I did this too years ago, with varying levels of success.

Now I just buy Linux laptops instead - dell at work, Tuxedo computers for personal use. Less worry about supported hardware that way too.

Thanks for this, maybe too late as I’m a year down the line on a new laptop. It would be great to challenge those who sell refurbished PCs also, they generally refuse to sell without a windows install. Arguing that I’m a Linux user just didn’t matter, needless to say I didn’t pursue this route (although it was preferred as I’m happy to run a lightweight OS, reduce E waste etc.).

I didn’t even think of doing this.