Ex-UK Laptop Checklist: What to Test Before You Pay

A good Ex-UK laptop can deliver years of service at a fraction of the original price. A poor one can fail within weeks. A careful 15-minute inspection makes a big difference.

1. Check the specifications

Open Settings, then System, then About, and confirm that the processor, RAM and storage match the listing. Press Windows and R, then type dxdiag to see graphics information.

2. Check the processor generation

Intel chips are named with a number showing generation. For example, an i5-8350U is 8th Gen and an i5-1135G7 is 11th Gen. For most Windows 11 systems, 8th Gen or newer is the official minimum. Microsoft ended regular support for Windows 10 in October 2025, so older hardware has real limits.

3. Run a battery report

Open Command Prompt and type: powercfg /batteryreport. Open the file it creates and compare design capacity to full charge capacity. A big gap means a worn battery. Replacing a battery is possible, but add that cost to the price.

4. Inspect the screen

Display solid white, black, red and blue images to reveal dead pixels, discolouration and pressure marks. On touch screens, draw across every area.

5. Test the keyboard and trackpad

Use a free keyboard test website or open a notepad and try every key. Worn keys are common on business laptops. Test both trackpad buttons.

6. Test every port

Plug in a USB device, HDMI cable, headphones and charger. Try any USB-C port for charging and display if the model supports it. A faulty port can be costly to fix.

7. Check for BIOS and company locks

Enter the BIOS at startup and confirm that there is no password. Look for corporate management such as Intel vPro or an enrolled work account. During Windows setup, a laptop that insists on logging into an organisation may be enrolled in a company's system. Ask the seller to resolve this before you pay.

8. Check storage health

Free utilities such as CrystalDiskInfo show drive health. A drive reporting caution or bad status should be replaced. Make sure the laptop has an SSD, not a hard drive.

9. Test Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, camera and microphone

Join a Wi-Fi network, pair a Bluetooth device and make a test video call. Webcam and microphone faults often go unnoticed until your first meeting.

10. Listen for the fans

Run a demanding video or stress test for some minutes. Loud grinding noise or heavy throttling suggests that the laptop needs servicing.

11. Examine the hinges and body

Open and close the screen slowly. Cracks near the hinge are a warning. Look for bulges in the base or trackpad, which can mean a swollen battery. Stop using a laptop that shows this.

12. Confirm the charger and warranty

Make sure the right charger is included. Read the listing's warranty, and keep your receipt. Our warranty guide explains what to expect.

For specific models, read the HP EliteBook, ThinkPad, and Dell Latitude guides.