I work in a fully remote organization with under 100 users, and we usually keep our computers until they completely die. I've managed to upgrade most of our Windows 10 machines to Windows 11, but there are about eight units that don't meet the upgrade requirements. I'm running out of options for what to do with these non-upgradable machines since we usually handle tech refresh on a case-by-case basis. What's the best way to deal with them?
5 Answers
Consider donating them if they're still usable. Some local organizations will accept old computers, refurbish them, and give them to schools or community groups. It's a great way to keep them out of the landfill!
You could recycle them. Most areas have e-waste facilities, but just make sure to check first because some locations charge for recycling.
Yeah, it's tough to find a place. I've looked around North Carolina, and many sites are either down or super expensive.
You could install a lightweight Linux distro on them. It’ll breathe new life into those machines, and they can still serve a purpose for lighter tasks.
What distros do you think are best for older hardware? I've heard Linux is less demanding.
You could also just wipe the drives and put them on eBay or similar sites. Just be sure to securely erase all data before selling them off.
That sounds like a plan! But I hope people still want those old units.
If you're feeling adventurous, try using some tricks to force upgrade them to Windows 11. Just keep in mind that it could be a temporary solution, especially if the performance isn't optimal.
I've heard about some registry hacks for that, but do you have any details on how to go about it?
That's a fantastic idea! I'm definitely looking into that for my area.