Computer Disposal/Recycling Is Not as Regular Junk
Nothing is existing forever including your box.
When the PC breaks down, you may choose to throw it away and purchase a new laptop/desktop.
However, computer disposal or computer recycling isnt simple as regular junk.
The disposal means disassembling and separating the components and raw materials.
If you arbitrarily discard the computer, it may damage the environment.
So, you oughta know how to prepare a computer for disposal or recycling in a proper way.
Besides, PC reuse, donation & repair also belong to the proper disposal.
What to do with old computers?
Here we show you 3 situations along with different methods to dispose of old computers including laptops and desktops.
How to get data off an old hard drive?
This post shows you multiple situations, as well as different methods for getting files with ease.
Usually, an external hard drive is a good option to stash your crucial data.
Besides, its sync feature enables you to sync files & folders to another location for backup.
So, dont hesitate to download & install MiniTool ShadowMaker on your rig and start a data backup.
Step 2: To create a backup for your data, go to theBackuppage.
Step 3: ClickDESTINATIONand choose the external hard drive you have connected as the backup target.
How to backup Windows 11 to an external drive?
This post gives you three methods on Windows 11 backup and lets see them.
Step 4: ClickBack Up Nowto start the data backup.
Based on the data size, the backup time varies.
Then, run MiniTool ShadowMaker to back up your data.
PC is not booting but you want to back up files without booting to save them?
This post will show you how to back up data from a computer that wont boot.
What Is Dropbox Backup?
How to use it?
How to restore filed form it?
Is there an alternative?
This post provides details for you.
Wipe Hard Drive
How to prepare a computer for disposal or recycling?
This is to avoid data leaks.
Someone chooses to manually delete files.
Actually, this cannot really delete your gear data but only let the PC not index it.
MiniTool Power Data Recovery is such a program.
This is why you’ve got the option to use it to recover files deleted by accident.
Dont know how to retrieve deleted files on a PC?
The following content will show you how to get them back from devices in different situations.
Well then, how to wipe a computer before recycling?
Here, we recommend the partition anddisk manager MiniTool Partition Wizard.
It offers a feature called Wipe to help you wipe your partition or the entire hard drive.
Just download and install this program on your PC for the wipe operation.
Step 1: Launch MiniTool Partition Wizard to its main interface.
Step 2: Right-go for the hard drive and chooseWipe Disk.
If you want to keep the operating system, you might right-press each partition and chooseWipe Partition.
Step 3: Choose a wiping method and then clickApplyto start the process.
Reset Windows
How to prepare a computer for disposal or how to recycle an old computer?
Meanwhile, your data and applications are deleted.
If you decide to donate it, this is a proper way to keep the PC clean.
The reset process is different slightly based on the Windows version that your PC is running.
Sometimes you cannot open Windows configs due to some reasons.
In Windows 11, go toSystem > Recovery, go toRecovery options, selectReset this PCand click theReset PCbutton.
Step 3: ChooseRemove everythingin the popup.
Step 4: In the next screen, chooseCloud downloadorLocal reinstallto continue.
you’re able to choose cloud download or local reinstall when resetting Windows 10/11.
This post provides details about cloud download vs local reinstall.
Step 5: Finish the resetting process by following the instructions on the screen.
Someone may ask: how to dispose of a laptop that wont turn on?
you could still reset the PC before recycling your Windows computer.
Just restart the unbootable PC three times to boot it to the automatic recovery page.
How to prepare a computer for disposal?
After data backup, clearing the browsing history and encrypting your data are two usual choices by many people.
Here we take Google Chrome as an example.
Step 1: Open this web web client on your PC.
Step 2: Tap onthree dotsand chooseSettings.
Step 3: ClickPrivacy and security > Clear browsing data.
Step 4: ChooseAll timefromTime rangeand confirm your check the option ofBrowsing history.
Also, you’ve got the option to choose to clear cookies, cached images, and files.
Step 5: ClickClear data.
If another person needs to access it, an encryption key is required.
To do this thing, you’re able to choose to use a powerful encryption tool.
This helps to erase all your data including browsing history and sensitive data.
Remove the disk from your PC and use a sledgehammer to damage it.
To some extent, this way is a bit extreme but it is effective.
How to prepare a laptop for disposal or what to do before recycling your Windows computer?
These tips here are worth a shot.
Reuse the laptops parts or sell it for cash?
In this post, you’re able to know some things you should do.
Or, you’re free to sell the old computer to a store that collects used consumer electronics.
Just search for the shop near you online or trade the old machine via a professional website.
You might have saved private and important data on your hard drive.
If you dont plan to use the disk anymore, the hard drive disposal is needed.
Bottom Line
How to prepare a computer for disposal or how to prepare a computer for recycling?
How to dispose of old computers?
Hope these tips could help you a lot.
Of course, it is very necessary to wipe your PC before recycling.
If you dont do it, the disk data is accessible and it will be leaked.
This can exert a tremendous influence.
This depends on the method you choose.
you could wipe the disk or partition or remove everything during PC resetting.
Remember a quick format cannot remove the data completely since data recovery software can get data back.
