Guide
Should I Repair or Replace My Computer? A Simple Way to Decide
How to decide whether to repair, upgrade or replace a slow or broken computer, based on age, the problem, Windows 11 support and what you use it for.
Short answer: repair or upgrade when the computer is roughly five years old or newer, can run Windows 11 (or a current macOS) and the fix is a fraction of a new computer's price. Replace it when it is older than about six or seven years, cannot run a supported operating system, or would need several expensive parts. A solid-state drive and more memory revive many slow computers.
A quick decision table
| Situation | Usually |
|---|---|
| Slow, but less than five years old | Clean up and upgrade (SSD, memory) |
| Cracked screen or dead battery on a recent laptop | Repair |
| Will not start, but files matter | Recover the files first, then decide |
| Cannot run Windows 11 | Replace |
| Needs a new motherboard or several parts | Usually replace |
| Gaming or heavy work and falling behind | Upgrade the graphics card or build new |
Questions to ask first
- How old is it? Check the model and purchase date.
- What exactly is wrong? Slowness is often fixable; a failing motherboard often is not worth it.
- Is the operating system still supported? Unsupported systems are a security risk.
- What do you use it for? Email and browsing need far less than video editing or games.
Before you replace
Back up everything, then have the old computer's data moved and its drive wiped before recycling.
Not sure? We give honest repair-or-replace advice. See computer repair and PC upgrades.
Frequently asked questions
Is a solid-state drive upgrade worth it?
For computers still running a spinning hard drive, it is usually the single biggest speed boost you can buy.
How long should a computer last?
Many last five to seven years with care, and well-built desktops can last longer with upgrades.
Can you move everything to my new computer?
Yes. Files, photos, email, bookmarks and printers can all be moved so the new computer feels familiar on day one.