How-To
5 Ways to Repurpose your Windows 10 System
As the end of life (EOL) for Windows 11 approaches, we will be faced with a surge in Windows 10 PCs and laptops that don't support it. Many of these will end up on resale sites, such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, or given away by users and companies that no longer need these "obsolete" devices.
I see this as an excellent opportunity to utilize these devices for other business and personal purposes, as there are numerous creative and practical ways to extend their usefulness and prevent them from being thrown away, gathering dust, or ending up in a landfill.
Here are five ways to reuse these devices.
Use It as a Linux Device
One of the first things that occurred to me was to install Linux on these devices. Linux can be used for both business and personal purposes. There is a wide range of free Linux distributions that are ideally suited for older hardware not supported by Windows 11.
Ubuntu, Fedora, and SUSE are among the most popular general-purpose Linux distributions. They provide a responsive desktop experience even on PCs with limited hardware, while other distributions have been released to address specific needs; Mint and Zorin are designed to resemble the look and feel of Windows. For older systems, consider MX, as it was designed to run on systems with limited hardware resources.
By installing Linux, you can transform your old PC or laptop into a versatile device capable of handling everyday tasks such as web browsing, media consumption, and office work. Although Microsoft Office will not run natively on Linux, LibreOffice is a widely regarded application that provides word processing, presentation, and spreadsheet functionality for Linux users.
Run ChromeOS Flex
Those who enjoy the Chromebook experience can replicate it by running ChromeOS Flex or one of its derivatives on older x64 PC's or laptops.
Developed by Google, this is a x64 version of ChromeOS that is lightweight, fast, and optimized for simplicity. By running ChromeOS Flex, your PC becomes suitable for browsing, streaming videos, and working with cloud-based applications, such as Google Workspace. I have written a few different articles on ChromeOS Flex including this one.
FydeOS is another free operating system that provides a Chromebook-like experience for x64 devices, offering a few benefits over Chrome OS Flex.
Install a Thin-Client OS
Many companies are taking the end of Windows 10 as an opportunity to migrate from physical desktops to virtual desktops. Some of the major players in Windows 11 virtual desktops include AWS Workspaces, Azure Virtual Desktops, VMware Horizon, and Citrix. But smaller players such as Dizzion, Parallels, Apporto, and Workspot also provide virtual desktops.
Users will need to access their virtual desktops, and older PCs can be repurposed as thin clients by using specialized operating systems, such as IGEL OS, Stratodesk's NoTouch OS, or 10ZiG.
Thin-client OS solutions are lightweight, speedy, and consume fewer resources, ensuring compatibility with devices that have aging hardware. Companies can utilize older, obsolete PCs while transitioning to a virtual desktop environment to run thin-client OSes to access their virtual desktops, thereby minimizing the associated costs while transforming to a virtual desktop environment.
Convert It into a Media Server
You can also repurpose your old PC into a home media server. Using software like Plex or Jellyfin, you can create a hub for storing and streaming your movies, music, and TV shows.
Plex is the best-known home media server. It features a polished interface and allows you to stream your media collections across multiple devices. However, it recently changed its pricing structure, which has upset some members of its community, forcing them to explore other options for streaming media. The option that seems to be getting the most notice is Jellyfin, an entirely open-source alternative for those who prefer a free and more customizable media server. Kodi is another option that is gaining a lot of attention, and you may want to consider it when deciding which media server software to use.
By dedicating your old PC to this purpose, you not only gain an organized media library but also reduce your reliance on external streaming services.
Two issues that may hinder running a media server from an older system are the inability to transcode media and a lack of storage. Adding external USB storage drives or configuring the server for remote file access can further expand a device's storage capabilities; however, transcoding can require a significant amount of CPU and/or GPU cycles, so not all older systems may be suitable for use as media servers.
Recycle It Responsibly
If none of the above options suit your needs, recycling your PC responsibly may be your only choice. Many manufacturers, big-box stores, and organizations offer e-waste recycling programs, where your device can be processed safely, ensuring that harmful components don't end up polluting the environment. Some programs even refurbish or donate usable parts to charitable organizations, giving your old PC a second life in the hands of someone who needs it. Before recycling, ensure that you wipe or destroy your hard drive securely to protect your data.
Final Thoughts
An older PC that doesn't support Windows 11 doesn't have to be a liability. With options like Linux, ChromeOS Flex, thin-client OS solutions, media server setups, and recycling, you can turn a seemingly outdated device into a valuable resource for yourself, your company, or someone else. Embrace this opportunity to experiment with these options, and you may find that your aging hardware still has much to offer to you or others.
About the Author
Tom Fenton has a wealth of hands-on IT experience gained over the past 30 years in a variety of technologies, with the past 20 years focusing on virtualization and storage. He previously worked as a Technical Marketing Manager for ControlUp. He also previously worked at VMware in Staff and Senior level positions. He has also worked as a Senior Validation Engineer with The Taneja Group, where he headed the Validation Service Lab and was instrumental in starting up its vSphere Virtual Volumes practice. He's on X @vDoppler.