How Long Do Computers Last? 10 Signs You Need a New One

How long do computers last on average?

The longevity of a computer is a key concern for users. For desktop PCs, the answer is complex because these devices offer greater ability to customize the components than laptops do. That customizability, in turn, affects how long the computer lasts. For most desktop PCs, you can expect a minimum three-year lifespan.

However, many computers survive five to eight years, depending on their condition. Maintenance is critical, as dust is very problematic for PC components. Owners should routinely upgrade software and keep the machines free from excessive dust and debris. [Related article: Can Predictive Maintenance Protect Your Business?]

Do Macs last longer than PCs?

There’s often vigorous debate as to whether Macs or Windows PCs last longer. The answer depends on the hardware and the configuration. [See our guide to Windows 10.]

Macs have a reputation for lasting longer and Apple offers a strong support and maintenance system. Microsoft has replicated Apple’s model to some degree with its Surface line and other PC manufacturers — particularly those that sell to businesses — have made efforts to offer a comprehensive experience and ensure smooth upgrades as the hardware gets older. This can alleviate the burden of support for your information technology (IT) department and the upgrade costs for your business.

Macs remain a good value, particularly for businesses, thanks to the tight integration of hardware and software and Apple’s support ecosystem.

What is the average lifespan of a laptop?

The same concerns about longevity apply to laptops. Most experts estimate a laptop’s lifespan to be three to five years. It may survive longer than that but its utility will be limited as the components become less capable of running advanced applications.

The critical metric for determining whether it’s time to replace a laptop is whether its method of use still matches up with its current computing power. Some laptops still run efficiently for longer than five years but their range of tasks may be limited.

When is it time to upgrade your computers?

Look for these 10 signs it’s time to buy new computers for your business.

1. Upgrading the hardware leads to compatibility issues.

Typically, upgrading RAM and switching to a solid-state drive are among the first steps in boosting a computer’s power. However, upgrading the motherboard or the central processing unit is where you could run into compatibility issues. You might find yourself in a situation where many or all of your computer’s components need to be replaced. The costs may be too onerous and it might be better to buy new computer hardware. Consult your IT team or, if your business is outsourcing service to a third-party vendor, ask lots of questions about the repairs and the costs.

2. The security is out of date.

If your current hardware is incompatible with newer versions of an operating system, it may be time to purchase something new. Check Windows and Mac compatibility to ensure the machines you use are eligible for updates.

Even if they are compatible, there are other security measures to consider. Are your company’s computers compatible with the business software your team needs? Are employees taking the right steps to safeguard their security, such as using strong passwords? Newer Macs and PCs use biometric security, which can give you peace of mind. If security is a concern, it may be time to purchase new machines.

3. Your computer’s fans are getting noisy.

Often, the first issue that signals an aging computer’s impending demise is the fan running loudly even when it’s not doing intensive computing tasks. If you’re running the latest version of an application or operating system, these programs could be maxing out the hardware of your older computer, causing it to run warmer than usual. This is harmful to the device.

4. It’s time for nimbler hardware.

Both desktops and laptops keep getting smaller. There are many PCs in the Windows and Mac lines that won’t require your team to lug around a behemoth of a machine. You may see a happier workforce and some productivity gains if your employees feel like they can open up their devices quickly, fire off a few tasks and move on to the next item with ease.

5. It would be cheaper to replace than to repair, such as with a lemon issue.

Repairing a device is usually a more cost-effective method than buying new hardware. However, the downtime from continual repairs also means lost money, so business owners need to think about continual support costs — as well as lost productivity — vs. the cost of replacing an old machine. You might want to turn in that lemon for good and get lemonade instead.

6. Applications take a long time to load.

Applications may take longer than usual to load on an old computer. If you’re running the latest version of a program, older hardware may not be able to keep up. Check the compatibility when installing software to ensure it works with your computer. Minimum component requirements are essential to look at, although the bare minimum may not cut it when you use certain software on the computer.

7. You have expensive hardware repairs.

Things happen: The screen cracks; the keyboard or trackpad stops working. Some simple fixes, such as getting a new mouse for a desktop, don’t take much time or money. However, some repairs may come close to or exceed the cost of a new computer, depending on the specific components being replaced. If that’s the case, you’re only prolonging the inevitable and you’re better off purchasing a new device.

8. You don’t have the newest version of the operating system.

Don’t neglect the basics when it comes to maintenance. Update Windows and Mac computers to the latest version of the operating system regularly. Each one comes with security and operational improvements, bug fixes and other tweaks intended to benefit the whole ecosystem. If your device isn’t capable of running the latest operating system, it’s time to make a switch.

9. The computer has multitasking issues.

If your computer has difficulty running two or more applications simultaneously, it might be time for a new machine. When you can’t jump quickly between open applications, it’s a signal your computer is reaching the end. A similar issue might arise when you’re switching between open tabs in a web browser.

Typically, the culprit here is insufficient RAM, especially if there are multiple memory-hogging applications in use. If a computer was once only used for web browsing but now needs to be used for editing spreadsheets or more intense programming tasks, such as web design, photo editing or graphics work, you may need a more robust machine.

10. Startup and shutdown are slow.

If your desktop or laptop takes an extraordinary amount of time to boot up or shut down, it could be an indication your computer is on its last legs. It could also be that too many applications are set to load automatically and run in the background of the operating system whenever you start your computer. Usually, this type of issue is a starting point to diagnose what’s going wrong with the machine. The simple fix might be having fewer programs auto-load in the background when you start the computer.

How much do new computers and laptops cost?

The price of a new computer or laptop can vary greatly, depending on these factors and many others:

• Included features
• Hard drive size
• Processor type
• Operating system
• Brand

However, when shopping for new desktop or laptop computers for your business, you can expect to see these general price ranges:

• Laptops: The least expensive laptops have a starting price of around $300. However, these machines typically have limited features and lower speeds. A top-of-the-line model can cost up to $3,000, but there are plenty of laptops available in the more affordable $600-to-$1,000 range that can support the features your employees need without sacrificing speed and function.
• Desktops: Desktop computers generally start around $400 for models with few bells and whistles. Top-of-the-line desktop computers can cost more than $3,500. You can likely find many options appropriate for your business that range from $600 to $1,000.

The number of computers and laptops you need to buy could also impact the price of each machine. For example, you may be able to secure bulk discounts or business-only pricing. Also consider in your budget that desktop computers require accessories, such as monitors, keyboards and mice to work, driving up your total cost if you need to upgrade those items too.

What should you do when you get a new computer?

Getting started with a new computer is not as simple as turning it on — it has to be configured with the settings your employees need to succeed. Follow these four steps before your team sits down to work with their new computer or laptop.

1. Install business software: Whether your staff needs word processing software or accounting tools, make sure your IT department installs the necessary programs and that they’re working properly.
2. Check the security features: Malware and other cybersecurity software should be installed before the new computers are distributed throughout the office. If you need to install employee monitoring software, you should do it before the old machines are decommissioned and the new ones distributed. [Check out our recommendations for the best employee monitoring software.]
3. Upload files: Once the devices are ready to go, existing files need to be transferred to the new machines. Use a cloud-based solution or an external hard drive to move files to the new computers. Be sure the old machines are properly wiped of any information — sensitive and nonsensitive alike — before they’re recycled or repurposed.
4. Customize settings: Whether you prefer a larger font, a dimmer screen or a clock that displays military time, take the time to make sure each device is set up to the user’s liking or instruct them how to customize the display themselves.

Should you leave your PC on or off?

Many people want to know if they can leave their PC on 24/7. Computers have components that will eventually wear out. Batteries have only so many recharge cycles. Liquid crystal display panels survive for a certain number of hours. For a desktop, leaving your PC running all the time may not be taxing, particularly if it’s a regularly used device, because each startup emits a surge of power to the components. 

For a machine that you use regularly, leaving it on may be best. For those who use their PC sporadically, shutting it down when they’re done with using it for a while may be better. Also consider sleep mode: This option puts the PC in a lower-power state without shutting it off completely, leaving open any apps or tabs you were using so you can pick up your work where you left off.

To upgrade or not to upgrade

Aside from your employees, your computer system is likely the most valuable asset to your business. Computers, especially at scale, are a significant financial investment. Higher-end machines can cost thousands of dollars each with a lifespan of only a few years. When possible, you should try to repair and repurpose devices, such as taking an older machine previously used for more resource-intensive tasks and finding a place for it in the business doing less intense tasks. 

While computers are a significant cost, they are also a cornerstone of employee productivity and organizational security. If it’s been a few years since you last purchased new computers — or you’re hearing from employees or your IT department about lost productivity or system incompatibility — it is time to look into replacing your computers with new devices. 

Jeremy Bender and Stella Morrison contributed to this article.