What SMART Guarantees
When a MAR key is injected via SMART, we:
- Remove the Autopilot profile from Microsoft’s backend within 4 hours.
- Provide instructions to clear the profile if it exists locally after 4 hours.
- If the device is still locked within 90 days of injection and the key status shows as “Activation Enabled”, we’ll work with you to resolve it. This includes reissuing a key if needed.
Outside of 90 Days
If a device shows the lock more than 90 days after the initial injection it will be treated as a new device instance for licensing purposes.
This is because the device may have been resold, returned, or re-enrolled by an end user.
Microsoft licensing requires that each re-licensing event is recorded as a separate transaction.
Fair-Use Exception
We can offer a one-off goodwill replacement if:
- You can provide proof the device remained in your possession since the original injection date.
- The lock reappeared without the device leaving your environment.
Why This Is Needed
- MAR licences are single-use and we can’t reuse the same key for multiple ownership cycles.
- Without a time limit, refurbishers could effectively request free keys indefinitely for the same hardware.
- This ensures fairness across all partners and keeps us compliant with Microsoft’s rules.