Donation preparation

Prepare your computer for a new home.

Protect your files and accounts first. Then give the outside a gentle clean and gather the accessories that belong with the device.

Request a pickup

Step 1

Back up the files you want to keep.

Copy documents, photos, videos, browser bookmarks, and any license information you may need later. Use an external drive or a trusted cloud storage account.

  • Open several copied files to confirm that the backup works.
  • Export browser bookmarks if they are not already synced.
  • Move any files stored on the desktop, downloads folder, or recycle bin.

Step 2

Sign out and disconnect your accounts.

Sign out of email, browsers, cloud storage, messaging apps, password managers, and paid software. Deauthorize the computer in services that limit how many devices you may use.

Turn off device tracking. Disable Find My Device, Find My Mac, or activation lock before resetting the computer. A tracking lock may prevent the next family from using it.

Step 3

Reset or erase the computer.

Windows 11

  1. Open Settings, then System, then Recovery.
  2. Select Reset PC.
  3. Choose Remove everything.
  4. If asked how to reinstall Windows, choose either cloud download or local reinstall.
  5. Choose the option to clean the drive when available, then follow the prompts.

Windows 10

  1. Open Settings, then Update and Security, then Recovery.
  2. Under Reset this PC, select Get started.
  3. Choose Remove everything and follow the prompts.

Mac

  1. For newer Macs, open System Settings, General, Transfer or Reset, then Erase All Content and Settings.
  2. If that option is not present, use macOS Recovery to erase the internal disk and reinstall macOS.
  3. Follow Apple's instructions for your specific model before handing it over.
Resetting permanently removes data. Confirm your backup before starting. Remove USB drives, memory cards, and other external storage when the reset is complete.

Step 4

Clean the outside safely.

  1. Shut down the computer and unplug it.
  2. Use a dry microfiber cloth to remove dust.
  3. For stubborn marks, lightly dampen the cloth with 70 percent isopropyl alcohol. Never pour or spray liquid onto the device.
  4. Wipe the case, keyboard, touchpad, and mouse gently.
  5. Use short bursts of compressed air on vents while keeping the can upright.
  6. Let every surface dry fully before reconnecting power.
Do not open the case, puncture a swollen battery, or use a vacuum on internal components. Tell our team if the battery is swollen, leaking, unusually hot, or damaged.

Step 5

Gather the matching accessories.

  • Include the correct charger and power cable when available.
  • Bundle loose cables with a reusable tie.
  • Remove discs, memory cards, USB drives, and SIM cards.
  • Write the device's basic condition on a removable note.
  • Keep the equipment dry and protected until pickup.
Submit a pickup request