Quick Answer
The refurbished HP EliteBook 840 G8 works well for everyday office tasks. It has a metal body, enough performance for browsing and Excel, and parts that are easy to upgrade. Check the BIOS and the screen type before you buy. It is not a good choice if you need heavy video editing or gaming performance.
What You’re Actually Buying
The HP EliteBook 840 G8 was released in 2021 for business use. Companies typically lease laptops like this for three years. When the lease ends, the laptop is refurbished and resold. This lease cycle is the reason the price is lower than a new laptop with similar specs.
Here is what the laptop includes:
| Part | Options |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1135G7, i5-1145G7, i7-1165G7, or i7-1185G7 |
| RAM | 8GB to 64GB, DDR4 |
| Storage | 128GB to 2TB NVMe SSD |
| Display | 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) |
| Ports | 2x Thunderbolt 4, 2x USB-A, HDMI, headphone jack |
It is a business laptop built for regular use over several years, now sold at a lower price because its original lease has ended.
Is the Performance Fast Enough?
Yes, for standard office work. The EliteBook 840 G8 handles browsing, email, video calls, and spreadsheets without issues.
HP designed this laptop to run quietly rather than at maximum speed. During long, heavy tasks such as video rendering, the fan stays at a low speed and the processor slows down to stay cool and quiet.
In testing, the multi-core Cinebench score is around 4,690. This is adequate for daily tasks. It is not enough for long video exports or large coding projects.
How Long Does the Battery Last?
A new EliteBook 840 G8 lasts 7 to 9 hours under light use. A used unit usually holds 70% to 90% of that capacity, depending on how many charge cycles it has been through.
The battery is inexpensive and easy to replace. It is held in place with screws rather than adhesive, so no special tools are required.
What Is the BIOS Lock Risk?
A locked BIOS is the main risk when buying this laptop used. If the previous owner or seller did not fully reset it, the laptop may ask for a password that you do not have.
This usually happens because the EliteBook 840 G8 was originally sold to businesses. Company IT departments often lock the BIOS to control settings like boot order and security features. When the laptop is decommissioned and resold, that lock is supposed to be cleared as part of the reset process. Sometimes it is missed.
This password cannot be removed by the buyer. Removing the battery does not clear it. There is no reset option. HP’s only official fix is replacing the motherboard, which usually costs more than the laptop itself.
This is different from a forgotten Windows password, which can be fixed with a reinstall. A BIOS lock affects the hardware itself, before Windows even starts.
To check for this issue:
- Turn the laptop on.
- Press Esc, then F10, immediately.
- If it asks for a password you do not have, stop using the laptop and return it.
Checking this within the first few days matters. Most retailers, including us, only guarantee returns within a set window after delivery. If a BIOS lock is found after that window closes, it becomes much harder to resolve.
We check BIOS access on every EliteBook before it ships, so this issue should not reach you in the first place.
Why Do Some Screens Look Dim or Washed Out?
Some EliteBook 840 G8 units include a privacy screen called HP Sure View. It is designed to prevent people from viewing your screen from an angle, which is useful on a train or in a shared office.
Even with the privacy mode turned off, this screen appears dimmer and less colorful than a standard screen, particularly when viewed from the side.
| Screen Type | Brightness | Best For |
| Standard IPS | 250 nits | General use |
| Low Power IPS | 400 nits | Best all-around option |
| Sure View Reflect | 1000 nits | Privacy in public spaces |
If screen privacy is not a requirement, ask which panel type is included before buying.
Can You Upgrade the RAM and Storage?
Yes. The EliteBook 840 G8 supports up to 64GB of RAM across two memory slots. The storage drive is a standard NVMe SSD, so it can be replaced with a larger or faster one.
The bottom cover is held on by five screws that stay attached to the cover, so they cannot be lost. Once it is removed, the RAM, storage, battery, and fan are all directly accessible.
If you plan to run Linux, most components work without extra setup. The fingerprint reader is the one part that does not work reliably with Linux.
The Bottom Line
The refurbished HP EliteBook 840 G8 is a reliable option for office work, browsing, and video calls. It is not suited for heavy tasks like video editing or gaming. Before buying, check the BIOS and confirm the screen type.
Ready to upgrade your work setup? Browse Tech Bazaar’s range of refurbished laptops today, with UK-based service and every device tested before it ships.
FAQs
Is the HP EliteBook 840 G8 still good in 2026?
Yes, for office work, browsing, and video calls. It is not designed for heavy tasks like video editing or gaming.
How do I know if a used EliteBook has a locked BIOS?
Turn it on, then press Esc followed by F10 immediately. If it asks for a password you do not have, the BIOS is locked.
Why do businesses lock the BIOS on these laptops?
Company IT departments lock the BIOS to control settings like boot order and security. This lock should be cleared before resale, but it is sometimes missed.
How long does the battery last on a refurbished unit?
A new unit lasts 7 to 9 hours. A used unit typically holds 70% to 90% of that, depending on prior use.
Is it good for gaming or video editing?
No. It handles light tasks well but slows down during long, heavy workloads like gaming or video rendering.
