Windows 10 support has ended, so if you are buying a refurbished laptop today it makes sense to choose one that can run Windows 11 and keep getting security updates. The good news is that most business laptops from 2018 onwards qualify. Here is how to tell whether a refurbished laptop is Windows 11 compatible.
Microsoft’s main requirements
| Requirement | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core 8th Gen or newer, or AMD Ryzen 2000 series or newer (on Microsoft’s supported list) |
| TPM | TPM 2.0 enabled in the BIOS |
| Secure Boot | UEFI with Secure Boot support |
| RAM | At least 4GB; we recommend 8GB minimum and 16GB for multitasking |
| Storage | At least 64GB; in practice choose a 256GB SSD or larger |
Check Microsoft’s PC Health Check app or its list of supported processors if you are unsure about a specific model.
How to read a laptop listing
Look at the processor model number. In Intel names, the first digit or two after the dash show the generation:
- i5-6200U = 6th Gen: not officially supported
- i5-7300U = 7th Gen: not officially supported (with very few exceptions)
- i5-8365U = 8th Gen: supported
- i7-1165G7 = 11th Gen: supported
- i7-1255U = 12th Gen: supported
Windows 11 ready laptops from our stock
| Model | Processor | Price (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Lenovo ThinkPad T480 | Core i5 8th Gen | 680 |
| Dell Latitude 5290 2-in-1 | Core i5 8th Gen | 699 |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 2 | Core i5 11th Gen | 899 |
| Dell XPS 13 9300 | Core i7 10th Gen | 999 |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 3 | Core i7 12th Gen | 1,199 |
| Dell Latitude 7320 Detachable | Core i5 11th Gen | 1,299 |
Some listings still say Windows 10 because that is how the laptop was originally supplied. If the processor is 8th Gen or newer, ask us and we can install Windows 11 before delivery.
What about older laptops?
Laptops with 6th or 7th Gen processors can still be good value for basic tasks, but they are not officially supported by Windows 11. For a low-cost machine that keeps getting updates, a renewed Chromebook is another option; see our Chromebook price list.
Frequently asked questions
Can a refurbished laptop run Windows 11?
Yes, if it has a supported processor (generally Intel 8th Gen or newer, or AMD Ryzen 2000 series or newer), TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. Most business laptops from 2018 onwards qualify.
Does an Intel 7th Gen laptop support Windows 11?
Generally no. Apart from a very small number of exceptions, Intel 7th Gen processors are not on Microsoft’s supported list.
How do I check if my laptop is Windows 11 compatible?
Run Microsoft’s PC Health Check app, or check the processor model against Microsoft’s list of supported processors.
Will you install Windows 11 on a laptop I buy?
Yes. If the laptop meets the requirements, we can install Windows 11 before delivery. Just ask when you order.