Why You Don't Have to Throw Away Your Old Laptop in 2025

The Problem: Good Hardware, "Wrong" Operating System

Millions of computers worldwide face extinction in 2025. Not because they are broken, but because Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 and setting strict hardware requirements (TPM 2.0) for Windows 11.

For many users, this means: A fully functional laptop, perhaps only 4 or 5 years old, is suddenly considered "unsafe" or "obsolete".

Checklist: Is My PC Ready for Linux?

The good news: Linux is much more modest. If your computer meets the following minimum requirements, you can save it:

• Processor (CPU): Dual-Core (64-Bit), approx. from 2010 onwards
• Memory (RAM): 4 GB recommended (runs from 2 GB)
• Hard Drive: At least 20 GB storage space

Most "Windows 10 victims" (Intel Core i3/i5 of the 6th or 7th generation) are veritable racing machines for Linux.

The Solution: Linux Breathes New Life

Linux operating systems have a decisive advantage: They use resources much more sparingly than Windows.

Why Linux is Faster

1. No Bloat: Windows runs with hundreds of background services (indexing, update distribution, telemetry) you never need. Linux sticks to the essentials.
2. Efficient Interfaces: Variants like Linux Mint (Xfce Edition) often use only 500-800 MB of RAM when idle. Windows 10/11 happily takes 3-4 GB just for the desktop.
3. No Planned Obsolescence: Linux doesn't get slower with every update. There is no registry to clog up.

Save Money and Protect the Environment

A new laptop quickly costs 600 to 1000 Euros. Manufacturing consumes vast amounts of resources (rare earths, water, energy). Simply continuing to use your old computer is the most effective environmental protection.

Is It Complicated?

No. Modern Linux systems are child's play to operate. Browser, Office, Email – everything looks familiar.

Want to know if your old laptop is fit for Linux? Learn about my migration service or send me a message.