I currently own a old laptop that actually was never connected to the internet and never used, its still brand new.
If wiNd0ws is installed by default your computer will probably try to connect to internet first time you turn it on, so you need to disable wifi, bluetooth and detach any wired connection.
Best thing would be to install fresh new linux operating system with encrypted hard drive to make it much more safer.
My question is, how would you go about keeping my bitcoin offline, but connect the wallet a few times to the internet to check to make sure my wallet works as intended?
Cold storage means that you never get direct internet connection, and you can communicate with other devices for signing transaction using QR codes.
Moment you connect laptop to internet it is not considered cold storage any more.
One option you could still use this laptop with internet connection in combination with Tails OS, but you are booting with usb stick that had Tails image installed.
