Which desktops 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.
Keyboard and mouse
Helpful if you have them.
Monitor
Flat panels only. No CRT monitors.
Missing drive
Tell us. We consider it case by case.
Desktop brands we see often
Dell, HP, Lenovo, Apple iMac, Acer, ASUS, Alienware, CLX, CyberPowerPC, iBUYPOWER, HP OMEN, Lenovo Legion, MSI, Microsoft Surface Studio, Intel NUC, Gateway, Origin PC, Maingear, Velocity Micro, Corsair, NZXT, Zotac, Beelink, Minisforum and custom builds, and many more.
Not on the list? It is here to help you find your desktop, 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 name on the case, so enter yours on the form even if you don't see it here.
What to know about donating a desktop
Why desktops are still needed
Desktops are the workhorses of computer labs, libraries, nonprofit offices and family homes. They are easy to repair, easy to upgrade and often outlast laptops.
Towers, small form factor PCs, mini PCs and all-in-ones all have a place. Business desktops such as Dell OptiPlex, HP EliteDesk and Lenovo ThinkCentre are especially easy to refurbish.
What we look at during review
The model, processor, memory and storage tell us how the desktop can be used. For an all-in-one, the condition of the screen matters too. A few photos of the front, back and any damage help.
Keyboards, mice and monitors are welcome. List them on the form so we know what's coming.
Your data
We wipe every desktop with Acronis before it's reused. If you prefer, remove the drive and keep it; desktops usually make that easy. 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 desktop, 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. Resetting it yourself protects your files and gives the next owner a clean start.
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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 desktop
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 box a few inches larger than the computer on every side and fill the gaps. All-in-ones need extra padding over 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 desktop goes
Donated desktops are refurbished for families, seniors, libraries, schools and nonprofits that need a steady computer in one place.
Where your computer goesA note on taxes
If you itemize, you may be able to deduct the fair market value of your desktop: 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.
Desktop donation questions
Yes, we consider them case by case. Add photos to the form.
Flat panel monitors are welcome. We don't accept CRT monitors.
You can. Mention it on the form so we know.
Only bulk donations are picked up. Single desktops are shipped after your form is approved.
Yes. Note it on the form.
Tell us about your desktop
Fill out the form and our team will review it. Every donation is considered case by case.