About to sell a Windows 10 Laptop - Advice to wipe/clear?

NeilF · 21 Jan 2022 at 14:39

Selling an elderly relatives Windows 10 Laptop. Hardly anything on it, and want to sell it ideally as a ready to go item.

Is the best thing to do - according to sites:-

Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Backup > Add a drive, and then choose an external drive.
After you've backed up the info you need, select Start > Settings > Update and security > Recovery.
Under Reset this PC, select Get started, and then follow the instructions on the screen. Resetting your device removes your files, settings, and apps, then reinstalls Windows.

Anything to be wary of? Is the laptop then left in a virgin ready to setup state for the next user/owner?

Mcnumpty2323 · 22 Jan 2022 at 18:12

Visibly left looking virgin yes
That's not same as could someone recover data from it
I used to buy loads of laptop drives off eBay etc
Just about all of them personal data could be recovered from

Whatever method you choose
Afterwards run some free data recovery software
Recuva etc
See if it can find anything don't rely on thinking the method
You used will be successful
For HDD I used to use boot and nuke on mine
Ssds I used the manufacturer secure erase tool

Then I reinstalled windows
You could try turning on bitlocker then reset this pc
Though again afterwards would double test
If you can recover anything

If you can't successfully verify none of their personal data
Is unable to be recovered
I would remove the hard drive and sell it without it
Bit paranoid I guess
But if any online services were used
You don't want any user names and passwords etc
To be recoverable
Or personal photos etc

NeilF · 22 Jan 2022 at 18:15

It's never been used for anything other than logging into a gmail account and zoom meetings... No document or photos even exist on it...

And I'll sign ouit of the gmail account etc before going thru what I said in the OP.

Mcnumpty2323 · 22 Jan 2022 at 18:22

NeilF said:
It's never been used for anything other than logging into a gmail account and zoom meetings... No document or photos even exist on it...

And I'll sign ouit of the gmail account etc before going thru what I said in the OP.

Probably won't be full of personal data
Like most people do have then
Likely windows reset might be enough
Just double check with recuva etc afterwards