on infringement risks and “how to tell” whether software is genuine, please visit:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/howtotell/default.aspx
What if my customers don't care about Windows licensing?
Customers may not fully realize that their right to use software depends not only on acquiring the software but also on accepting its licensing terms. Purchasing PCs with unlicensed software exposes them to significant legal risks, as well as potential security threats, including malware and viruses. These risks can be effectively mitigated by ensuring that each PC is equipped with a properly licensed version of Windows. For refurbished PCs, the appropriate and compliant licensing solution is the MAR Windows license (Windows for Refurbished PCs).
Autopilot potential issues:
Systems that were registered with Windows Autopilot by the previous owner can only be used by employees of the registered company. Unless properly de-registered such devices are useless since they require previous owner credentials to continue with setup. Installing and reporting MAR license automatically removes device from Autopilot services, so next owner can use them without any potential problems.
How can I ensure the refurbished PC I buy has a genuine Windows license?
Every refurbished device from a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher includes a specially designed
- Windows Certificate of Authenticity label (COA) or
- Genuine Microsoft Refurbisher label (GMRL)
MAR COA has the statement “For use on a Refurbished PC – No Commercial Value” and includes the brand name of the refurbisher who refurbished it and pre-installed Windows on the computer. There is a 25 digit product key on the label, some with security coating covering them. Important Notice: COA for Windows for Refurbished PCs went EOL on the 31st July 2021 thus end-customer need to pay attention: there are still rest of Windows 10 for Refurbished COAs in the market but there is no Windows 11 for Refurbished PCs COAs. If you receive offers for such type of products – it might be a counterfeit product.
If the MAR device has a digital Windows license on it, the COA label has been replaced by a GMRL sticker.
Both labels have holographic images. The GMRL is new and will be utilized by all MARs and TPRs. It has “Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher” text in the center box. If your device has this label, it has a pre-installed digital product key and will self-activate. One of these 2 items (Refurbisher COA, and GMRL label) are proof that the computer is properly licensed.
COA
GMRL
Windows 11 Pro for Refurbished PCs (Digital license)
- Windows 11 Pro
Windows 11 Home for Refurbished PCs (Digital license)
- Windows 11 Home
Windows 10 Pro for Refurbished PCs (Digital license)
- Windows 10 Pro
Windows 10 Home for Refurbished PCs (Digital license)
- Windows 10 Home
Citizenship licenses
Windows 11 Pro for Refurbished PCs Citizenship (Digital license)
- Windows 11 Pro non-commercial use for special recipients
- Learn more about citizenship licenses
Microsoft Office 2019 H&S Citizenship
- Microsoft Office 2019 H&S Citizenship – non-commercial license, for specific recipients.
- Learn more about citizenship licenses
Windows 10 Pro for Refurbished PCs Citizenship (Digital license)
- Microsoft Windows 10 Pro Citizenship non-commercial license, for specific recipients,
- Learn more about citizenship licenses