How much does a computer repair cost? A price guide

“How much is this going to cost me?” That's the first question, and it's a fair one. Yet few repairers display clear prices. Here is an honest guide to what you can expect — and how to spot an over-inflated quote.

Why prices are so vague in this trade

Because “a computer repair” means nothing on its own: behind the phrase you'll find anything from a 30-minute software clean-up to a screen replacement or a complex data recovery. Two “slow” PCs can have two completely different causes — and two completely different prices.

Hence the importance of the preliminary diagnosis: without it, any price quoted over the phone is at best an estimate, at worst bait.

What really makes the bill vary

• Labour: the actual time spent. A software clean-up has nothing in common with a full teardown.
• Parts: an SSD, a battery or a screen has a hardware cost that adds to the labour. It should always be itemised.
• Travel: a home visit, dropping the machine off at the workshop or a remote session — each option has its own rate.
• Complexity and urgency: a data recovery or a motherboard fault takes more time and equipment.

Price ranges by type of job

Here are realistic orders of magnitude for an independent repairer (excluding the big chains, which are often more expensive). The figures below match my own practice in Le Cannet and the surrounding area:

• Diagnosis: free. You know what's wrong and how much it costs before committing to anything.
• Optimisation / slow PC (thorough software clean-up): from €50, usually €50–80.
• Virus / malware removal: from €50 for a standard case.
• SSD installation: €60 labour + the SSD (~€40 for 250 GB, ~€70 for 500 GB, ~€110 for 1 TB), cloning included.
• Data recovery: diagnosis from €60, total depending on complexity — and with me, you only pay if it succeeds.
• Charging port / small laptop repair: often €80–150 including the part.
• Laptop screen replacement: €250–450 including the part depending on the model (more for high-end screens).
• Remote support (software issues): from €30, no travel.
• Setup / configuration (new PC, printer, email, Wi-Fi): from €50.

Repair or replace: the simple rule

The common-sense rule: if the cost of the repair exceeds 50 to 60% of the value of an equivalent new or refurbished machine, replacing is often the better choice. But beware of false certainties.

A PC that's “too old” at 6–8 years and grinding to a halt sometimes just needs an SSD (€60 + the part) to run happily for another 4–5 years. Conversely, a broken laptop screen at €400 on a 2017 entry-level machine generally isn't worth it. An honest diagnosis should tell you plainly when not to repair.

The traps that inflate the bill

• The automatic “reinstall package”. Reinstalling Windows is rarely necessary and often loses your data. It's the easy way out, not the right one.
• Fake technical support. A “Microsoft, call this number” pop-up that leads to a €300–500 bill: that's a scam, never a genuine repair.
• The “compulsory” paid antivirus. You're sold a €60–100/year licence you don't need in 9 cases out of 10.
• Non-itemised parts. A proper invoice always separates labour and parts.
• The verbal quote. Insist on a firm figure before the work begins.

How I work

To clear up exactly this vagueness, I work in a simple way: free diagnosis, a firm quote before any work, payment only after a successful repair, and a 3-month warranty. If I can't fix it, you pay nothing. You stay in control at every step.