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

How long do computers last on average?

The lifespan of a computer varies, and desktops and laptops don’t age in quite the same way. Desktops usually hold up longer because you can swap out parts, while laptops offer fewer upgrade options. Most business machines last at least three years, and Gartner notes that many companies replace them within three to five years to stay in step with support cycles and security needs.

That said, plenty of computers keep going well past the three- to five-year mark. With regular care, some can stay in great shape for five to eight years. In fact, according to IDC research, businesses that manage upgrades and repairs centrally often save money and extend the life of their machines. Simple habits — like installing updates and keeping dust out of fans — make a difference, and many companies now rely on predictive maintenance tools to catch problems early instead of paying for major fixes later.

Do Macs last longer than PCs?

There’s plenty of debate about whether Macs outlast Windows PCs, but the answer really depends on the hardware and configuration.

Macs have a reputation for greater longevity, helped by Apple’s strong support ecosystem. Most models receive macOS updates for around six years after launch, with security updates continuing for several years after each major version reaches end of life. Tools like Endoflife.date’s macOS tracker make it easy to see which versions are still supported. 

Microsoft has taken a similar approach with its Surface line, and many PC makers now follow a B2B model by building in longer support and easier upgrade paths for business buyers. This kind of service lightens the load on IT teams and helps companies control replacement costs.

Because Apple designs both its hardware and software, Macs are tightly integrated and often hold their value longer. Still, the better option comes down to your business needs. PCs may have shorter support timelines, but their flexibility and compatibility with Windows-only programs can make them the smarter choice in some workplaces.

What is the average lifespan of a laptop?

Laptops face the same longevity concerns as desktops, though they tend to wear out a little sooner because they’re less customizable. Industry research from IDC and Gartner (cited above) puts the typical laptop lifespan at three to five years. Some models last longer, but older components often struggle to keep up with today’s applications.

The key question isn’t just age, it’s whether the laptop can still handle the work you need it to do. A machine might run reliably past the five-year mark, but its usefulness narrows if it can’t support newer software or multitasking demands.

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.

Simple upgrades, like adding more RAM or swapping in a solid-state drive (SSD), can give an older computer new life. According to Backblaze’s SSD Drive Stats, SSDs now have failure rates under 1 percent, and HP notes they’re faster and more durable than traditional hard drives.

RAM upgrades can also help. Moving to DDR4 memory often boosts speed, efficiency and multitasking. But once you get into bigger changes, such as replacing the motherboard or central processing unit (CPU), you may hit compatibility roadblocks. At that point, upgrading one component often means replacing several others, which quickly drives up costs. In many cases, buying new hardware makes more sense.

If you’re unsure, talk it through with your IT team. And if you use an IT managed service provider, don’t hesitate to ask detailed questions about repair costs versus replacement costs.

2. The security is out of date.

It’s a big red flag if your hardware can’t run the latest operating system. Unsupported machines will be left out of critical security updates, leaving your business exposed to network security threats. Check Microsoft’s Windows lifecycle page and Apple’s macOS compatibility list to confirm whether your devices are still eligible for updates.

It’s worth stepping back to look at your overall security habits, too. Day to day, even small steps — like strong passwords and multifactor authentication — can make a big difference. And if you’re working on newer Macs or PCs, you may already have built-in biometric tools, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, that add another layer of protection without extra effort.

If your current setup can’t meet these standards, upgrading may be the safest — and most cost-effective — move.

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. Running modern apps on older hardware can make a computer run hotter and noisier, with the fan kicking in more often. Too much heat over time can wear down components and even cause the system to crash unexpectedly.

4. It’s time for nimbler hardware.

Computers keep getting smaller, lighter and faster. Today’s desktops and secure business laptops are designed to deliver more power in a compact form factor, so your team doesn’t need to haul around bulky machines. Upgrading to slimmer, quicker devices can boost productivity, helping employees log in faster, handle tasks on the go and move through their workload with less friction.

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

Repairing a device is often less expensive than buying new hardware. But when repairs become frequent, the downtime and lost productivity can cost your business more than a replacement.

The IDC report cited earlier found that organizations can cut lifecycle costs by 37 percent, saving about $873 per PC through efficient fleet management and timely upgrades. At a certain point, it may be wiser to retire a “lemon” device and invest in new equipment that won’t keep draining your budget.

6. Applications take a long time to load.

If your computer struggles to open programs, the hardware may simply be too old to keep up with modern business software. Running the latest versions of applications on outdated machines often leads to sluggish performance. Always check compatibility requirements before installing new programs, especially as vendors like Microsoft phase out support for older systems.

7. You have expensive hardware repairs.

Accidents and wear and tear happen — screens crack, keyboards fail and trackpads wear out. Some fixes are simple and inexpensive, like replacing a mouse, but bigger repairs can rival the cost of a new computer. If that’s the case, replacing the device is often more practical than sinking money into a short-term fix.

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 struggles to run more than one program at a time, it could be nearing the end of its useful life. Difficulty switching between applications — or even browser tabs — is often a sign that the hardware can’t keep up.

In most cases, the problem comes down to limited RAM. Memory-hungry programs like spreadsheets, web design tools or photo editing software quickly overwhelm older systems. Upgrading to DDR4 RAM can help, but if your computer is too old to support it, replacement is usually the smarter move.

10. Startup and shutdown are slow.

If your computer takes an unusually long time to boot up or shut down, it may be showing its age. Sometimes the cause is simple, such as there are too many programs set to launch automatically and run in the background. Turning off unnecessary startup apps can help, but persistent delays often point to deeper hardware issues and may be a sign it’s time to move on.

Checklist: Should you repair or replace your device?

When you’re weighing whether to repair or replace older computers, it helps to walk through a few key checks. Use this list to make the decision easier:

• Confirm OS support: Check your device’s update status using Microsoft’s Windows lifecycle FAQ and Apple’s current macOS compatibility page.
• Review upgrade potential: Consider whether moving to an SSD or upgrading to DDR4 RAM would deliver meaningful improvements in speed and reliability.
• Weigh total costs: Compare the expense of ongoing repairs, downtime and upgrades against replacement. IDC’s cost savings information can be helpful here.
• Factor in market trends: Review Gartner’s IT spending insights to account for refresh cycles, budget planning and the effects of inflation.
• Rely on vendor resources: Use official materials such as Dell’s upgrade guides, Microsoft’s upgrade policies and Apple’s OS compatibility pages for the latest best practices.
• Plan for secure disposal: If it’s time to replace your device, follow NIST guidelines when retiring old devices to ensure data is wiped properly and disposal is handled securely.

How much do new computers and laptops cost?

The price of a new computer or laptop varies widely depending on features like hard drive size, processor type, operating system and brand. Here’s what you can expect in general:

• Laptops: Entry-level business laptops often start in the $300 to $600 range, though these models usually come with limited features. Midrange options, which many businesses choose for everyday work, typically run $600 to $1,200. Premium or performance laptops can cost $1,200 to $3,500 or more, depending on features. If you’re buying laptops for your business, it’s worth weighing both upfront costs and the long-term value of durability, speed and support.
• Desktops: Basic desktops begin at around $400 to $600. Solid midrange systems usually fall in the $600 to $1,200 range, while high-end or workstation-class desktops can exceed $3,500.

Keep in mind that the number of machines you purchase can affect the price, as bulk discounts or business-only pricing may apply. Also, remember that desktops typically require accessories like monitors, keyboards and mice, which can add to your total cost if you need to upgrade them too.

What should you do when you get a new computer?

Setting up a new computer involves more than just powering it on; it needs to be configured so employees can get to work right away. Here are four key steps to cover before putting new machines into use:

• Install business software: Make sure all required programs — from word processing apps to the best accounting software — are installed and tested by your IT team.
• Check security features: Install malware protection, firewalls and other cybersecurity tools before rolling out devices. If your company uses employee monitoring software, add it during the transition from the old machines.
• Upload files: Transfer existing files using a cloud storage solution or an external hard drive. Before decommissioning old computers, be sure they’re wiped clean of both sensitive and nonsensitive data.
• Customize settings: Adjust preferences such as font size, display brightness or time format so employees can start working comfortably.

Should you leave your PC on or off?

It’s a common question: Is it better to leave your computer running all the time or shut it down when you’re done? The answer depends on how you use it.

For desktops you use every day, leaving the machine on isn’t usually harmful. In fact, frequent startups can cause small power surges that put stress on components. On the other hand, if you only use your PC occasionally, shutting it down when you’re finished is often the smarter move.

Sleep mode offers a middle ground. It keeps your computer in a low-power state while preserving open apps and tabs, so you can quickly resume work without a full reboot.

To upgrade or not to upgrade

Beyond your employees, your computer system is likely your business’s most valuable asset. Computers represent a major financial investment; higher-end machines can cost thousands of dollars, yet their usable lifespan may be only a few years.

Whenever possible, look for ways to extend that investment. Older devices can sometimes be repurposed for less demanding tasks, freeing newer machines for resource-intensive work. But there comes a point when holding onto outdated technology hurts more than it helps.

If it’s been several years since your last upgrade, or your IT team and employees are reporting lost productivity or compatibility issues, it may be time to replace your systems. New machines not only improve performance but also strengthen security and give your staff the tools they need to do their jobs effectively.

Jeremy Bender and Stella Morrison contributed to this article.