Return policy comparison · 2026
Dell Refurbished vs Microsoft Store
Policy data verified July 24, 2026 (Dell Refurbished) and April 17, 2026 (Microsoft Store)
Dell Refurbished
C+
2.4 / 5.0 · Fair
Winner
Microsoft Store
A
4.2 / 5.0 · Excellent
The verdict
Microsoft Store has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.2/5.0) against Dell Refurbished's C+ (2.4/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the restocking fee: no restocking fee versus restocking fee charged.
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
Dell RefurbishedMicrosoft Store
Return window · worth 2.0
Restocking fee · worth 1.0
Return shipping · worth 1.0
Holiday window · worth 0.5
Transparency · worth 0.5
Key terms side-by-side
| Dell Refurbished | Microsoft Store | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 30 days | ✓ 60 days |
| Free returns | No - 15% restocking fee (unless defective or Dell's error) | Yes |
| Restocking fee | 15% of the actual price paid, waived if the product is defective or Dell made an error | ✓ None |
| Return shipping | Free return shipping label for defective items or Dell errors; customer otherwise arranges return shipping | Free return shipping |
| Holiday extension | None published | ✓ Not specifically extended |
| Non-returnable | Purchases made through resellers rather than directly from Dell Refurbished | Gift cards, digital downloads, Xbox Live subscriptions, opened software |
| Watch-out items | — | Standard 60-day window |
Dell Refurbished tip
Wipe your personal data and pull out any extra accessories, like cables or flash drives, before shipping the machine back — Dell explicitly says it's not responsible for data left on a returned computer.
Microsoft Store tip
One of the more generous electronics policies at 60 days. Surface devices and Xbox have same window.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, Dell Refurbished or Microsoft Store?
Microsoft Store has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.2/5.0) against Dell Refurbished's C+ (2.4/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the restocking fee: no restocking fee versus restocking fee charged.
What is Dell Refurbished's return window?
Dell Refurbished's return window is 30 days.
What is Microsoft Store's return window?
Microsoft Store's return window is 60 days.
Does Dell Refurbished or Microsoft Store offer free returns?
Dell Refurbished: No - 15% restocking fee (unless defective or Dell's error). Microsoft Store: Yes.