Hello guys,
I’m planning to buy a new laptop and install Linux distro by replacing the pre-installed OS (Windows).
But I have a question about the device’s warranty. Will it get void after replacing the pre-installed OS?
What if the device malfunctions due to manufacturing fault within the warranty period? Will the manufacturer deny my warranty claim?
It’s just software, so I think no, but better ask the seller.
Maybe you won’t get assistance, help with installing drivers, etc. from the vendor, but if hardware breaks (for example chipset dies on MOBO) it should be fixed under warranty.
If you open the case, and replace the system drive, for example change a HDD to SSD, things may be different, as you will need to prove that you did it in a professional way, and did not do any damage while you were up to your elbows in the machine…
I think no…but as @kovacslt , you should confirm once with the seller.
Sadly the correct answer is the shop or seller will not accept a repair under warranty as you have changed the system.
Bit like a virus its out of warranty cover.
And second year its return to maker and they will blame your install.
Answer dont do it, wait 2 years or live with the posibility of no cover, even if you try to put windows back on it may not work depending on the problem
Ohh, but so they wont cover hardware warranty too??
The solution is to buy a PC without an OS… ie a custom built one.
Then you get a hardware warranty, regardless of what OS you put in it.
This about a laptop.
But right, buy one without Windows preinstalled.
There are some on newegg:
https://www.newegg.com/p/pl?d=laptop&N=600521223%20600514831%20600514832%20100006740
(This is just for example, I did not want to bother you with hungarian sources.
The idea is to look for a laptop specifically without Windows, so either no OS at all, or some sort of Linux)
Good thinking, Laszlo, and a good link. Dell may also sell bare or Linux-equipped laptops.
It would help if Dhruv S would reveal where he’s shopping.
I still think replacing the OS should not void the warranty, I don’t fear wiping windows from anywhere, still the hardware stays under warranty…
But “as many houses as many habits”, so the laws which prescribe the mandatory warranty may differ country by country.
Should is different from would.
Morally you are right, but reality may differ.
Maybe we should read some warranties. My pennies are on the manufacturer setting the policy–every one will be different.
To respond
Hardware issues
Imagine the cd player stops working, hardware fault possible, but dealer says no it because linux does not work, have drivers, etc… mainly down to ignorance on his part but easy cop out to blame the system not the machine.
Ok they dont come with cd drives anymore just an example.
Buy without system
This is acutally really hard to do, go to your local computer shop and they only stock windows, look on amazon and its mainly windows pre installed.
Only answer i found was to buy towers driect from bigger companies such as hp or dell where you coukd actually choose.
But laptops are rare without system installed
Different country rules
Europe is 1 year local repair 2 year back to base
But once it leaves your hands its easy to say and longer to get back
For safety
Leave well alone till 12 month is over, unless you feel skilled enough to sort it yourself
Find a local computer shop with linux skills
That is the ideal. We had 2 in our local town… The one which built my desktop is sadly now closed. They fixed a faulty memory on warranty for me.
We dont have any around me who offer linux, yet there are 3 in one small town offering windows about 20 km from me how they make money i dont know as you can trow a computer between them so how people choose i dont know.
For me having Linux on my laptop is more important than having a warranty, so what I would do, and have done, is purchase a refurbished laptop with Windows on it, and immediately blow away Windows, installing a Linux distro. If the laptop fails in the warranty period (which is not super long) the refurbisher will replace it at no charge; they don’t care what OS it has when they get it back. I have made these purchases three times in the last 15 years. I did send one back once with NO OS on it (I cleaned it), and then I realized I had been in error and that there wasn’t anything wrong with the unit, but they replaced it anyway with no questions. I haven’t had any actual failures on these devices.
I amwith you on this jim.
I collect older machines just to do that on and when they fail if i cannot repair i junk them stripping bits for others.
But i dont do any heavy duty work or play games hence speed is not an issue.
I’m fond of the large influx of office machines (probably XP or Win7) to vendors like NewEgg. These SFF machines are turned for less than $100, usually, and are pretty sound mechanically and electrically. They make great Linux machines.
Gaming is a particularly silly rabbit hole to dive into if we’re trying to beat the drum for Linux. Crypto miners and gamers fight over GPU’s and distort that end of the business. General users can profit greatly once gaming is pushed aside–look at the Chromebook success.
I have one of those SFF office machines, refurbished with a new ssd. I is a fine Linux machine.
I recently purchased a new computer, I stated that I did not want any system installed. It cost less to buy without paying for the Windows Operating System.
And… the big advantage… you can install any OS you want without voiding your warranty.
Well done.