So you may not have the money to buy a new computer right now. What can you do instead? Replace Windows with another operating system, and ideally one that will continue to receive security updates. This will require some technical skills on your part, but don’t worry: it’s mostly a matter of following the instructions.
Option 3: Turn your PC into a Chromebook
Have you ever used a Chromebook? It’s just a laptop that can only run Google’s Chrome browser. Such devices tend to perform well despite generally lower-quality components, so they are especially useful for an older laptop. In recent years, Google released ChromeOS Flex, which allows you to install ChromeOS on your own device. Chances are it might work on your old computer.
There are downsides here. If you use a particular Windows software, you won’t be able to use it in ChromeOS. You will only be able to run web applications loaded in the browser. If you primarily use the Chrome web browser, chances are you won’t miss Windows at all.
If you’re curious, WIRED has a handy ChromeOS Flex guide and Google has instructions for home installation. Basically, you need to check if your laptop is supported, place the operating system on a flash drive, and then boot from the flash drive. Note that installing a new operating system will delete everything currently on your computer, so be sure to back up your photos and documents before doing so.
Option 4: Adopt Linux
ChromeOS is easy to use, but not everyone can live their entire life in a browser window. If you want to replace Windows with a more feature-rich operating system, it’s time to turn to Linux. It’s a completely free alternative to Windows, and it tends to work better on devices older than Windows.
Linux has a reputation for being picky, and depending on which version of Linux you decide to use, it really can be. But there are versions of Linux that consider ease of use a flagship feature. Linux Mint is a solid starting point for most people and has excellent step-by-step instructions for getting started. As with ChromeOS, you will need to download the operating system, load it onto a flash drive, then boot from the flash drive and finally install the operating system (which will delete everything currently on your computer).
If all this is overwhelming, there’s an easier way: ask all your friends if any of them are Linux users. If so, offer to buy them a 12-pack in exchange for your help setting up Linux – I promise it will get done. They can also teach you the basics and show you how to navigate your new system.
Because there will be an adjustment. We are talking about a completely new operating system. If you want to get a few more years out of your computer, Linux is probably your best choice, even if it involves a bit of a learning curve.
Updated: October 14, 12 p.m. This story, originally published in May 2025, has been updated to reflect the official end of support for Windows 10.
