Controlled removal workflow
SMART guides the correct licence injection and reset sequence so the device is processed consistently during refurbishment.
Windows Autopilot removal
Remove Autopilot locks as part of a compliant refurbishment workflow.
SMART helps refurbishers follow the correct licence injection and reset sequence, complete activation and prepare Windows devices for resale.
Built for refurbishers
Reduce the risk before a device leaves your facility.
A warning when a profile is present
If Windows has already downloaded an Autopilot profile to the device, the SMART Client warns the technician.
* No warning does not mean that the device has no cloud-side lock.
Fewer avoidable returns
Once the key status changes to Activation Enabled, technicians have the opportunity to check that any locally cached profile has been purged before the device is shipped.
The problem, explained
Why Autopilot locks matter to refurbishers.
How it works
One workflow from installation to resale.
SMART is designed to sit inside the Windows refurbishment process—not as a separate manual check at the end.
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Install Windows
Install Windows and enter Audit Mode immediately, reducing the chance of an Autopilot profile being downloaded and cached locally.
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Inject and activate the licence
Run SMART to inject a genuine licence. When its key status changes to Activation Enabled, technicians have the opportunity to confirm that any locally cached profile has been purged. If Windows has already pulled down a profile, the SMART Client displays a warning.
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Clear cached profiles before shipping
After activation is enabled, the device can be shut down. Many refurbishers then perform an online boot during QC or shipping so Windows can receive the updated status and purge any locally cached profile before the device reaches the customer.
Frequently asked questions
What refurbishers need to know.
Is this process legitimate?
Yes. SMART supports professional refurbishers operating through the Microsoft Authorised Refurbisher programme. It ensures the required licensing and reset workflow is followed when hardware is prepared for a new end user.
Will a factory reset remove an Autopilot lock?
Not fully. A reset can remove local profile files, but it does not by itself remove the enrolment held in Microsoft’s cloud. The device can re-enrol when it next connects to the internet.
Why can the lock still appear after using SMART?
Microsoft’s cloud-side update and the removal of a profile already cached by Windows are separate events. If the machine is later booted offline, the cached profile can still appear. An online boot during QC or shipping allows Windows to receive the updated status and purge that local profile.
What other removal options are available?
The cleanest option is for the previous owner to remove the device from their tenant, although that is often impractical for bulk purchases. Installing a non-Pro Windows edition can suppress the prompt but does not remove the record. Processing and relicensing the device correctly through SMART provides a refurbishment workflow designed for legitimate resale.
Can SMART remove other remotely managed locks?
No. SMART is specifically for Windows Autopilot and Intune enrolment scenarios. It does not remove BIOS locks, third-party MDM enrolment or other security controls.
Does SMART query Microsoft’s cloud?
No. SMART does not query Microsoft’s cloud to determine whether a device is enrolled. It manages the correct licence injection and activation workflow. The SMART Client can only warn when Windows has already downloaded an Autopilot profile to the local device.
What does the SMART Client warning mean?
The warning means Windows has already downloaded a local Autopilot profile. It is not a proactive check of the device’s enrolment status. If no warning appears, the device could still be enrolled in Autopilot but may not yet have downloaded its profile.
What if there is still an issue after processing?
If a correctly licensed and processed device still presents an Autopilot enrolment issue after Microsoft’s processing period, contact the SMART support team.
Ready to reduce Autopilot returns?