Back up any files, photos, documents, and browser data you want to keep
Sign out of all accounts, including Microsoft, Apple, Google, email, cloud storage, and messaging apps
Deauthorize apps and services such as iTunes, Adobe, Steam, and other licensed software
Remove saved passwords, payment methods, and autofill data from browsers and apps
Turn off device encryption or save the recovery key if needed
Disconnect external drives, USB devices, printers, and peripherals
If using Windows, open Settings
Go to System
Select Recovery
Choose Reset this PC
Select Remove everything
Choose Cloud download or Local reinstall
Select Clean data if available
Follow the prompts to complete the reset
If using macOS, open System Settings or System Preferences
Sign out of Apple ID and iCloud
Turn off Find My Mac
Restart into Recovery mode
Use Disk Utility to erase the startup disk if needed
Reinstall macOS from Recovery
If using Linux, back up data
Sign out of accounts and remove personal files
Boot from installation media or recovery tools
Reformat the drive during reinstall if needed
Remove the PC from your online account devices list
Clear the browser history and synced data from your account
Check that the reset completed and the system starts to the setup screen
Remove any stickers, labels, or hardware accessories you do not want to include
Keep proof of reset and serial number for your records