Can computer repair shops steal your data? If your hard drive is not encrypted (Bitlocker for Windows, Filevault for macOS), or if the drive is encrypted, and you have given the repair shop your password, then yes, they can access your data. Once accessed, it can be copied.

Cost of repair: If the repair cost is more than half the cost of a new machine, it's probably not worth fixing. Warranty: If your machine is still under warranty, it may be worth repairing as the parts and labor will likely be covered.

On average, computer repairs can range anywhere from a few hours to 2-3 weeks – factors such as scheduling or part availability can make repairs take longer. Thankfully, there are services you can consider that can speed up the process.