Everything You Can Do to Keep an Old Computer Running

While Windows gives you the choice of keeping your personal files when you reset the OS, for the best results (on both macOS and Windows) you need a complete wipe. You’re going to need to take all your files and applications off the disk, then put them back on afterwards. With this in mind, make sure they’re somewhere safe while you’re doing the reset: The OneDrive and iCloud services built into Microsoft and macOS can be used for this, but you can choose whichever backup method you prefer.

On Windows, head to Settings from the Start menu, then choose Windows Update, Advanced Options, Recovery, and Reset this PC.

On macOS, open the Apple menu, then pick System Settings, General, Transfer or Reset, and Erase All Content and Settings.

Install Linux

Maybe you can move away from Windows and macOS entirely: Linux, for the uninitiated, is a free and open source desktop operating system that comes in a wide variety of flavors known as distros. While Linux lacks some of the polish and power of the platforms developed by Microsoft and Apple, it’s lightweight and straightforward to use.

In other words, certain Linux distros will run just fine on older computers that are making Windows and macOS slow to a crawl—and you’ve got a whole host of these distros to choose from. You’ll find plenty of lists and comparisons online, but the likes of Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Zorin are all great for getting started.

Alternatively, turn your Windows or macOS computer into a Chromebook with ChromeOS Flex from Google (which is actually based on Linux too). It’s simple to download and install, and while you’ll only be able to use a browser and web apps on your newly refreshed device, nowadays that’s all that a lot of people actually need.

Repurpose Your Computer

Plex can serve up media content to all of your devices.

Courtesy of Plex

Your computer can still be useful—and be saved from the recycling center—even if it isn’t actually a computer anymore. You can repurpose a desktop or laptop to take on a different role that isn’t quite so demanding, so it’s able to enjoy something like a well-earned retirement.

One option is to use your computer as a server, which means it simply stores media files and serves them up to the other devices on your home network. The Plex software suite is just about the best option available for this—all of its core features are free to use, and it’s easy to configure. After setting up your computer as a Plex server, you can install the free Plex app on your phone, tablet, Roku, or Apple TV and stream your music and movies around your house.

You can also use an old computer as a security camera, if it has a webcam attached. iSpy is the program you need for this, and it’ll let you record footage to the old computer’s hard drive as well as log in to the feed from wherever you are.

Depending on where your computer is and what it’s connected to, it can also work as a basic media player. It doesn’t take much processing power to stream Netflix or Disney+, and perhaps you could use an HDMI cable to hook it up to an older television that doesn’t have smart apps already installed.