There are a few things you need to do before selling your laptop, and a factory reset is one of them.
Are you thinking about reselling your used laptop for some spare change? This article will walk through the process of preparing the computer for resale and teach readers how to sell preowned technology the easy way.
Before You Sell Your Laptop, Do the Following
Make sure to sign out all your accounts and deauthorize the software installed on your device. You may need to transfer the license of the applications and programs on the new laptop.
After that, you can create a backup file for all your data stored on your computer. So, we recommend using an external hard drive to transfer your files quickly. You can also use cloud services such as Google Drive or Dropbox to upload your files. The main advantage of uploading files to the cloud is that you can access them whenever you want with a device with an internet connection.
Another essential step in preparing your laptop for sale is to clean it properly. Of course, everyone wants to purchase a nice-looking device. So, to do that, you can use a soft lint cloth to remove dirt and dust from your laptop. Lastly, don’t forget to clean the display and wipe any fingerprints.
How to Factory Reset a PC Laptop
Once you have made a backup, the next thing to do is erase the drive and restore the system to factory settings. Just follow the steps below, and we will guide you through the process.
Reset in Windows 10:
- Select Settings from the Start menu.
- Select Updates and Security from the Setting Menu.
- Choose Recovery from the Updates and Security Menu.
- Click Get Started under Reset this PC.
- Chosen to remove everything or keep files.
- Decide if you want to wipe the whole drive (if you selected ‘Remove everything’ in the previous step).
- Confirm that you want to reset.
- Let the resetting process finish.
- Set up your device again.
Windows 11:
- Open the Settings app, select System on the left sidebar, and tap Recovery on the right side of the window.
- On the Recovery page, scroll until you find the Recovery options section. Select Reset this PC.
- You have two options: Keep or Remove your personal files, then reinstall Windows.
Trade-in or Resell a Used Laptop Online
An online buyback platform is one of the most convenient ways to resell a preowned laptop or other electronic devices. For instance, you can take advantage of trade-in programs from manufacturers like Apple, Lenovo, or HP. The trade-in option is suitable for users upgrading their devices with the same brand. In addition, if your device model is legible for trade-in, you can get store credit towards a new purchase from the manufacturer.
Nevertheless, if you want to sell your laptop for cold cash, we recommend looking into online buyback services and marketplaces. For instance, a buyback service facilitates the selling process without you having to do listing, taking pictures like a professional, searching for prices, and paying postage costs. In addition, a buyback service offers instant quotes and quick payouts.
On the other hand, selling a laptop via Marketplaces like eBay might take longer as you are responsible for the whole selling process, even negotiating with potential buyers.
Sell Used Laptop for Cash with Gadget Salvation
Our favorite online buyback platform is Gadget Salvation. This company offers the easiest and quick way to sell your laptop, MacBook, iPhone, gaming console, and more for cash. They take charge of the valuation, inspection, and shipping fees. To sell a laptop with them, you need to enter their website and type your laptop model and configuration. Then answer some questions about its condition, and you’ll get an instant quote. If you agree to the quote, continue to fill out the checkout form to get a prepaid shipping label. After receiving your goods, they do your payouts within two business days via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, or by Check.
Bottom Line
Before selling your unwanted laptop, sign out all your accounts and create a backup of your files to factory reset the device. Also, don’t forget to clean your laptop correctly and choose the best place to sell it. Finally, if you are a busy professional and looking for a quick sale, we recommend picking an online buyback platform for a convenient turnaround.