Buying a new computer costs a lot, so the real question is whether you can make your current machine reliable and safe again without spending too much.
The signs below fall into three groups: the computer is no longer supported, it is physically failing, or it cannot do your work. The first is the most serious because no repair fixes it.
It No Longer Receives Security Updates
A computer that stops getting security updates is a risk every time it’s online. On Windows, regular support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025. Microsoft sells Extended Security Updates for eligible Windows 10 PCs, and as of September, 2026, its own page says coverage runs through October 12, 2027, with security fixes only and no technical support. If Microsoft’s PC Health Check app says your PC cannot run Windows 11, that paid program is a bridge, not a long-term plan.
The same question applies to other systems. Apple stops offering hardware service for Macs that it discontinued more than seven years ago. Older Macs also eventually stop receiving the newest version of macOS, so check which versions yours can run.
Chromebooks have a printed Auto Update Expiration date on Google’s Auto Update policy page. Our guide to how long a computer should last explains these dates in detail.
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The Battery or Hardware Is Failing
A swollen battery is a safety issue, not just a nuisance. If the case bulges or the trackpad is pushed up from underneath, stop using and charging the computer and have it serviced. Other signs of real hardware trouble include repeated blue screens or unexpected restarts, drive errors, a machine that overheats and shuts down even after you clean the vents, a cracked hinge, and ports that no longer charge or connect.
A battery that no longer holds a charge is not automatically a reason to replace the computer. A new battery is often far cheaper, and Apple offers battery-only repairs on Mac laptops for up to 10 years after it stopped selling them, subject to parts availability.
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It Cannot Keep Up With Your Work
Slowness alone does not prove a computer is finished. Restart it, open only the apps you normally use, then check Task Manager on Windows or Activity Monitor on a Mac.
If memory or disk usage sits near its limit, a RAM or SSD upgrade may fix the problem, and our guide to upgrading an old computer explains what to check first.
Our guide to keeping your computer running smoothly covers software problems, such as having too many startup apps.
If the processor is the bottleneck, or the machine cannot be upgraded, replacement is the honest answer. The same goes for work that has outgrown the machine, such as current video-call software, large spreadsheets, or photo and video editing.
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Repair or Replace: A Simple Way to Decide
Get a repair price, then compare it with the price of a comparable replacement. A common rule of thumb is that a repair costing about half of a comparable new machine signals it’s time to replace, especially if the computer is also several years old.
Repairs that usually make sense are a battery, a storage drive, or extra RAM on a machine that still receives security updates. Repairs that are hard to justify are a failed motherboard or a cracked screen on an older machine, and any major repair on a machine that has already lost software support.
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Before You Retire the Old Computer
Back up everything first, following the 3-2-1 rule that CISA recommends: three copies, on two types of storage, with one off-site. Open a few backed-up files to confirm they work. Then sign out of accounts and deauthorize any software licenses tied to the machine.
To wipe it, go to Settings, System, Recovery. Reset this PC with the Remove everything option on Windows 11. Recent Macs have Erase All Content and Settings in System Settings.
For recycling, Best Buy accepts laptops and desktops from residents, with daily limits per household that vary by item and by store, and it charges a fee for monitors, so check its current rules before you go.
Many manufacturers and city e-waste programs also accept old computers, and you can also donate a machine that still works well after you wipe it.
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Choosing What Comes Next
When you are ready to buy, start with our guide to choosing the right computer for your needs. If budget is tight, read whether refurbished computers are worth buying and when the best time to buy a computer falls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth upgrading parts instead of buying new?
It depends on whether the computer is still supported. If a machine still receives security updates but has a spinning hard drive, an SSD is usually the most worthwhile upgrade.
If a machine has lost support or needs a new processor, spend your money on a replacement.
Can I recycle my old computer for free?
Often, yes. Best Buy accepts laptops and desktops from residents at no charge, with limits per household per day, while monitors carry a fee. Other options include municipal e-waste drop-offs and manufacturer take-back programs. Wipe the drive before you hand it over.
Should I back up my data before replacing my computer?
Yes. Keep a copy on an external drive and a copy in cloud storage, and open a few files from each to confirm they work before you wipe anything.
How long should a computer last?
There is no fixed number. A computer lasts as long as it keeps receiving security updates, its battery still works, and it can do your tasks. See our guide on how long a computer should last for the support dates that matter.
What should I do if my laptop battery is swollen?
Stop using and charging the laptop, do not press on or puncture the battery, and take it to the manufacturer, an authorized repair shop, or an e-waste facility that handles lithium batteries.
