What to do before wiping a laptop
The wipe itself is only one part of preparing a laptop for a new owner or a recycling route. Complete these checks first, then follow the instructions for your operating system.
Back up your files
Copy documents, photos, videos, downloads and locally stored work to cloud storage or an external drive. Check that the backup opens before deleting anything from the laptop.
Save what you need for the next device
Record browser bookmarks, password-manager access, software licences, recovery codes and any files that do not sync automatically.
Remove personal accessories
Take out USB drives, memory cards and discs. Check pockets, sleeves and connected displays for anything you want to keep.
Sign out of accounts
Sign out of Microsoft, Apple, Google, browser, cloud storage and communications accounts. Remove the laptop from account or device lists where the service provides that control.
Check who manages the device
If the laptop belongs to a school, employer or another organisation, speak to the administrator first. Managed devices may need a specific unenrolment or recovery process.
Keep the charger nearby
Connect the laptop to power before starting and keep it connected throughout the wipe. A power interruption can cause the process to fail.
How to wipe a Windows laptop
Windows calls this process Reset this PC. It reinstalls Windows and gives you a choice about whether to keep personal files. When you are selling, trading in or recycling the laptop, choose the route that removes your data.
Windows example
HP 250R G9
Use the Windows reset route below for a laptop running Windows 10 or Windows 11.
Windows 11
Open Start > Settings > System > Recovery, then select Reset PC under Recovery options.
Windows 10
Open Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery, then select Get started under Reset this PC.
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Open Reset this PC
Follow the Windows 11 or Windows 10 settings path above. Windows will show the reset choices before it starts removing data.
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Choose Remove everything
Select Remove everything when preparing the laptop for someone else. This removes personal files, apps and settings from the Windows installation.
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Review the drive-cleaning choice
If Windows offers a data-cleaning or drive-cleaning setting, read its explanation and choose it when you want removed files to be harder for another person to recover. Microsoft says this consumer feature is not designed to meet government or industry data-erasure standards.
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Choose cloud download or local reinstall
Cloud download gets a fresh copy of Windows and needs an internet connection. Local reinstall uses files already on the laptop and may suit a slower connection.
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Confirm and leave the laptop connected
Check the summary, confirm the reset and wait for Windows to finish. The screen may go black and the HP laptop may restart more than once. Do not switch it off manually while the reset is running.
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Stop at the first setup screen
When Windows displays the setup process for a new user, stop there and switch off the laptop. The next owner can choose their own region, account and settings.
Windows 10 support ended on 14 October 2025. A reset does not change the Windows version, so check whether the laptop supports Windows 11 before passing it on for ongoing use.
How to wipe a MacBook
On supported Macs, Erase All Content and Settings removes settings, data and apps while keeping the installed version of macOS. Apple provides separate steps for Macs that do not show this feature.
macOS example
MacBook Pro 16-inch
Use Apple’s erase route below when preparing a supported MacBook for a new owner or recycling.
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Back up the MacBook
Use Time Machine, iCloud Drive or another backup method to save the files you want to keep. Open the backup where possible before starting the erase.
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Open Erase All Content and Settings
On macOS Ventura 13 or later, open Apple menu > System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset, then select Erase All Content and Settings. On macOS Monterey 12, open Apple menu > System Preferences, then choose the same erase command from the System Preferences menu.
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Review the erase assistant
Enter your Mac login details if asked. Review the settings, media, data and accounts listed for removal, then sign out of your Apple Account and Apple services when prompted.
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Confirm the erase
Select Erase All Content & Settings to begin. Keep the MacBook connected to power and allow it to restart and activate.
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Stop at the setup assistant
When the Mac restarts to the setup assistant, do not complete setup if you are selling, trading in or recycling it. Switch it off so the next owner can start from the beginning.
Can not see Erase All Content and Settings? Apple says the feature is available on macOS Monterey 12 or later and on Macs with Apple silicon or the Apple T2 Security Chip. If it is not available, follow Apple’s alternative erase instructions for your Mac model.
How to wipe a Chromebook
Chromebooks use a factory reset called Powerwash. It removes local user data, including files in the Downloads folder, but does not remove files already stored in Google Drive or on external storage.
ChromeOS example
Acer Spin 314 Chromebook
Use the Chromebook Powerwash route below when preparing a personal Chromebook for a new owner.
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Sync and back up your files
Check that your information and settings are synced to your Google Account. Move local files from Downloads to Google Drive or external storage before continuing.
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Sign out of the Chromebook
Sign out from the Chromebook login menu so the Powerwash command is available from the correct session.
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Start Powerwash
Press and hold Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R. Select Restart, then choose Powerwash and Continue.
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Leave the Chromebook at setup
Follow the reset until the Chromebook is ready for setup. If you are handing it over, stop before adding your Google Account. The first account added after the reset becomes the owner account.
Is the Chromebook managed by a school or employer? Google says managed Chromebooks cannot be reset in the usual way. Contact the administrator so the device can be wiped and re-enrolled correctly.
What to check after wiping the laptop
The device should be ready for its next owner or recycling route. Complete this final check before packing it or starting a trade-in.
Confirm the first setup screen
Windows, macOS or ChromeOS should be waiting for a new user. Do not sign in again after the erase is complete.
Check your accounts
Use another device to review your Microsoft, Apple or Google account device lists and remove the laptop if it is still shown there.
Remove accessories and labels
Take off personal stickers, remove memory cards and gather the charger or other included accessories before packing the laptop.
Choose the next route
If the laptop is still in suitable condition, a trade-in can give it a next step. If it is damaged or no longer functional, use an appropriate recycling route.
Laptop wiping questions, answered
Is a factory reset enough before selling a laptop?
Use the full erase route for your operating system, choose the setting that removes personal data and stop at the first setup screen. Back up and sign out of accounts before resetting.
Does wiping a laptop remove Windows or macOS?
No. Windows Reset this PC reinstalls Windows, while Apple’s Erase All Content and Settings keeps the installed version of macOS. A Chromebook Powerwash resets ChromeOS and clears local user data.
Should I remove my Microsoft, Apple or Google account?
Sign out before the erase and review the account’s device list afterwards. This helps separate the laptop from your personal services before it changes hands.
Can I wipe a laptop if I cannot sign in?
Windows can be reset from the Windows Recovery Environment, and a Mac may need its model-specific recovery route. A managed Chromebook needs its administrator. If you need files from the device, avoid starting a wipe before checking recovery options.
Is a wiped laptop ready to trade in?
Once the wipe is complete and the laptop is waiting at its first setup screen, check its physical condition, collect the charger and review the current trade-in requirements before sending it.