Before selling, donating, or recycling an old computer, protect your privacy by thoroughly erasing personal data. A factory reset is the best way to ensure your information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.

1. General Preparation

Back Up Your Data:
- Save important files to an external drive or cloud storage (e.g., Google Drive, iCloud).
- Verify that the backup is complete before proceeding.

Sign Out of Accounts:
- Log out of services like iCloud, Microsoft, or Google.
- Deauthorize the device in apps like iTunes or Adobe Creative Cloud.

Consider Removing the Hard Drive:
- For ultimate security, physically remove the hard drive. You can destroy it (e.g., with a hammer) or use it as an external drive.

2. Resetting an Apple Mac

For Macs with M-Series Chips (M1/M2):

Sign Out of iCloud:
- Go to System Preferences > Apple ID, then click Sign Out.

Turn Off the Mac.

Enter Recovery Mode:
- Hold the power button while turning on the Mac.
- Select Options from the screen with a black background.

Erase the Drive:
- Go to Disk Utility > Macintosh HD > Erase.
- Choose APFS format and click Erase Volume Group.

Reinstall macOS:
- Click Erase Mac and Restart. Follow the onscreen instructions.

For Intel-Based Macs:

Enter Recovery Mode:
- Turn on the Mac while holding Command + R.

Erase the Drive:
- In Disk Utility, select Macintosh HD, click Erase, and choose MacOS Extended (Journaled).

Reinstall macOS:
- Go back to the Utilities window and select Reinstall macOS.

3. Resetting a Windows PC

Windows 11:

• Go to Start > Settings > System > Recovery.

• Select Reset This PC and follow the prompts.

Windows 10:

• Open Settings from the Start Menu.

• Navigate to Update & Security > Recovery.

• Click Reset This PC > Get Started, then follow the instructions.

4. Resetting a Chromebook

Sign Out of your Google account.

• Press Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R, then click Restart.

• Select Powerwash > Continue to erase all data.

5. Bonus Tip: Thoroughly Wipe the Drive

If privacy is a concern:
- Use specialized software to overwrite your data:
- For Windows: Darik’s Boot and Nuke (DBAN).
- For macOS: Use Secure Erase in Disk Utility.

Now your device is ready for a safe handoff to its next owner!

Next: Read 2500+ consumer guides to shopping, electronics, appliances, home services, cars, money and more.

❤ If you liked all this, consider supporting us by checking out Tiny Skills - 250+ Top Work & Personal Skills Made Easy