We all love our laptops, but they don’t last forever. That’s why it can be tricky to know when it should be time to retire your laptop and buy a new one. There isn’t an easy cutoff date where we can say, “this laptop is now old.” But we can help you figure this out.
A laptop is considered old when it reaches the point where you can’t do what you used to be able to do with it. If a laptop gets too slow, outdated, or doesn’t support the latest operating system updates, it’s probably time to get a new one.
As a rule of thumb, Laptops are generally considered to be old after 5 years, but this is just an estimate. As with most tech products, there are lots of different variables that might change when your laptop is considered “old”.
It’s hard to know exactly when that is, so in this article, we’ll outline the signs to look for when it’s time to replace your laptop and more!
How Do You Know if Your Laptop Is Old?
Laptops are just like any other tech product; they have a shelf life. After a certain number of years, parts start to wear out, performance drops, and eventually, you’ll be shopping for a new one.
But how can you tell when it’s time to start looking for a replacement?
A laptop that’s getting old will show these symptoms.
Your Laptop Is Running Slower Than It Used To
If you constantly wait for your laptop to catch up with you, it might be time to consider a new one.
As your laptop ages, it may begin to slow down and perform poorly. This can be caused by wear and tear on the components as they age.
The first sign of aging is that the computer takes longer to start up or shut down, or applications take forever to load.
You Can’t Run the Latest Software or Games
If you’re a gamer or need to run the latest software for work, you know your laptop is old when it can’t handle the newest games or software.
Newer software and games require more powerful hardware, so if your laptop can’t keep up or you experience frequent crashes, it’s time to upgrade.
You might not be able to run the latest version of Windows on an old laptop, either. Microsoft regularly releases new versions of Windows, and each one requires more powerful hardware.
Your Laptop Is Getting Too Hot
One of the most common signs that your laptop is getting old is that it starts to overheat. This is usually caused by dust and dirt buildup on the fan and heat sink, which prevents proper cooling.
You may notice that your laptop feels warm to the touch or even hot when running. The fan may also start making more noise as it tries to cool the system down.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to clean your laptop to see if that helps. If not, it may be time to start shopping for a new one.
Your Laptop’s Battery Drains Too Quickly
Another way to tell if your laptop is old is its battery life. Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time, so an aging battery won’t be able to hold a charge as long as it used to.
If you find yourself constantly plugged into an outlet, your battery isn’t holding a charge like it used to and might need a replacement altogether.
So, it may be time for a new laptop if you can’t get through a workday or a gaming session without being plugged in.
Your Laptop Has Hardware Problems
Finally, you know your laptop is old when it starts having hardware problems. This could be anything from a loose hinge to a faulty keyboard.
Hardware problems can also include the screen flickering or going dark, the computer freezing or crashing, or the battery not charging.
This can also include physical damage, such as cracked plastic or faulty buttons on the keyboard, the trackpad not working, etc.
How Long Does an Average Laptop Last?
Regarding laptops, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how long they last. But it’s no secret that laptops don’t last forever.
Depending on the make and model and how you use it, your laptop could last anywhere from two to five years (or more).
But that doesn’t mean you have to start shopping for a new one as soon as your current one shows signs of age.
What To Do To Make an Old Laptop Last Longer
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, then your laptop may be starting to show its age. However, that doesn’t mean it’s time to start shopping for a new one.
Of course, eventually, you will need to replace your old laptop with a new one. But you can do a few things to ensure you get the most out of your current machine before making the switch.
- Clean your laptop’s internal components, such as the fans and vents.
- Switch to an SSD if your laptop has the support.
- Replace the thermal paste of your processor.
- Install more RAM if your laptop supports it.
- Do a clean Windows Installation on your laptop.
Conclusion
There is no definitive answer to when a laptop is considered old. It depends on the make and model of the laptop, as well as how well it has been maintained.
If you’re still using an older laptop and it’s working fine, then there’s no need to upgrade just yet. But if you’re starting to experience performance issues or your laptop isn’t running as smoothly as it used to, it might be time for an upgrade.
