15-step used laptop checklist

Print it or open it on your phone when you go to buy. All 15 steps take 20–30 minutes and avoid most of the ways a used laptop can disappoint you.

1. 1. Body and hingesInspect the case, hinges and screws for signs of opening, and the corners for dents. The hinge should be firm and the lid should open with one hand without wobbling.
2. 2. ScreenRun the dead pixel test: dead pixels, bleed, tint, lines. Look from an angle to confirm it is really IPS.
3. 3. KeyboardRun the keyboard tester: press every key, try the backlight, listen for odd-sounding keys.
4. 4. TouchpadRun the touchpad test: cover the whole surface, left and right click, two-finger scroll. Any dead corner is a fault.
5. 5. Speakers and headphone jackRun the speaker test for each side, then plug in headphones and repeat.
6. 6. Webcam and microphoneRun the webcam test and the microphone test. Do not skip this: a dead mic is very common.
7. 7. PortsPlug a USB stick into every port, connect HDMI to a monitor if possible, try the card reader and the Ethernet port.
8. 8. Wi-Fi and BluetoothConnect to Wi-Fi, open a website, turn on Bluetooth and find your phone.
9. 9. BatteryRun the battery check: read the level, unplug for 15 minutes and watch the drain. Run Battery Report for wear.
10. 10. ChargerPlug in the charger: does the laptop charge, does the brick get unusually hot, is the cable frayed?
11. 11. Storage driveOpen CrystalDiskInfo and read Health, power-on hours and power-on count. Caution or Bad means do not buy.
12. 12. CPU and temperaturesOpen many YouTube tabs or run Cinebench for 5 minutes while watching temperatures and fan noise. Above 95 °C or a rattling fan is a problem.
13. 13. RAM and specsUse system info and Task Manager to confirm RAM, CPU and storage match the listing. Check free RAM slots if you plan to upgrade.
14. 14. Windows licenceGo to Settings → Activation to confirm Windows is activated and no unknown Microsoft account is still signed in.
15. 15. Paperwork and warrantyAsk about warranty length, return conditions and the invoice. Photograph the serial number.

What to do when you find a fault

• Minor, acceptable faults: one dead pixel in a corner, battery wear under 20%, light scratches. Use them to negotiate.
• Walk-away faults: drive health Caution or Bad, lines or tint on the screen, several dead keys, very high temperatures with a noisy fan, any sign of liquid damage.
• Always ask for at least 3 months of warranty on a used laptop and get it in writing.