Depending on the severity of your problem, it can take the Geek Squad anywhere between a few days to a few weeks to fully repair a damaged computer.
I’m a long time tech user who has plenty of experience working with and fixing laptops. My personal time spent with the machines, in addition to extra research on the Geek Squad service, allowed me to write the following sections.
In this guide, I break down the time it takes for the Geek Squad to repair a computer by looking at their policy, process, and then comparing it to similar services.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- Most Geek Squad repairs take a couple of days, with longer or more involved fixes lasting a month or more.
- Geek Squad repairs fluctuate depending on the severity of the damage, as well as if they need to order the necessary parts for the fix.
- Local stores tend to be faster than Geek Squad, but they aren’t always as affordable or as reliable.
Understanding the Geek Squad
Laptops are reliable devices, but they do break every now and then. Though some damages are worse than others, repairing the machines is always a huge pain. That’s why so many users turn to a third party for that process.
There are a range of ways to repair a damaged laptop, but one of the most common is the Geek Squad. The entity, which works through Best Buy, is a solid service that handles all types of computer repair and issues.
Total Tech members, or those having general laptop issues, can bring their computer in to be fixed. Geek Squad handles anything from broken screens and virus removal to computers that frequently crash or laptops that won’t turn on. However, their specialty is repairs.
They do a great job of patching up physical damage, and they handle component replacements as well. All of that comes to a flat fee of $84.95 plus the cost of the parts. That’s not the cheapest repairs around, but it’s hard to beat the convenience.
Not only that, but Geek Squad’s versatility makes them well equipped to handle just about any issue you might have. It just may take a little bit longer than many users would like.
Geek Squad’s Turnaround Time
Having a broken or damaged laptop is incredibly frustrating. Even so, every repair is different. Some issues might get resolved in a few hours with simple tools, while something large like a damaged hard drive or broken screen might be a much more involved process.
That’s important to know because there’s no set time for Geek Squad to repair a laptop. As with any repair service, the return time depends on your location, the parts needed, as well as the severity of the damage. The more hurt your machine is, the longer it will take to get back to you.
For smaller fixes, it takes Geek Squad a few days to patch up your computer. Even if said fix only requires a few hours of work, the service is typically busy filling orders. In fact, it’s not uncommon for a machine to sit in the queue for quite some time.
In addition, that time may increase greatly if your computer needs additional parts. Laptop repair is much quicker if the machine is able to be patched up in store. If it needs something extra or can’t be repaired with what’s on hand, the entire process becomes delayed.
In that case, it can take a few weeks for you to get your computer back from Best Buy. Geek Squad is good at what they do, and the service is almost always pristine, but do know that it may be almost (or over) a month until you see your computer if it has serious damage.
If they are unable to repair your computer, they may also issue you store credit or simply replace the machine.
Local, DIY, and Geek Squad Repairs
When repairing a laptop, time is always of the essence. You want your machine back as soon as you can get it, but you also need to make sure it’s properly restored.
Geek Squad’s timing is a bit longer than what you might expect from a local repair shop, and it’s certainly longer than if you repaired your computer yourself. However, both of those alternatives come with their own risks.
Repairing on your own is tricky, and local stores are largely hit or miss. Best Buy might not be lightning fast on the turnaround, but it’s the easiest and takes the most amount of work out of your hands.
FAQs
The following section both covers and answers a few of the most common questions related to laptop repair.
Can Geek Squad wipe my computer?
Yes. While it’s not the typical use for the service, they will wipe your hard drive if it’s something that you’re not capable of doing yourself. Just schedule an appointment, bring your computer in, and they’ll take care of it for a small fee.
How Much Should I Spend on Laptop Repair?
When it comes to repairing your laptop, there’s no one set price. You can expect to pay anywhere between $100 and $300, but that can go up or down depending on if you repair it yourself, hire a professional, and the severity of the issue.
Is It Cheaper to Repair or Replace a Laptop?
It is almost always more affordable to repair a laptop than replace it entirely. New models, even more cost-effective ones, can be quite expensive. Unless your computer is extremely damaged or harmed beyond repair, you’ll save money by getting it fixed.
Final Words
Geek Squad repairs can be quick, but they can drag on as well. While the service offers a big name, good deals, and a lot of reliability, there is a time cost to using them. Know that when fixing your computer, and go with whatever best suits your needs.
Have you used the Geek Squad? What was your experience? Let us know in the comments below!
