Which laptops we consider
We review every donation case by case. Tell us what you have on the form, add a photo or two, and our team will let you know.
Charger
Helpful if you have it, not required.
Worn battery
Still welcome. Mention it on the form.
Missing drive
Tell us. We consider it case by case.
Laptop brands we see often
Dell, HP, Lenovo, Apple, ASUS, Acer, Microsoft Surface, Samsung, Razer, MSI, Alienware, LG, Gigabyte, Framework, Toshiba, Dynabook, Panasonic Toughbook, Sony VAIO, Fujitsu, Getac, System76, Gateway, and many more.
Not on the list? It is here to help you find your laptop, not to limit what we consider. We review every make and model, listed or not, including small builders and brands that are no longer around. What matters is condition, never the logo on the lid, so enter yours on the form even if you don't see it here.
What to know about donating a laptop
Why laptops matter most
A laptop is often the one thing standing between someone and a class assignment, a job application or a telehealth visit. It goes where they go, works on library or school Wi-Fi, and doesn't need a desk or a separate monitor.
That is why laptops are among the most requested items we receive. Business laptops from Dell, HP and Lenovo, consumer models, 2-in-1s and older machines all have a place, whether as a working computer or as parts to repair another.
What we look at during review
We look at the brand and model, the processor, how much memory and storage it has, the battery and the screen. Photos of the lid, the keyboard and any damage help us decide quickly.
If you aren't sure of the model, look on the sticker on the bottom or in system settings. On Windows, open Settings, then System, then About.
Your data
We wipe every laptop with Acronis before it's reused. Doing a reset yourself first is still the best protection: your files are gone before it leaves your home, and it signs the laptop out of your accounts. Businesses can request a certificate of data destruction.
Value and your tax receipt
If you itemize, you may be able to deduct the fair market value of your laptop, which is what the same model in similar condition sells for used today. You determine the value; we can't appraise it. Giving Center sends a written acknowledgment describing what you donated.
Starting with the 2026 tax year, itemizers can deduct only giving above 0.5% of adjusted gross income, and items you deduct at more than $500 need Form 8283. Our tax guide covers the details. Ask your tax preparer what applies to you.
Condition: what we can use
Every donation is reviewed case by case. We can't promise acceptance before review.
Before you ship: back up, sign out, reset
We wipe every device with Acronis before it's reused. A reset on your end protects your files and lets the next person set it up as their own.
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1
Back up
Copy the files and photos you want to keep to an external drive or a cloud account.
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2
Sign out of accounts
Sign out of your Microsoft account, email, browsers and any apps that use a license.
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3
Reset it
Settings, then System, then Recovery, then Reset this PC. Choose Remove everything and turn on Clean data.
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4
Check the setup screen
When it restarts to the "choose your region" screen, it's ready. Shut it down there.
Done? Check before you box it
- Files backed up
- Signed out of your Microsoft account
- Reset with Remove everything
- Restarts to the setup screen
Packing and shipping your laptop
Please send the form first and wait for our reply. We'll send the shipping address and instructions once we've reviewed it. We can only take items we've approved, so please don't ship anything before you hear from us.
Wait for our OK. We send the address and instructions after we review your form.
Pack it well. Use a sturdy box with padding on every side, and keep the lid closed with a little padding against the screen.
Label what's inside with a note listing each item, so we can match it to your form.
Ship with tracking. Donors ship at their own cost. Shipping is sometimes reimbursed; ask when we review your donation.
Where your laptop goes
Donated laptops are refurbished and given to students, job seekers, veterans, seniors, families, schools and nonprofits. A laptop is often what someone needs most to keep up with class or work.
Where your computer goesA note on taxes
If you itemize, you may be able to deduct the fair market value of your laptop: what a willing buyer would pay for it as it is today. You decide the value, and your tax preparer can tell you what applies to you. We don't appraise items and can't promise a deduction.
Laptop donation questions
Possibly. We consider every laptop case by case. Describe the problem on the form and add a photo, and our team will let you know.
Often, yes. Windows lets you reset the PC from the sign-in screen: hold Shift, choose Restart, then Troubleshoot, then Reset this PC.
It helps, but it isn't required. Wrap it separately so it doesn't scratch the laptop.
We don't have a drop-off location. Single laptops are shipped after your form is approved. Offices with many can ask about bulk pickup.
There is no fixed cutoff. We review each laptop by its model and condition. Even older laptops can provide parts for repairs.
You can, if you prefer to keep it. Note it on the form so we know the laptop has no drive.
Often, yes. Add a photo of the damage to your form.
No. Any sturdy box with good padding works. We send packing instructions after approval.
Tell us about your laptop
Fill out the form and our team will review it. Every donation is considered case by case.