Article
Returning a company computer
Whether you are leaving the company, swapping to a new device, or sending a loaner back, the goal is the same: nothing of yours stuck on the device, nothing of the company's accidentally erased. Here is the short list.
Back Up Anything Local
If it is not in the cloud, it does not exist
Move local files to OneDrive or your firm's cloud storage
Open Desktop, Documents, and Downloads. Anything you want to keep — and that you have permission to keep — goes into OneDrive, SharePoint, Box, or wherever your firm keeps work files. Confirm sync finished before moving on.
Export anything that lives only inside an app
Bluebeam profiles and tool chests, AutoCAD CUI, Outlook signatures, custom dictionaries, sticky notes, browser bookmarks (if not synced), and Excel personal macro workbook. Export to OneDrive.
Note any work-in-progress that lives in a checked-out file
If you have a Vault, ProjectWise, SharePoint, Box, or Dropbox file checked out for editing, check it back in or hand it off so the next person is not blocked.
Sign Out of Personal Accounts
Do not leave personal sessions on a returned device
Browsers
Sign out of personal Google, Microsoft, Apple, or Firefox accounts in every browser. If you used Chrome with a personal Google account, remove the profile.
Personal email and storage apps
Personal Outlook, Gmail, iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox, or Box accounts should be removed. The IT wipe usually covers this, but signing out first is good hygiene.
Authenticator and password manager apps
If you installed a personal password manager (1Password, LastPass, Bitwarden) on the work computer, sign out and uninstall it.
What Not To Do
Leave the work setup alone
Do not reformat or factory-reset the computer yourself
IT needs the device in a known state to wipe and re-image it. Resetting it yourself can break management, encryption keys, or asset tracking.
Do not uninstall company software
Leave Microsoft 365, your VPN client, your MDM agent, and your endpoint security agent installed. IT will handle them.
Do not delete company files unless IT tells you to
Even files you created may need to be retained. If unsure, ask before deleting.
Final Hand-Off
Pack it up the way IT expects
Include the charger, dongles, and any peripherals IT issued
Charger, USB-C dongle, mouse, keyboard, headset, docking station, and webcam if those came from the company. If you are not sure, ask.
Note the asset tag if your company uses them
Most company laptops have an asset tag sticker on the bottom or side. Note the number when you hand it off so the device is properly checked back in.
Confirm with IT that you are done
Ask for a quick written confirmation that the device was received and that your account access is in the right state.