Before selling or giving away your personal computer, it’s crucial to prepare it in order to protect your privacy and ensure the PC’s future usability. Here are the top seven things you should do:

1. Back Up Your Data: The first step is to make sure you don’t lose any important files. Use an external hard drive, a cloud storage service, or another form of backup to save all your documents, photos, music, and other data.

2. Deauthorize Software: Certain applications, especially those purchased digitally such as iTunes or Adobe Creative Suite, may have limited licenses. Deauthorize your computer within these programs to avoid issues with software activation in the future.

3. Clean Out Your Hard Drive: Delete files and uninstall programs that you won’t need to pass on with the PC. Removing personal data is essential, but also consider wiping free space with a tool designed to permanently erase data.

4. Reinstall the Operating System: Once all your data is secured and wiped from the machine, reinstalling the operating system can give a fresh start for the next owner and ensure they don’t have access to your files.

5. Update Software: After reinstalling the operating system, check for updates and install them. This ensures that the new user starts with the most secure and stable version of the system.

6. Clean Your PC’s Hardware: Physically cleaning dust from your computer’s interior components and wiping down surfaces can extend its life and make it more appealing for the next owner.

7. Provide Essential Documents: Gather any warranties, product keys, licenses, or user manuals that would be useful for the new owner to have.