If you are buying a refurbished business laptop, the processor generation decides more than speed. It also decides whether the laptop can officially run Windows 11, which is now the only consumer version of Windows still receiving security updates. This guide explains what to check before you buy.
The short answer
- 8th-generation Intel Core or newer (and AMD Ryzen 2000 or newer): meets Microsoft's processor requirement for Windows 11.
- 7th-generation Intel Core or older (4th, 5th and 6th gen ThinkPad, Latitude and EliteBook models, for example): not on Microsoft's supported processor list, so these laptops ship with Windows 10.
- Each Renewed.ae laptop listing states which version of Windows is installed.
Why it matters in 2026
Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on 14 October 2025. Its Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme continued security updates for enrolled home PCs until 13 October 2026, and that programme has now ended. A Windows 10 laptop still turns on and runs your apps, but it no longer receives security fixes from Microsoft.
That makes Windows 10 laptops a budget choice for limited, low-risk use. For banking, work accounts, school portals or anything you need to keep secure for years, choose a laptop that supports Windows 11.
Windows 11 requirements in plain English
- A supported 64-bit processor (Intel Core 8th generation or newer, AMD Ryzen 2000 or newer, or a supported Qualcomm Snapdragon chip)
- TPM 2.0 security chip and UEFI firmware with Secure Boot
- At least 4GB RAM and 64GB storage (we recommend 8GB RAM and an SSD for everyday use)
Microsoft's PC Health Check app confirms whether a specific PC meets these requirements.
How to read a laptop listing
Look at the processor line in the title. For example:
- Lenovo ThinkPad T480s โ Core i5 8th Gen, Dell Latitude 5400 โ Core i5/i7 8th Gen and HP EliteBook 840 G5 โ Core i5 8th Gen: 8th generation, so Windows 11 capable.
- Lenovo ThinkPad X250 โ Core i5 5th Gen: 5th generation, so it ships with Windows 10.
What we install
Every Windows laptop is delivered with a fresh Windows installation, ready to use. If you have a question about a specific unit, please contact us before ordering.
Other options
- Chromebooks run ChromeOS and receive updates until their Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date, which we list on each Chromebook page.
- MacBooks run macOS. See our guide to choosing between Intel and Apple silicon MacBooks.
Quick checklist before you buy
- Check the processor generation in the title (8th gen or newer for Windows 11).
- Check the installed Windows version on the listing.
- Choose 8GB RAM or more and an SSD for everyday work.
- Contact us before ordering if your employer or school has specific requirements.
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Sources
- Microsoft: Windows 10 end of support and Consumer Extended Security Updates programme (support.microsoft.com)
- Microsoft: Windows 11 specifications and supported processor lists (microsoft.com / learn.microsoft.com)
Facts checked on 4 November 2026. This is an editorial guide; topics were chosen by editorial judgement, not search-volume data.