One of the hardest tech questions isn’t how to fix a computer — it’s whether it’s even worth fixing at all.

Age matters, but not in the way most people think. Some older computers are perfectly usable. Others should have been retired years ago.

Here’s a simple way to decide.

First: Age Alone Doesn’t Decide

A computer’s birthday isn’t the real issue. What matters is whether it can still:

• Receive security updates
• Run current software reliably
• Keep your data safe

An 8-year-old system can be fine.

A 4-year-old system can already be obsolete.

The Biggest Deal-Breaker: Updates

If your computer can no longer receive operating system updates, it’s officially on borrowed time.

Examples:

• Older PCs that can’t run Windows 11
• Macs that no longer receive macOS security updates

No updates means:

• Known security holes stay open
• Browsers and apps slowly stop working
• Online banking and shopping become riskier

At that point, replacement is usually the smart move.

Performance Red Flags That Matter

Slow doesn’t always mean “replace,” but these signs do:

• Takes several minutes to boot
• Freezes during simple tasks
• Fans constantly running at full speed
• Storage is always almost full
• Updates fail or never finish

If multiple issues show up together, repairs often cost more (in time and frustration) than they’re worth.

When an Upgrade 

Is

 Worth It

Sometimes a small upgrade buys you years.

Upgrades that often help:

• Replacing a hard drive with an SSD
• Adding memory (RAM), if supported
• Cleaning up storage and startup programs

If the system still gets updates and runs reliably afterward, upgrading can be a great value.

When Replacement Is the Better Choice

Replacement usually makes sense when:

• The system no longer gets security updates
• Repairs approach half the cost of a new computer
• Performance issues affect daily use
• Compatibility problems keep increasing

At that point, you’re not “being wasteful” — you’re avoiding future problems.

A Practical Rule of Thumb

• Under 5 years old: Usually worth fixing or upgrading
• 5–7 years old: Depends heavily on updates and performance
• 8+ years old: Often time to plan a replacement

There are exceptions — but this guideline works surprisingly well.

Before You Decide, Get the Facts

Most people replace computers based on frustration, not information.

A quick check of:

• Update eligibility
• Storage health
• Performance bottlenecks

can make the decision much clearer — and sometimes save you money.