4 things to do before selling a Windows PC or laptop

Therefore, TipsMake.com has put together this guide to give you peace of mind selling your old PC and getting a fair price for it.

1. Computer Backup

Since you will have to erase your personal data from your computer before you sell it, you should make a backup of your files first so you can restore to your new device. Don't rely on local backups as we'll have to factory reset your Windows PC; and that will wipe out any local backups you may have.

So, if you have backed up your data on the same drive where Windows is installed, then you should move the backup to the cloud or an external hard drive.

Follow the steps below to back up files to an external device properly:

1. Navigate to Settings by right-clicking the Windows Start button.

2. Click Update & Security .

3. In the left sidebar, select Backup .

4. Under Back up using File History , click Add a drive .

5. Select the external hard drive where you want to store the backup.

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Following the above steps will bring up a new option, Automatically backup my files , this option will be enabled immediately.

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Then click More options , make sure the Back up these folders list contains the folders you want to back up and click Back up now .

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Depending on how much data you have on your hard drive, this may take a while. Don't panic if you don't see the progress bar, as it's unlikely you'll find it in most cases. If you hear the external hard drive spinning, that indicates your files are being backed up.

After the same Back up now option appears again, it confirms that your data has been backed up, so you can move on to factory resetting your Windows computer.

If you use Windows 11 on a laptop, the backup process may be slightly different than in Windows 10. Check out TipsMake's guide on how to create a complete backup in Windows 11.

2. Factory Reset Windows PC

Factory reset returns your computer to its original state by erasing all data from the hard drive. Since you don't want the new owner to be able to access the data stored on your drives, it's best to reset the device to erase everything on it.

You can reset your Windows PC or laptop by following one of these instructions:

Once the reset is complete, your computer will look like a new computer. You can notify the buyer that the device has been factory reset so they can set it up on their own.

3. Check if there are any parts that need replacing

Computers with good performance and smooth running are not only easy to sell but also sell at a high price. It is therefore imperative to ensure that there are no components in your Windows PC that need replacing before putting it up for sale.

Without first replacing, the buyer may discover that the hard drive, RAM, or similar component is about to fail; they may eventually cancel the transaction, leaving you in a passive position.

TipsMake.com has some 'tips' for checking old desktops and cases before buying; you can do tests as a seller to make sure nothing needs replacing.

If a component fails, don't worry about additional replacement costs; sometimes this can help you sell the machine at a higher price.

There is no need to replace parts with brand new ones from the market. You can also buy a refurbished device from a reputable source and use it; Just make sure the machine has a warranty. However, if your budget allows, it's better to buy brand new components and factor this additional cost into the laptop's selling price.

In either case, notify the buyer of the replacement during the transaction and return the warranty paper to them.

After you've backed up your files, reset the computer and make sure it doesn't need to replace any components, then the device will be ready for sale. But if you want a reasonable price, make your laptop stand out by giving it a new look.

4. Give your laptop a new look

No matter how powerful your computer's hardware is, it makes no difference if it doesn't look appealing. An unattractive PC or laptop will be hard to sell and you'll have to work much harder to win the buyer's trust.

If your laptop is covered in dust from top to bottom, its ports are clogged with debris, the screen is spotty, dust interferes with the speakers, and the case is scratched all over the place, it's time to fix the problem. give it a new look.

You'll likely find hundreds of laptop self-cleaning videos or check out TipsMake.com's detailed instructions on various cleaning tips to make your laptop look like new. Make sure you take the time to clean your laptop so you can sell it in a short time at a good price.

Lesley Montoya

Update 28 February 2023