Don't let Microsoft 'kill' your Windows 10 PC!

The final days of Windows 10 are approaching , but that doesn't mean your PC has to go with it. There are plenty of options if you want to extend the life of your PC.

1. Proceed with Third Party Support

Some companies, like 0patch, have said they will release standalone security patches for Windows 10 after support for the operating system ends. If this is true, you can continue using Windows 10 without security updates from Microsoft, although you will have to pay for it in the form of a different subscription.

Of course, this option relies on outside companies investing time, money, and resources into developing security patches for Windows 10. We don't know what the update schedule will be like, or whether any unpatched bugs will be addressed with the same urgency as Microsoft has fixed them. But with Microsoft abandoning Windows 10 altogether, this is pretty much your only option if you want to keep using it.

Using an operating system without future security patches is fine on a computer that never connects to the Internet, but this approach is not practical for commercial use or even personal use unless you are running tests in a lab.

2. Force install Windows 11

The next logical option is to upgrade to Windows 11. If you have a PC that meets the strict Windows 11 hardware requirements, you can use the new operating system. But what if you don't have the necessary hardware, especially a TPM 2.0-compatible processor?

The answer is simple: You still have to install Windows 11.

There are ways to bypass Windows 11's hardware requirements . However, with Microsoft refusing to loosen the hardware requirements and continually closing loopholes that allow Windows 11 to be installed in any other way, there's no telling when this will remain a viable option. Another option is to use Tiny11, a stripped-down version of Windows 11 that doesn't require any bloatware or additional hardware requirements.

Even if you install and run Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, the road ahead isn't easy. Unsupported PCs likely won't receive future Windows updates from Microsoft, including any security updates needed to keep your PC safe.

This leaves you in the same situation as if you were continuing to use Windows 10 – missing security updates. However, the workarounds mentioned above can also be used to install updates on your Windows 11 system. It's a hassle, but it's much cheaper than trashing your perfectly working computer or selling it for cheap.

3. Install Linux

If you don't mind switching from Windows, installing Linux on your old PC is one of the best ways to recycle an old computer. Linux distributions also tend to be lighter than Windows, so your PC will be easier to run the new operating system.

However, with dozens of options to choose from, choosing the right Linux distribution can be confusing. There are at least 10 lightweight Linux distributions you can install on your old PC to get started, but even a standard distribution like Ubuntu , Arch Linux , or Linux Mint can work just fine if you've previously run Windows 10 without issue.

And if you're worried that Linux is too complicated, don't worry. Modern Linux distributions have great, customizable graphical interfaces and system tools that will make you feel right at home. In fact, there are even some features that Windows could learn from Linux .

Switching to Linux can be beneficial if you're willing to give it a try. The operating system has come a long way from its command-line origins and is now a worthy alternative to Windows, especially if you're looking to revive your old PC from the dead.

4. Use as a NAS or media server

Last but not least, there are other uses for your computer if it's no longer your everyday essential. If you've upgraded to a new Windows 11-powered computer, you can turn your old computer into a home NAS or media server with just a few quick setups.

Running your own NAS server frees you from relying on a cloud provider like Google Drive and gives you significantly more storage. Think of it as your own private cloud storage. It can hold as much data as you want, and if you're worried about security, you now have complete control over your data.

Setting up a system isn't too difficult either. Free NAS solutions like OpenMediaVault, TrueNAS Core, and Unraid are great options for DIY NAS systems.

You can also turn your old computer into a Plex Media Server , which acts as a hub for streaming services and any locally stored content you might have. It's easy to set up Plex like a pro , so you'll be up and running in no time.

Microsoft có thể buộc bạn phải chia tay Windows 10 bằng cách ngừng hỗ trợ hệ điều hành này, nhưng bạn không cần phải từ bỏ phần cứng của mình ngay bây giờ. Tùy thuộc vào việc bạn muốn gắn bó với Windows 10 hay chuyển sang hệ điều hành khác, có những tùy chọn giúp bạn cứu chiếc PC cũ của mình khỏi việc bị vứt vào thùng rác.

Kareem Winters

Update 26 May 2025