How to Prepare an Old Laptop for Sale, Donation, or Recycling

Learn the key steps to take before parting with an old laptop, from backing up files to signing out of accounts and securely erasing data. The guidance covers built-in tools and examples for both Windows PCs and MacBooks.

■ Before you erase the laptop
- Back up files using Windows Backup, local storage, EaseUS Todo Backup, Time Machine, or iCloud
- Sign out of accounts and deauthorize software licenses

■ Resetting and erasing
- Windows: reset options for Windows 11, 10, 8.1, and 7
- Mac: erase options for macOS Ventura and older Intel-based Macs

For anyone selling, donating, recycling, or otherwise passing on an old computer, this provides a practical checklist for protecting personal data. You’ll know which backup and reset steps to consider before taking action; detailed disposal or resale advice is not covered.