Puget Sound Laptop Drive
This campaign has ended. Thank you for helping us secure 1766 donations, that will be donated to families and students.
Program Overview
The COVID-19 crisis has resulted in the closure of schools, with approximately 17% of students in the Puget Sound area without access to a PC at home and not able to participate in remote learning!
You can help make a difference by donating unwanted Windows laptops (and tablets) in working condition to the Puget Sound Laptop Drive through May 9th, between 10:00am-2:00pm daily. The drop off site is located outside of the Microsoft Conference Center (Building 33) located at 16070 NE 35th Way in Redmond, Washington
Microsoft is doing the refurbishment, which includes sterilization and sanitization, a secure data wipe so the data cannot be recovered, and re-imaging. Any Windows laptop/tablet manufactured in the past 7 or so years should work, as long as they are in working condition. Please see the FAQ below for more details.
Every donated device helps someone-in-need!
Frequently Asked Questions
Donated Devices
Q: What is the minimum device configuration that can be donated?
A: The minimum system configuration for device donations is 4 GB memory, 64 GB storage, and an Intel i3 or AMD A6 processor. Ideally, the device power adapters are provided as well. To look up the system information on the donated device, download the Determining System Specs & Removal of Data (PDF) document.
Q: What types of devices can be donated?
A: Windows laptops and tablets.
Q: Why can’t we donate desktop computers?
A: By not including desktop computers, we have more time to refurbish devices, reduce the number of devices that can’t be refurbished because of missing parts, and increase the overall effectiveness of this program. Including desktop computers would require each to have a monitor, keyboard, mouse, cables, and power adapters. Additionally, cleaning the internal components of each desktop computer would significantly increase the refurbishment time and effort.
Q: Why are Surface RT devices not included in this laptop drive?
A: We are only accepting devices that support Windows 10.
Q: Why aren’t you accepting iOS and Chrome devices?
A: We aren’t accepting iOS and Chrome donations because we will only be refurbishing devices with a Windows image. We encourage you to donate these devices to other organizations.
Q: Can I get a tax deduction for the donation?
A: A donation receipt will be placed in your trunk when your donated device(s) are retrieved. You are encouraged to speak to your tax accountant for advice on what can be considered for a tax deduction.
Q: Do you want working laptops/tablets only?
A: Yes.
Q: Can I donate a laptop/tablet that is in working condition, but requires an external mouse?
A: Yes, as long as it meets the minimum specs work. If you have a used mouse you can donate with it, that would be great.
Q: Are you interested in laptops if I don’t have power adapters?
A: Yes, but if you’re able to find the missing power adapter, that would be great.
Q: I have a laptop that meets all the requirements, but it has a version of Linux installed on it. Can this laptop be donated
A: Yes. If the machine used to run Windows and it meets the minimum specs, then we can use it.
Q: It looks like the battery has died on my laptop and it won’t hold a charge. Is it still OK to donate it?
A: Yes, but if you can donate it with the power adapter, that would be great.
Q: Should we deactivate the Windows license prior to donating a device?
A: It’s totally up to you if you want to deactivate the Windows license prior to donating. All donated laptops/tablets will go through a secure data wipe and then have Windows 10 re-imaged on the device.
Donors
Q: Can I solicit and gather devices from my friends, family, and neighbors for donation?
A: Absolutely, we encourage it! (download the email as a PDF). As well, feel free to post your own message to your Puget Sound friends & family on your social media network.
Q: What if other companies and people want to donate and deliver devices to the Microsoft drop-off location?
A: It would be greatly appreciated!
Q: Can someone else deliver my donated laptops to the Microsoft location?
A: Yes.
Drop-Off of Donated Devices
Q: What are the dates, times, and location for me to drop off my donated devices at the Redmond campus?
A: April 18-May 9, 2020 | 10am–2pm daily
Microsoft Building 33
16070 NE 36th Way
Redmond, WA 98052
Q: Is the drop-off process going to be safe?
A: Yes, your safety is our top priority. Please place your donated devices and power adapters in the trunk of your car. When you arrive, stay in your car, and unlock the trunk. Your donated devices and power adapters will be retrieved, placed in individual boxes, and a donation receipt will be left in your trunk.
Refurbishment of Donated Devices
Q: Can we refurbish the device(s) ourselves?
A: When Microsoft receives your donated devices, Microsoft will completely wipe all of the data, re-image the device, and sterilize and sanitize the device before it’s distributed to those in need. However, you should feel free to reset your device and delete your data if you’d like. To find out how to do this, download the Determining System Specs & Removal of Data (PDF) document.
Q: Will data on my donated devices be completely wiped and unrecoverable?
A: Yes. Your donated devices will undergo a process that will completely wipe all data, so it is 100% unrecoverable. For more information on the process, review the SDelete documentation.
Recipients of Donated Devices
Q: Can the laptops being donated be designated to specific public academic organizations?
A: No. Microsoft Philanthropies and Microsoft Education will identify education and community-based organizations to prioritize the recipients.
Q: How will Microsoft decide which schools will receive the donated devices?
A: We are currently creating the criteria that will ensure the maximum number of students and others in need receive devices.
Q: What if I know of organizations that have students and others in need?
A: Thank you, but we have an internal team connected to the community and will identify and prioritize organizations with those in need.
Other Questions
Q: What if I have additional questions?
A: Email [email protected].
