Beyond Windows 10: Giving Retired PCs a Second Life
- William Lawyer
- Sep 23
- 3 min read
Extending the Life of Windows 10 PCs: Smarter, Greener Options for Your Business
Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. That date marks a challenge for organizations with older PCs that cannot upgrade to Windows 11. Many of these machines are still perfectly functional, yet without a plan, they risk becoming e-waste.
At Integrated Tech Solutions, we believe there is a better way. Instead of sending hardware to the landfill, businesses can extend the useful life of these devices, reduce costs, and support sustainability goals. Here’s how.
Option 1: Keep Them Running Securely
Even after official support ends, Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESU), giving organizations access to critical patches for several more years. This buys time to transition while staying secure. For businesses that prefer not to invest in ESU, there are excellent alternatives.
Option 2: Install a Lightweight Operating System
If Windows is no longer an option, there are modern, lightweight operating systems that work exceptionally well on older hardware:
ChromeOS Flex: Google’s fast, secure solution that’s ideal for web-based work, kiosks, or classrooms.
Linux distributions: Options like Linux Mint, Lubuntu, or Zorin OS Lite offer a familiar, user-friendly desktop experience on modest hardware.
Specialized OS choices: Bliss OS (Android for PC), ChimeraOS (gaming), or Batocera (retro arcade) give niche but valuable functionality.
Option 3: Repurpose as Dedicated Appliances
Older PCs can be transformed into reliable, single-purpose tools for your office or home:
File and Backup Servers with TrueNAS or OpenMediaVault
Firewalls and Routers with OPNsense
Media Servers with Jellyfin
Smart Office Tools such as Home Assistant hubs, Pi-hole ad-blockers, or digital signage players
With the right software, that old desktop can suddenly become mission-critical infrastructure.
Option 4: Support Innovation and Training
These devices are also excellent for innovation projects:
Build virtualization hosts with Proxmox VE to test environments safely.
Experiment with containers or lightweight Kubernetes clusters.
Deploy Nextcloud for private, self-hosted collaboration.
For IT teams, this creates an affordable lab environment for skill-building and testing.
Option 5: Donate or Recycle Responsibly
When equipment truly reaches end-of-life, businesses can still maximize its impact:
Donate through nonprofits like PCs for People or Compudopt, which refurbish and distribute computers to schools and families in need.
Recycle responsibly with certified partners (R2v3 or e-Stewards) after performing proper data sanitization in line with NIST SP 800-88 standards.
This ensures sensitive data stays secure and materials are recovered safely.
Beyond Computing: Creative Reuse
Even the components inside older PCs can be valuable:
Power supplies can be converted into bench power units for electronics labs.
Hard drive magnets are prized in workshops.
Cases and fans can be repurposed for storage, ventilation, or maker projects.
These “second lives” prevent waste and spark creativity.
Why This Matters
Refreshing IT hardware is inevitable, but how we handle retired devices defines whether they become a cost center or an opportunity. Repurposing older PCs can:
Extend ROI on hardware investments
Reduce environmental impact
Support community access to technology
Provide your business with inexpensive but powerful new tools
At ITS, we help organizations build responsible lifecycle plans for their technology. That includes upgrading where necessary, but also identifying where reuse, repurposing, or responsible recycling makes more sense.
Ready to plan your Windows 10 transition?
If your business is facing the 2025 Windows 10 deadline, let’s talk. Integrated Tech Solutions can help assess your fleet, identify repurposing opportunities, and ensure you meet both operational and sustainability goals.
📞 Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
