Windows 10 support has ended, but that does not mean every older PC needs to be replaced.
Microsoft stopped providing free security updates, feature updates, and technical support for most Windows 10 users on Oct. 14, 2025. Those computers will still work, but using them without updates can increase security risks, especially for browsing, email, online accounts, or work.
Here are the products to consider before replacing an older Windows 10 PC.
ChromeOS Flex USB Kit: Best for reviving unsupported Windows 10 laptops
ChromeOS Flex is one of the easiest ways to reuse an old Windows 10 PC after Microsoft ended support for the operating system.
Google recently partnered with refurbished electronics marketplace Back Market to launch a $3 USB kit that helps users install ChromeOS Flex without creating their own installer. The kit includes setup guides and video tutorials aimed at less technical users.
ChromeOS Flex works best for people who mostly use a browser, email, streaming services, and cloud-based productivity tools. Much of the workload happens in the browser, so older laptops can feel noticeably faster and easier to manage than they did under Windows 10. Google also said the project is part of a broader sustainability effort focused on reducing e-waste and extending the lifespan of existing hardware.
Samsung T7 Portable SSD: Best for speeding up slow, older PCs
Samsung’s T7 Portable SSD addresses one of the biggest reasons older laptops feel outdated: slow storage. Many PCs still rely on traditional hard drives, which can make startup times, apps, and file transfers feel sluggish during everyday use.
The T7 offers read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s, which can help older systems feel more responsive. Tasks like opening programs, transferring files, or booting into Windows can become noticeably faster after switching to SSD storage.
The portable SSD also works across PCs, phones, and tablets, allowing users to continue using it even if they eventually replace their laptop.
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Crucial DDR4 Laptop Memory: Best for affordable multitasking upgrade
Many older Windows 10 laptops shipped with only 4GB or 8GB of RAM. That may not be enough for modern workloads, especially with browser tabs, video calls, streaming, and office apps running at the same time.
Crucial’s DDR4 laptop memory upgrades are designed to improve responsiveness without requiring users to replace their entire PC. More memory can help older laptops handle multitasking more smoothly, particularly for people who spend most of their day working in browsers or cloud apps.
Compared with buying a new computer, upgrading RAM is also one of the more affordable ways to extend the usable life of an aging laptop.
Linux Mint: Best free Windows 10 alternative for older PCs
Linux Mint does not keep Windows 10 running. Instead, it gives older PCs another operating system to run after Windows 10 support ends.
The operating system is free and designed to work well on older hardware. Linux Mint also has a familiar desktop layout, which can make the transition easier for former Windows users. For systems with fewer resources, the lighter Xfce version is designed to run more smoothly on aging laptops and desktops.
For many users, Linux Mint can still handle everyday tasks like web browsing, email, streaming, document editing, video calls, and cloud-based work without needing newer hardware. It also supports apps like Firefox, LibreOffice, Spotify, Steam, and other common desktop tools out of the box.
Bottom line: Old PCs still have options after Windows 10
Windows 10’s end of support is not a hardware death sentence. Many older laptops and desktops can still handle everyday tasks, but they may need a lighter operating system, faster storage, or more memory to stay useful.
The best option depends on how the computer is used. ChromeOS Flex and Linux Mint make sense for users ready to move away from Windows, while SSDs and RAM upgrades are better for those who want to improve the PC they already have.
For more ways to respond now that Windows 10 support has ended, see our guide to six user options, from Windows 11 to Linux and ChromeOS Flex.
