Bought an outdated laptop gathering mud in a closet or tucked below a desk? You’re not alone. Many individuals maintain on to getting old desktops and laptops, both as backup machines or as a result of they nonetheless run “simply high-quality.” However right here’s the catch: if that PC is now not receiving Home windows updates, it might be a safety threat, even when it appears completely useful. Janet from East Wakefield, NH, lately wrote to us about this very dilemma:
“We have to replace our laptop as a consequence of Home windows 11 not operating on our older laptop. We have now two older computer systems, one we’re upgrading and the second I want to proceed to make use of every so often. Do I run the danger of incursions into my software program since I’ll now not get safety upgrades? Any recommendation on what I ought to take away (ie, finance information.)? Additionally, any recommendation for the older tower? Runs completely with stable state SSD. We’re loath to place it into the recycling bin.”
The excellent news is you don’t should toss it simply but. With a number of good steps, you should use it safely or remodel it into one thing fully new and helpful. Let’s take a look at how one can breathe new life into your outdated laptop.
JOIN THE FREE CYBERGUY REPORT: GET MY EXPERT TECH TIPS, CRITICAL SECURITY ALERTS, AND EXCLUSIVE DEALS — PLUS INSTANT ACCESS TO MY FREE ULTIMATE SCAM SURVIVAL GUIDE WHEN YOU SIGN UP!
Why utilizing an unsupported PC may be dangerous
Initially, as soon as Microsoft stops supporting your model of Home windows, your PC now not receives safety patches, bug fixes, up to date drivers, or browser help. Even when the system nonetheless runs easily, it turns into extra weak to cyber threats like malware, ransomware, phishing assaults and information theft. An outdated working system is like an unlocked door. Hackers and malicious software program typically goal these programs particularly due to their weaknesses. If you happen to plan to maintain utilizing an older laptop, particularly with web entry, it’s time to replace your working system.
BEST ANTIVIRUS FOR PCS — CYBERGUY PICKS 2025
The way to defend your outdated PC for infrequent use
If you happen to nonetheless plan to make use of your PC often, you’ll be able to reduce the dangers with these easy however efficient steps:
1. Use it offline solely: The best strategy to keep safe is to maintain your outdated PC off the web fully. You possibly can nonetheless use it for:
- Phrase processing
- Organizing archives or images
- Inventive tasks
- Offline video games or journaling
With out web entry, you take away most exterior threats.
2. Take away all delicate information: Even in the event you’re solely utilizing your laptop for fundamental duties, it’s vital to wash any private or monetary info from the system. That features:
- Tax paperwork
- Financial institution statements
- Saved passwords
- Information with Social Safety numbers
- Scanned IDs or authorized paperwork
One efficient strategy to securely wipe all private recordsdata without delay is to make use of the built-in Home windows reset choice, discovered below Settings > System > Restoration. This may take away your recordsdata and restore the system to a clear state. For step-by-step directions, try Microsoft’s information to resetting your PC.
As soon as your outdated PC is wiped, it’s good to strengthen the safety of your energetic gadgets. Activate two-factor authentication (2FA) in your accounts and use a password supervisor to maintain your credentials secure and arranged. Get extra particulars about my finest expert-reviewed Password Managers of 2025 right here.
3. Disable browsers (or use a safer different): If you happen to want occasional web entry, keep away from utilizing outdated browsers like outdated variations of Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. As an alternative, attempt privacy-focused different browsers. Or higher but? Disable browsers altogether and connect with the online on a more moderen, supported gadget.
4. Set up sturdy antivirus software program that helps legacy programs: Even an offline PC may be uncovered through USB drives or transferred recordsdata. The easiest way to safeguard your self from malicious hyperlinks that set up malware, probably accessing your non-public info, is to have sturdy antivirus software program put in on all of your gadgets. This safety also can warn you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, preserving your private info and digital property secure. Earlier than putting in antivirus software program, be certain your older laptop meets the minimal system necessities. Verify for supported working system (OS) model, RAM, and processor structure (32-bit or 64-bit). Most suppliers listing these on their web site. Get my picks for one of the best 2025 antivirus safety winners in your Home windows, Mac, Android and iOS gadgets
5. Maintain vital recordsdata on exterior storage: Keep away from saving delicate recordsdata instantly on the outdated PC. As an alternative:
This retains your information moveable, protected and off the getting old {hardware}. That means, your recordsdata are secure even when the outdated laptop fails, and you may entry them from newer gadgets anytime.
WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?
TRANSFERRING DATA FROM AN OLD LAPTOP TO A NEW ONE
What about older Macs?
Whereas this information focuses on Home windows PCs, lots of the identical ideas apply to older Macs, particularly in case your system is caught on unsupported macOS variations like Excessive Sierra or Mojave. The easiest way to remain secure is to restrict web use, take away delicate information, use supported browsers and set up dependable antivirus software program.
That mentioned, older Macs have a number of distinctive concerns:
- Restricted improve paths: Apple restricts OS upgrades to sure {hardware}. You could be locked into an older system except you put in a customized macOS patcher or swap to Linux.
- Tighter integration with Apple companies: You should definitely absolutely signal out of iCloud and disable Discover My Mac earlier than wiping or repurposing.
- Fewer repurposing choices: Whereas some Macs make nice writing machines or media facilities, they’re more durable to customise or reconfigure than tower PCs as a result of most Apple {hardware} isn’t designed for self-upgrades. Elements like reminiscence or storage are sometimes sealed, soldered or require particular instruments to entry.
WHAT HACKERS CAN LEARN ABOUT YOU FROM A DATA BROKER FILE
Prepared for a second life? Right here’s repurpose it
If the system nonetheless has a working tower, particularly an SSD (Strong-State Drive), which supplies quick storage and environment friendly efficiency, it might be excellent for a contemporary, low-cost makeover.
Possibility 1: Set up Linux for a safe, contemporary working system
Linux is a free, quick, and safe different to Home windows that works particularly effectively on older computer systems. It’s nonetheless actively supported and nice for fundamental duties like looking the online, checking emails, enhancing paperwork, streaming movies and even studying to code. You don’t should be a tech knowledgeable to put in it, as most variations include simple, step-by-step installers.
Listed here are some beginner-friendly Linux variations (referred to as “distributions” or “distros”):
- Linux Mint — Designed to really feel acquainted to Home windows customers, with a easy, conventional desktop and plenty of built-in assist.
- Ubuntu — Some of the common Linux variations, identified for its massive help group and in depth on-line guides, making it simple to search out assist in the event you get caught.
- Zorin OS — Affords a elegant, fashionable look that resembles Home windows or macOS, making it perfect for informal customers or anybody switching from these programs. It even helps you run some Home windows packages and supplies a really user-friendly expertise.
For instance, Zorin OS permits you to select a desktop format that appears like Home windows, so that you don’t should relearn every part. Ubuntu is legendary for its reliability and the massive variety of tutorials out there on-line, which is useful in the event you’re new to Linux.
And sure, you actually can set up these your self, even in the event you’ve by no means tried Linux earlier than. This newbie’s information to putting in Linux Mint walks you thru the whole course of.
Possibility 2: Flip it into a house server or backup station
Your outdated PC can grow to be the spine of your private home community. A couple of artistic makes use of:
- Media middle — Stream content material to your TV
- Photograph/video archive — Retailer backups and manage household reminiscences
- Native file backup server — Save copies of vital recordsdata from different gadgets at residence
- Print or file server — Share printers or storage throughout gadgets
This retains your outdated machine helpful while not having each day interplay.
Possibility 3: Promoting your PC
Earlier than you eliminate your outdated PC, contemplate whether or not promoting or recycling is one of the best match for you. Each choices are eco-friendly and may be rewarding if carried out proper. Right here’s deal with your PC responsibly:
- Again up and wipe information: Save your vital recordsdata to an exterior drive or cloud storage. Then, use safe data-erasing software program to fully wipe your PC, guaranteeing your private info is unrecoverable.
- Take away accounts and reset: Sign off of all accounts, deactivate software program licenses and carry out a manufacturing facility reset so the subsequent proprietor begins contemporary.
- Promoting your PC: In case your PC is in good situation, contemplate promoting it by way of respected platforms equivalent to Amazon Commerce-In, eBay, or native electronics shops. These choices can put money or present playing cards in your pocket. All the time be cautious of scams, use safe cost strategies and keep away from sharing pointless private particulars.
Possibility 4: Donate or responsibly upcycle
If you happen to’re carried out with it, let another person profit:
- Colleges, nonprofits and senior facilities typically settle for working gadgets.
- Purchase Nothing or Freecycle teams may help you discover a native taker.
- Some e-waste facilities refurbish outdated PCs for households in want.
You should definitely wipe the onerous drive earlier than donating. Think about using a information erasure device or disk-wiping software program to securely erase the whole onerous drive. Nevertheless, all the time again up any vital recordsdata earlier than wiping your drive. All the time, affirm that you’re concentrating on the proper storage gadget in the course of the course of to keep away from unintended information loss. If you happen to’re unable to securely erase delicate supplies out of your onerous drive, contemplate eradicating the drive earlier than donation and recycling it individually.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
BEST DESKTOP COMPUTERS FOR 2025
Easy upgrades that may prolong its life even additional
If you happen to’re preserving the machine and need to get probably the most out of it, a number of fundamental {hardware} upgrades can go a great distance, even on an older system. These are budget-friendly fixes that may considerably enhance pace, stability and longevity.
1. Add extra RAM: In case your system has 4GB or much less, upgrading to eight GB+ can considerably enhance multitasking and responsiveness, particularly with Linux. Search for your PC’s mannequin quantity on the producer’s web site to search out appropriate reminiscence. Many desktops (and a few laptops) allow you to improve RAM by merely opening the case and inserting the brand new reminiscence sticks into out there slots.
2. Improve to an SSD: If you happen to’re nonetheless utilizing a standard onerous drive, switching to a solid-state drive can dramatically cut back boot occasions and make your PC really feel model new. For many older machines, search for SSDs labeled “2.5-inch SATA”, that are probably the most broadly appropriate and simple to put in. Some newer programs help quicker NVMe SSDs, which join on to the motherboard. Verify your PC mannequin or open the case to see which kind your system helps. You should definitely again up your recordsdata, then both reinstall the working system manually or clone your present drive earlier than changing it.
3. Clear out the mud and refresh thermal paste: Older desktops are likely to overheat, which might sluggish issues down or trigger random shutdowns. Open up the case and:
- Use compressed air to wash followers and vents
- Take into account changing the thermal paste on the CPU if it’s been a number of years
4. Swap out the battery or energy provide: In case your laptop computer battery now not holds a cost, or in case your desktop randomly shuts off, contemplate changing the battery or energy provide unit.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Simply because a pc is outdated doesn’t imply it’s ineffective. Whether or not you’re turning it right into a writing station, a media server, or giving Linux a attempt, your outdated PC can nonetheless be a helpful device. The secret’s safety. Unsupported programs may be dangerous if used on-line, however with a number of precautions or by repurposing them fully, you’ll be able to maintain your information secure and prolong the machine’s life in significant methods.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Have you ever repurposed an outdated PC? We’d love to listen to what you’re doing along with your older tech. Tell us by writing us atCyberguy.com/Contact
For extra of my tech suggestions and safety alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Publication by heading to Cyberguy.com/Publication
Ask Kurt a query or tell us what tales you’d like us to cowl.
Observe Kurt on his social channels:
Solutions to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:
New from Kurt:
Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
{content material}
Supply: {feed_title}
