What to Do With an Old Laptop or Computer
Upgrade it, give it a second life, or retire it safely. We'll tell you honestly which makes sense for yours, and do whichever you choose.
Free assessment · Refurbish from $70 + drive · Linux from $30
With Windows 10 out of support, many perfectly working computers suddenly look old. Some genuinely are. Many others only need a faster drive and a fresh start, or a different operating system, to be useful for years.
Send us the make and model and how you use it. We'll tell you which of the options below makes sense, including when the honest answer is to replace it.
Your Options for an Older Computer
Make it fast again
An SSD in place of the old hard drive, more RAM, a clean install and your files moved back. The biggest speed jump most older computers will ever get.
Upgrade to Windows 11
Many computers from about 2018 onwards only need two BIOS settings turned on. Older processors can't be upgraded officially, but most can still run Windows 11 as an unsupported install.
Second life with Linux
Too old for Windows 11? A lightweight Linux such as Linux Mint keeps it fast, secure and updated for everyday browsing, email and documents.
Better Wi-Fi
A slow connection on one old computer is often its Wi-Fi card. A newer card or adapter is far cheaper than a new computer.
Pass it on safely
Selling it, donating it or giving it to family? Files moved off, accounts signed out, and the drive securely wiped first.
Recycle it
At the end of the road, wiped securely and pointed to an electronics recycling drop-off in Ottawa.
Is It Worth Upgrading an Old Laptop?
Usually yes if it still has a hard drive rather than an SSD, the body, screen and keyboard are in good shape, and the processor is from roughly the last eight years. An SSD and a fresh install can make a five-to-eight-year-old machine feel new for a fraction of the price of a replacement.
Usually no if it needs several expensive repairs at once, has soldered memory too small for what you do, or is old enough that neither Windows 11 nor a modern browser runs well on it. In that case we'll help you move to a new computer instead.
How to Safely Dispose of an Old Laptop
Deleting files or emptying the Recycle Bin doesn't remove them. Before an old laptop leaves your hands, copy off what you want to keep, sign it out of your Microsoft, Apple or Google account, and wipe the drive properly.
We do all three, then tell you where it can go: donation if it still has life in it, or an electronics recycling drop-off if it doesn't.
From First Message to Fixed
Step 1: Send the make and model
And how you use it. We check what it can be upgraded to.
Step 2: Get an honest recommendation
Upgrade, repurpose, or replace, with the cost of each option before you decide.
Step 3: We do the work
Upgrade, reinstall, Linux, or a secure wipe, with your files kept safe throughout.
What It Costs
| Assessment | Free |
| SSD upgrade + fresh OS + data migration | $70 + drive |
| RAM upgrade | $50 + memory |
| Linux installation | From $30 |
| Windows 11 compatibility check | Free |
| Secure wipe before selling or recycling | Quoted upfront |
We'll tell you before you spend anything if the computer isn't worth upgrading. See full pricing.
Old Computers FAQs
Is it worth upgrading an old laptop?
If it still has a hard drive and is otherwise in good condition, usually yes: an SSD and fresh install transform most older laptops. If it needs several repairs, or the processor is too old for current software, replacing it is the better buy, and we'll say so.
How much does it cost to refurbish a laptop?
A typical refurbish is a new SSD, a fresh operating system and your files moved over, from $70 plus the drive. Adding RAM is $50 plus the memory.
My old computer can't run Windows 11. What are my options?
Check first: many only need TPM and Secure Boot switched on. If it truly can't, most PCs can still run Windows 11 as an unsupported install (Microsoft doesn't promise updates on it), a lightweight Linux keeps it secure and updated for everyday use, or we help you move to a new computer.
Can you install ChromeOS Flex on an old laptop?
Yes, on laptops that support it. ChromeOS Flex is Google's free version of ChromeOS for older PCs and Macs. It works well for browsing and email, but not every model is certified, so we check yours first.
How do I safely get rid of an old laptop?
Copy off your files, sign it out of every account, and wipe the drive securely, because deleting files isn't enough. Then donate it if it still works, or take it to an electronics recycling drop-off. We can do all of it for you.
Not Sure What to Do With It?
Send us the make and model. We'll tell you honestly whether it's worth upgrading.