Frequently Asked Questions

SMART is a cloud-based platform that makes it easy for refurbishers to participate in the Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR) program, without the complexity of Microsoft’s ecosystem.

By automatically handling key distribution, activation, and reporting, SMART lets you focus on refurbishment while we take care of Microsoft compliance behind the scenes.

Recognised by Microsoft for driving innovation in the circular tech sector, SMART received the Microsoft Innovation Award in 2021 and was named Winner of the Microsoft Partner Award in 2024.

A digital Windows key is an electronic product key that activates and validates the Windows operating system on a refurbished PC.

Unlike OEM keys that are embedded in the BIOS, MAR digital keys are injected at the software level. Once injected, SMART automatically generates and submits a report to Microsoft that binds that key to the specific hardware, ensuring each activation is legitimate, traceable, and compliant.

SMART supplies genuine Microsoft refurbisher keys designed specifically for refurbished devices, making activation simple, secure, and fully automated from start to finish.

A key is the unique code used to activate Windows on a specific device.
A licence is the legal right that allows that device to run Windows.

When you inject a key through SMART, we automatically submit a report to Microsoft to ensure that device is licensed correctly.

This means every refurbished PC is both technically activated and legally licensed.

SMART helps refurbishers sell more devices by making it simple to provide genuine, fully licensed copies of Windows, a key requirement for both consumers and business buyers.

By purchasing keys through SMART, you become an approved Microsoft Third Party Refurbisher (TPR), allowing you to sell PCs with an official Genuine Microsoft Refurbisher Label (GMRL). This instantly builds trust with customers, improves your listings, and opens the door to larger B2B contracts where proof of proper licensing is essential.

With SMART, you can demonstrate compliance, win more tenders, and sell with confidence, knowing every device you ship is verified and legitimate.

SMART saves you money by moving the Windows licensing process to the cloud, removing the need for on-premises servers, manual reporting, and specialist staff.

Here’s how SMART helps reduce your costs:

• Eliminates Hardware Costs: No need to maintain MDOS servers or additional infrastructure for key injection.

• Cuts Technical Overhead: No Microsoft onboarding or complex setup, SMART handles it all automatically.

• Saves Time: Inject and activate devices in seconds, with real-time reporting and purpose built dashboards.

• Prevents Wastage: Built-in checks ensure keys aren’t double-injected or misused.

• Reduces Returns: SMART includes device validation and driver checks, helping ensure every PC leaves your bench fully functional.

By using SMART, refurbishers can cut operational costs, reduce errors, and process more devices in less time, all while staying fully compliant with Microsoft.

A Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR) is a business approved by Microsoft to install and sell genuine Windows licences on refurbished devices. MARs not only sell refurbished PCs under this program directly but can also distribute Microsoft licences to other refurbishers, known as Third Party Refurbishers (TPRs).

SMART is operated by Foxway, a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher. What makes SMART different is the added value we bring to the MAR program, providing refurbishers with a cloud-based platform that simplifies licensing, automates compliance, and streamlines reporting.

This means you get all the benefits of the MAR program, without the need to manage Microsoft’s systems or technical infrastructure yourself.

For more detailed information, visit our article on Microsoft Authorized Refurbishers.

Yes. SMART is a division of Foxway, one of the world’s largest Microsoft Authorized Refurbishers.

As part of the Foxway group, SMART gives refurbishers access to genuine Microsoft Windows licences through our platform, combining Microsoft’s trusted licensing program with Foxway’s added value, automation, and reporting.

While SMART operates under Foxway’s MAR status, all refurbisher data processed through SMART is used solely for licence management, activation tracking, and Microsoft reporting. We do not use customer or refurbisher data for marketing, sales, or competitive purposes.

You can see the full list of official Microsoft Authorized Refurbishers here.

A Third Party Refurbisher (TPR) is a business authorised to purchase Microsoft Windows licences from a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR) and inject them into refurbished devices.

This allows TPRs to legally refurbish and resell PCs with genuine Microsoft Windows licences, ensuring compliance and customer trust.

SMART was created specifically to support TPRs, providing a simple, cloud-based way to inject, activate, and report Microsoft licences without the need for on-prem infrastructure.

To become a Third Party Refurbisher (TPR), you would normally apply directly to a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR) and complete their vetting and onboarding process.

With SMART, it’s much simpler. By registering on our platform and accepting the terms and conditions, you become a verified TPR, giving you immediate access to genuine Microsoft Windows licences and the tools to inject, activate, and report them automatically.

This streamlined process allows refurbishers to join the MAR ecosystem quickly and start licensing refurbished PCs the same day, without the need for MDOS servers or complex onboarding with Microsoft.

Simply choose one of our pricing plans and complete the registration form at smartdpk.com/pricing. We offer a free Pay As You Go plan, as well as paid plans that include additional features and discounted licence pricing.

Once registered, you’ll be able to purchase genuine Microsoft keys and download our simple injection client to start licensing refurbished PCs right away.

With SMART, setup takes just a few minutes. Once registered, you can immediately purchase Microsoft Windows keys and begin injecting them into refurbished PCs using the SMART client.

By comparison, traditional onboarding through a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR) can take much longer, involving Microsoft tenant setup, MDOS server configuration, and use of the MARXpress script to inject keys and generate reports. You’re then responsible for uploading those reports to Microsoft and ensuring each device meets eligibility requirements.

SMART removes all of that complexity, giving you instant access to the tools and licences you need to start selling right away.

Most refurbishers start with the free 30-day trial of our Essentials plan, which includes discounted key pricing and access to additional features.

If you’re a smaller operation or just getting started, our Pay As You Go plan is completely free, you simply pay for the keys you need, with a minimum order of five.

All plans provide full access to SMART’s injection and reporting tools, so you can start licensing refurbished PCs right away.

Learn more: https://smartdpk.com/pricing

Yes, you can change your subscription at any time. Simply visit your account area to upgrade, downgrade, or manage your plan as needed.

You can purchase keys directly from our website once you have an active SMART subscription.

To get started, click Get Started in the top-right corner or visit smartdpk.com/getstarted to choose a plan and create your account.

Once you’re registered and signed in, you’ll see the Products tab appear in the main menu. From there, you can browse available Windows keys and proceed to checkout.

Microsoft Authorized Refurbishers (MARs) are not permitted to publish or advertise Windows licence pricing for refurbished devices publicly. This restriction applies to all MARs globally as part of their agreement with Microsoft.

Within SMART, key prices depend on your active subscription, with paid plans offering discounted rates.

To view pricing, simply create an account or log in to your existing SMART account. Once registered, you’ll be able to see current key prices and purchase directly through the Products section.

If you’ve received a lower price for Windows keys from another Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR), let us know. We’ll always do our best to offer a competitive rate.

Given the additional value SMART provides, including automation, reporting, and reduced onsite costs, our pricing reflects both the licence and the technology behind it. However, where possible, we may adjust our pricing to remain competitive while still delivering the full benefits of the SMART platform.

Yes, there’s a minimum order quantity of five keys per purchase.

There’s no maximum limit, so you can order as many keys as you need in a single transaction. SMART is designed to scale with your business, whether you’re licensing a handful of PCs or thousands at a time.

Yes, SMART fully supports multi-facility setups.

You can create and manage separate facilities within your account, keeping data and reporting independent for each site. It’s also simple to transfer or reassign keys between facilities when needed.

Access control is flexible too, you can invite multiple users and assign permissions per facility, ensuring each team member only sees what they need.

SMART makes scaling your refurbishing operations across multiple sites effortless.

SMART is directly integrated with Microsoft’s licensing systems, which means all activations, tracking, and compliance reporting happen automatically through our platform.

Because of this enhanced integration, SMART only supports keys purchased and managed within the SMART ecosystem. Keys issued by other MARs are linked to separate systems and reporting processes, so they can’t be used or activated through SMART.

The good news? With SMART, you don’t need to worry about Azure onboarding, MDOS servers, or submitting CBR’s manually. Everything is handled seamlessly for you, keeping you fully compliant.