No Ticket Needed

Appearance

5 min fix 4 min read Recently reviewedBeginner

By , IT support technician

Quick Answer

Sign out of all personal accounts (like Apple ID or personal Google accounts), move all local files from your Desktop and Documents to your company OneDrive, and verify the sync is complete.

How to Prepare Your Computer Before Returning It to IT ​

Applies to: Windows Laptops, MacBooks, Offboarding, Hardware Refresh
Article Type: How-To
Last Updated: 2026-07-10

Summary ​

Whether you are getting a brand-new laptop upgrade, leaving the company, or returning a loaner device, you cannot slam the lid shut and hand it to the IT department. You are responsible for ensuring your files are backed up and your personal accounts are disconnected. IT will completely wipe the hard drive the moment they receive it, so anything left behind will be permanently destroyed.

Prerequisites ​

  • You need an active internet connection to back up your files to the cloud.
  • Allocate at least 30 minutes for this process (cloud uploads take time).

Instructions ​

Step 1: Back Up Your Files to OneDrive ​

Do not assume your files are already backed up. You must verify it manually.

  1. Open OneDrive (the blue cloud icon in your system tray on Windows, or the menu bar on Mac).
  2. Look for any files saved purely on your Desktop, in your Documents folder, or in your Downloads folder.
  3. Drag and drop any important files from those locations directly into your OneDrive folder.
  4. Wait for the blue syncing arrows on the files to turn into a solid green checkmark (Windows) or wait for it to say "Up to date" (Mac). Do not turn off the computer until the upload is 100% finished.

Step 2: Export Your Browser Bookmarks and Passwords ​

If you rely heavily on Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, you need to save your data.

  • If you are signed into the browser with your work email: Your bookmarks and history will automatically sync to your new work laptop when you sign in. You don't need to do anything.
  • If you are NOT signed in:
    • Chrome: Click the three dots > Bookmarks > Bookmark Manager > Click the three dots again > Export Bookmarks. Save the .html file to your OneDrive.
    • Passwords: It is highly recommended to use a secure Password Manager instead of saving passwords in your browser. But if you must, export them by going to Chrome Settings > Autofill > Password Manager > Export. Save the file to OneDrive (and delete it as soon as you import it to your new computer).

Step 3: Sign Out of Personal Accounts ​

If you accidentally signed into a personal Apple ID, Gmail account, or Slack workspace on the work computer, sign out now.

  • Mac Users (CRITICAL): Open System Settings > Apple ID and click Sign Out. If you hand in a MacBook that is still bound to your personal iCloud account, the laptop is permanently "Activation Locked" and becomes a $2,000 paperweight. IT will have to contact you at home to unlock it.

Step 4: Gather the Accessories ​

IT needs the accessories back. Do not keep the charger as a spare for your personal devices.

  1. Gather the laptop.
  2. Gather the original power brick and charging cable.
  3. Gather any adapters or dongles (like a USB-C to HDMI adapter) that were provided with the machine.
  4. (Do not return the wireless mouse or keyboard unless specifically asked. Most companies throw these away for hygiene reasons).

Step 5: Do NOT Factory Reset It Yourself ​

Never attempt to factory reset or "wipe" the computer yourself.

IT has a strict, legally mandated data destruction process they must follow. If you wipe the computer using the built-in Windows/Mac reset button, it often breaks the connection to the company's security server, causing massive headaches for the IT technician who has to re-provision the device. leave it powered on, hand it over, and let IT handle the wiping.

Troubleshooting ​

Symptom / ErrorPotential CauseSolution
OneDrive says "Not enough space"Huge filesOneDrive usually gives you 1TB of space. If you are full, you are likely storing massive video files. Delete what you don't need
I can't sign out of my Apple IDFind My Mac is onYou must turn off "Find My Mac" in settings before it will let you sign out completely
I forgot to back up my Sticky Notes!Local storageOpen the Sticky Notes app and ensure you are signed in with your work email. They will sync to the cloud