Before you start
- Back up your files to a drive or the cloud.
- Sign out of the apps you used: browsers, email, cloud storage.
- Windows drive encrypted with BitLocker? Find your recovery key first: Windows asks for it to finish the reset.
- Keep the charger with the laptop.
Wipe a Mac
- 1 of 2Check your Mac can use Erase All Content and Settings
It needs macOS Monterey or later, on a Mac with Apple silicon or the Apple T2 Security Chip.
- 2 of 2Open System Settings and search for Erase All Content and Settings
Follow the steps on screen. Apple says that if you can use it, you don't need any other steps.
Older Mac? Sign out of iCloud first: click your name in the sidebar of System Settings, scroll down and click Sign Out. Turn off Find My Mac too. Then follow Apple's guide for selling a Mac.
Wipe a Windows laptop
- 1 of 4Open Settings, then System, then RecoverySettings › System › Recovery
- 2 of 4Select Reset PC
It is under Recovery options.
- 3 of 4Choose Remove everything
Microsoft says to use it if you plan to donate, recycle or sell the PC. Turn on Clean data: it removes files and cleans the drive.
- 4 of 4Enter your BitLocker recovery key if asked
If the drive is encrypted, Windows needs it to finish.
Still on Windows 10? Microsoft ended support for it on October 14, 2025. The reset is under Settings, Update & Security, Recovery, Reset this PC.
Questions
Does a reset delete everything on my laptop?
Remove everything on Windows, or Erase All Content and Settings on a Mac, removes your files, apps and settings. Back up first.
Should I take out the hard drive before I sell?
No need after a full erase. Leave it in so the laptop still starts: we test it at the counter.
Do you buy laptops?
Yes. Send the trade-in form, or bring it in with its charger and a government-issued photo ID.
Can I sell my laptop by mail?
Yes. Send the trade-in form and write mail-in in the notes, and we tell you how it works.