Sending your laptop for repair? Here is how to protect personal data | How-to

Sending your laptop for repair? Here is how to protect personal data

If you are sending your laptop or computer for repair, then you must check this quick guide to avoid any data leaks. Know how to keep your private data secure.

By: HT TECH
| Updated on: Jan 06 2023, 23:33 IST
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1/5 Before you begin the process, you must ensure that you have online (cloud) and offline backups of all the data on your device. Once the data is saved, start by going to the Settings app on your laptop. (Amritanshu Mukherjee / HT Tech)
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2/5 There head to the System tab and click on Recovery. You’ll see an option that reads, “Reset this PC.” (Amritanshu Mukherjee / HT Tech)
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3/5 Tap on that and then click on the Reset PC button beside it. Next, you will see a “Reset this PC” window on the screen where you have to choose from - Keep My Files or Remove Everything. (microsoft.com)
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4/5 Once you select the reset option, a new “How Would You Like to Reinstall Windows?” will appear on your screen where you have to choose between two options- Cloud Download or Local Reinstall. (Amritanshu Mukherjee / HT Tech)
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5/5 Confirm your selected reset options and click on Reset. Your laptop will reboot to start the System reset. Do note that it will wipe all personal information on the laptop, including logged in websites, photos, and other files. (Microsoft)
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Know how to properly protect your data when handing in your laptop or computer for repair. (Windows)

If you are handing over your laptop or computer for repair, then you must be worrying about the security of your personal data. Of course, you should! Data is crucial! Laptops or computer users can have both their personal and official data on it. Hence, some precautions are compulsory before handing over your laptop for repair. You must make sure to keep your data private and secure. Wondering how? Know every point that you need to keep in mind before sending your PC or Laptop for repair.

Precautions while handing over your laptop for repair

  • Never give the login password! Most of the time, your technician will ask you for your login password. Always ask the reason for the inclusion of a password. If the technician still insists that a password is required, then you should log out of your Microsoft Account and create a Local Account login password.
  • You should uninstall sensitive software. It simply means, uninstall all those apps and software which include your Settings, User Data, and History.
  • Make sure you log out of online accounts. For example, your online Gmail, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and bank accounts as otherwise, these can be opened on your laptop or computer.
  • Delete the browsing history.

How to protect data on laptop before sending it for repair

Step 1:

It is not complex! You can protect your data before handing over your computer or laptop for repair by using Cloud Storage. 

Step 2:

You can use several options such as Cloud Storage platforms like OneDrive and Google Drive to keep your private files and data secure as no one can delete these files without permission. 

Step 3:

You can also choose some Premium options for these platforms that can offer additional space.

Step 4:

Apart from this, you can use an external HDD or SSD storage option to keep your data saved in case your laptop or computer is holding heavy data that needs to be protected. 

Step 5:

The simplest of all is using the Password to protect data inside internal storage devices to avoid theft and keep your data secured. 

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First Published Date: 06 Jan, 23:32 IST
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