Forum Discussion
How can I safely prepare windows 10 computer for sale?
I'm getting ready to sell my Windows 10 computer and want to make sure I do a full, secure wipe so none of my personal data can be recovered by the buyer. I've done a basic reset before, but I know t...
Before you touch any settings, ensure your files are safe. A reset is permanent.
- External Drive: Copy your "Users" folder (Documents, Pictures, Desktop).
- Cloud Sync: Ensure OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox have finished syncing.
- Browser Data: Sign into your browser (Chrome/Edge) to sync your bookmarks and passwords to your account so you don't lose them.
Then try the built-in reset option with Windows 10.
How to prepare windows 10 computer for sale
1. Go to Settings → Update & Security → Recovery
2. Click Reset this PC → Get started
3. Choose Remove everything
4. Select Remove files and clean the drive (important!)
4. Follow the on-screen instructions
This is good for preparing Windows 10 before selling, but advanced tools can still recover some data if the drive isn’t securely wiped.