When a computer starts to misbehave, the first question is nearly always the same: is it worth fixing, or is it time for a new one? There is no single right answer, but there is a sensible way to work it out.
Start with the age
Age is the best single clue.
- Under four years old. Almost always worth repairing. The hardware is still capable, and most faults are a single failed part or a software problem.
- Four to seven years old. It depends on the fault and on what the computer was like when it was new. A good business laptop from six years ago can outlast a bargain model from two years ago.
- Over seven years old. Usually time to replace, unless the fix is cheap and your needs are light.
Then look at the fault
Some problems are cheap to fix and make a big difference:
- A slow computer with an old-style hard drive. Swapping the drive for a solid state drive (SSD) is the best value upgrade there is. Start-up times drop from minutes to seconds.
- Not enough memory. If the machine has 4 GB, going to 8 GB or 16 GB is inexpensive on models where the memory can be changed.
- A worn-out laptop battery or charger. Simple to replace on most models.
- Software trouble. Viruses, a cluttered start-up, or a damaged Windows installation cost time to fix, not parts.
Other problems are expensive, and on an older machine they usually tip the balance toward replacing it:
- A failed main board
- A cracked screen on a budget laptop
- Liquid damage
- Several faults at the same time
The half-price rule
A useful rule of thumb: if the repair costs more than half the price of a comparable new computer, replace it. Below that, a repair is usually the better deal, as long as the machine will still do what you need afterwards.
Check whether it can run a supported system
This one catches people out. Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 in October 2025, which means no more security updates for most users. Many older computers cannot run Windows 11 because of its hardware requirements.
A computer that cannot get security updates should not be used for banking, email or anything with a password. If your machine is stuck on an unsupported system, that is a strong reason to replace it, even if it still runs well.
Think about what you use it for
A ten-year-old desktop that is only used to type letters and print them may have years left in it. A five-year-old laptop that struggles with video calls every working day is costing you more in lost time than a replacement would.
Whatever you decide, save your files first
Before any repair, and certainly before a replacement, make sure your documents, photos and email are backed up. A failing computer can stop for good without warning. If it will not start at all, the files can often still be recovered from the drive, so do not throw it away.
The short version
- Under four years old: repair.
- Over seven: replace, unless the fix is trivial.
- In between: compare the repair cost with half the price of a new one.
- If it cannot run a supported operating system, replace it.
- Back up first, every time.