What are some key steps to take for someone selling a Microsoft Surface?

There are many things to look for when selling a Microsoft Surface. There are several different Microsoft Surface models:

• Surface RT
• Surface Pro (Generations 2 - 7)
• Surface Studio (more of a desktop computer with a touchscreen)

Screens and Housings and Batteries, Oh My!

The overall condition of the Surface can make the buyback pricing vary by quite a bit, depending on the amount of damage, if applicable. Repairs can be expensive or very affordable. The type and model of the Surface Pro can dramatically impact repair complexity and scope.

The screen may need to be replaced. Certain screen models for the Surface Pro are worth hundreds of dollars. The Surface Pro is also not a very easy or repairable device; the glass and LCD are fused. Depending on the model, there could be two different types of LCD‘s that the device uses, and the price of that particular device screens vary quite a bit.

The housings on the Surface Pro series cannot be replaced very easily. If there are some major dents or scratches, this would detract severely from the overall physical condition of the device, and necessitate a complicated replacement procedure.

There are a lot of variables that go on the grading the Surface Pro. If it is mis-graded, then the resale of the device and the buyback of the device price can be greatly affected. There are not many repair shops out there who properly repair Microsoft Surface Pro devices. We recommend this repair company.

In addition to screen and housing issues, battery quality varies by a lot and if a poor quality battery is used, it can render the device unusable and overall a dead device.

Prepping a Surface Pro for Sale

There are a few steps you should take when you do plan to sell your Surface Pro as well. If you have a Surface pen that goes along with the Surface Pro, make sure that the batteries are fresh and have recently been replaced. Most use AAA batteries.

Makes make sure that any data you have stored on the Surface Pro has been backed up using Microsoft cloud services or an external thumb drive or any other backup service that supports the Surface Pro data structure. Make sure that you are signed out of all your Microsoft accounts and any additional accounts and that you fully reset the device to factory specifications by going into the general settings and erasing the device.

Erase a Microsoft Surface

Once you’ve backed everything up, it’s time to wipe the device.

1. Right-click the Start button.
2. Click Settings.
3. Click Update & security.
4. Click Recovery.
5. Click Get started.
6. Click Remove everything.
7. Click Remove files and clean the drive.
8. Click Reset.

Deregister your Microsoft Surface

If you've registered your Surface with Microsoft, make sure you deregister it before selling it.

1. Navigate to the Microsoft account website.
2. Click See all next to Devices. You might have to scroll down a bit to find it.
3. Click the dropdown arrow next to More actions in the section with your Surface device.
4. Click Remove tablet.
5. Click the checkbox next to I'm ready to remove this device.
6. Click Remove.

Finally, Clean Your Surface Pro!

Take the time to physically clean your device. This will help ensure that the company that you are selling the device will give you the maximum value for it. Using a rag, spray some isoPropyl alcohol on it and fully wipe down the entire device and all the nooks and crannies and any accessories as well.

Clean the keyboard attachment and the back flat, making sure that there’s no dirt or grime in any of the crevices.

You’re now ready to send off your device and will get maximum value for your Surface Pro from your buyback service that you select.