There is a clear distinction between a work laptop and a personal laptop. Many companies acquire work laptops for their employees which are then integrated with their main networks, firewalls, and other sharing options.
However, after a few years, the laptops have to be upgraded. So, these work laptops are collected from employees and are given away for personal use. Now, how does one ensure that the company’s data isn’t leaked and the laptop has been converted appropriately for personal use?
That’s what we are here to discuss. In this article, we will be exploring how you can convert your work laptop into a personal laptop. Whether you are leaving your job or giving your work laptop to someone for personal use, some things must be done before you hand it over.
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Converting Work Laptop for Personal Use – Step-by-Step Guide
The easiest way to do it is to reset your laptop and then install a new operating system on clean storage. That would remove all the data, applications, and settings and will allow you to configure your laptop in your way. However, that also means you will lose all your personal data and files.
Let’s dive into a detailed guide that will tell you exactly what to do before you reset your laptop and how you can reset your laptop when you finally get to it.
Step 1: Create a Backup or Transport Personal Files
The very first thing you should do is create a backup of your personal files. If your work laptop allows login with a personal email, you can log into one of your cloud accounts and create a backup there. You can also create a backup on external storage, like an external SSD, HDD, or USB drive.
If you don’t want to create a backup, then you can manually transfer all your personal files to an external storage device. These personal files can include pictures, videos, and documents.
You have to be careful not to take anything that is in violation of your agreement with the company. Be transparent with your workplace about your data and only take what you personally own. Once you have saved all the personal files, you can move to the next step.
Step 2: Log Out of All Your Accounts
Now, it’s time to log out of all your accounts. You must sign out of all the online accounts, cloud-based services, and applications before you proceed to reset the laptop.
While most of these services automatically log out when you change the device, it is important to be double-sure and do it yourself beforehand.
Once you have logged out of all the accounts and applications, you can proceed with resetting the laptop.
Step 3: Reset Your Laptop
Now it is time to reset the laptop. To reset your laptop successfully, you must follow these instructions:
- If you are logged in on your laptop, go to the Start Menu, click on Power Icon, and then Press Restart while holding down the SHIFT key.
- If you aren’t logged in, then go to the Sign-in screen, click on Power Icon from the bottom right corner, and then click on Restart while holding down the SHIFT key.
- After your PC restarts, the system tools will automatically launch providing you with several options. Select “Troubleshoot”.
- Then, from the next screen, click on the option that says “Reset This PC”.
- You will get a prompt asking you whether you want to keep your personal files or delete everything. Since you have already copied all your personal files, it is best to go through with deleting everything.
- Now, all you have to do is wait while the laptop automatically resets and deletes everything on its own. Depending on how much data you have on your system, the process can take a couple of hours or more.
- Once the reset process is complete, you will get the option to install and configure the Operating System. You can install any OS you want, since your system is clean now, and configure it according to your needs.
Now, your laptop is ready for personal use. You can install your personal applications and start using it. If you are going to use this laptop as your own, you can copy your personal files or get them back from the backup. On the other hand, if you are giving away this laptop, then it is safe to give it away now.
Also read, How Much Does A Laptop Cost?
Frequently Asked Questions
How to convert a work laptop to a personal laptop?
To convert a work laptop into a personal laptop, you must remove all the personal data from the laptop, then reset the laptop, and then install a new Operating System. This will remove everything from the laptop and make it ready for personal use.
Can I use my work laptop as a personal laptop?
Yes, you can. But keep in mind that your work laptop is connected to the company’s network. So, if you keep any personal data on your laptop, it is not hidden from the company and they can most likely access it.
How do I clear my work laptop for personal use?
To clear your work laptop for personal use, you will have to reset it. After resetting it, you can install a new operating system and configure it according to your needs. It will no longer be connected to the company.
Wrapping Up!
Summing it all up, converting a work laptop into a personal laptop is not all that difficult. You just have to do a few tricks to remove access to the company and its accounts from the laptop and then it will be as good as new.
The above guide shares everything you have to do to convert your work laptop and make it ready for personal use. Good Luck!