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Jul 4, 2020 · Windows is like me after three beers: completely oblivious. The fact that your hard drive still holds your previously existing data, at least to the extent that it wasn't over-written by the new install, means that someone who has physical access to your computer, as well as access to the kind of software typically available to law enforcement agencies and the knowledge to use it, can still ...
- Overview
- How to prepare to sell a used computer
- Backing up files
- Erasing everything
- Selling old PC
- Wrapping things up
- Get the Windows Central Newsletter
How-to
Ready to sell your old computer? Then do this before selling it to protect your privacy and get the most value.
If you're planning to sell your old computer because you're moving to a new system, or you're trying to make some extra cash to afford a more premium device (such as the Dell XPS 13, Surface Laptop 2, or Huawei MateBook X Pro, preparing the old hardware is a necessary process to prevent giving away your personal information to a stranger. You'll also need to make sure the device is working correctly to get the most money while avoiding problems with the buyer.
When preparing a device, there are three main steps you want to do for a successful sale. The first step involves creating a backup, so you don't lose your files. Second, you want to wipe out the drive using a secure method to make sure you've removed your personal information and applications beyond recovery, and install a clean copy of Windows 10 to resolve performance and other potential issues. And the third and final step involves deciding how to sell the old computer, and crafting a good product listing if you choose to go with an online service.
If you're looking into turning your used computer into cash, it's important to ensure that you're following the proper steps to protect your personal information, licenses for expensive apps, and leave the device ready for the next owner.
•Backing up files
•Erasing everything
•Selling old PC
Before anything else, you want to make sure to create a full backup of your entire system and another one for your files. A backup is an essential step in case you need to revert the changes for any reason. Also, a file backup will be useful to keep a copy of all your files that you can then restore on another device.
You can use a number of third-party solutions, but Windows 10 still includes the built-in feature to create a system image backup, which allows you to backup your installation, settings, apps, and files.
Create system image
To create a system image, connect an external drive with enough storage, and then use these steps:
•Open Control Panel.
•Click on System and Security.
In the next step, you'll use the recovery options to securely erase and reset the device to the factory settings to allow the next owner to set it up as their a new computer.
To use the "Reset This PC" feature to securely erase everything on the computer and reinstall Windows 10, use these steps:
•Open Settings.
•Click on Update & Security.
•Click on Recovery.
•Under the Reset this PC section, click the Get started button.
Once your computer is reset to the factory settings, it's time to convert the hardware into cash. However, before listing your desktop, laptop, or tablet for sale, you want to find out how much money you can get out of the device.
If your device is only a couple years old, then the chances are that you can still buy it brand new. In this case, it's recommended to check online retailers, such as Microsoft Store, Amazon, and others to understand the current price.
Also, you want to find out the price other people are selling the same or equivalent product in a similar condition. Usually, you can use sites like eBay and Craigslist to do your research.
Using the information to price the device and then decide how you want to sell the computer.
Although you can always try to sell the old device to someone you know, there are plenty of online services that can ease the selling process. (Online services may not be available everywhere, it'll depend upon your location.)
Craigslist
While there are several steps to prepare your old computer for sale properly, overall, it's not a complicated process. It just takes a little bit of your time and at the end will help you to protect your personal information as well as potential hassles with the buyer.
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6 days ago · 1. How to factory reset Windows 10 and delete everything on your PC using Settings. The first thing you do is open the Settings app. A fast way to do that is to press the Windows + I keys on your keyboard. In the Settings app, go to the Update & security category. On the left side of the window, click or tap Recovery.
Windows 10 makes it easy to reinstall your operating system. Click Start > Settings > Update & security > Recovery. Here, you should see various options. Each performs a different type of recovery. On the Recovery screen, click Get started under 'Reset this PC'. You will be offered two choices – Keep my files or Remove everything.
Factory resetting can be a useful way to solve problems or prepare your PC for sale. Reset your Windows 10/11 computer safely and easily with Crucial.
Dec 23, 2022 · Windows 10 offers two ways to reset your computer to the factory settings, including keeping your files or removing everything. Here’s how.
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Sep 8, 2023 · To reset your PC in Windows 10, click the Start menu and select the gear icon in the lower left to open up the Settings window. You can also select the Settings app from the app list. Under ...
