Can a refurbished laptop have viruses or malware?
Not if it's been refurbished properly. A full storage wipe and a fresh OS install removes everything from the previous owner, including any malware.
What we do
- Securely wipe the storage
- Install a clean, genuine operating system
- No pre-installed junk software
Keep it that way
- Turn on Windows Security or install a reputable antivirus
- Keep Windows and your browser updated
- Avoid cracked software, which is a common source of malware
If a "refurbished" laptop arrives with someone else's files or odd software, that's a sign it wasn't wiped — contact the seller straight away.