When to Repair vs. When to Replace Your Laptop

One of the most common questions I get as a local PC repair tech in Wickford is, “Should I just replace it?” Whether it’s a slow boot, dodgy keyboard, cracked screen, or battery that won’t last ten minutes, the repair vs. replace decision isn’t always obvious, especially with new machines marketed like disposable appliances.

At LaunchLayer, I’ve repaired everything from beat-up school laptops to £3,000 gaming rigs clogged with dust. Here’s the framework I use to help customers decide what’s worth fixing and what’s better left at the recycling centre.

1. Age Isn’t Everything — Specs Still Matter
A five-year-old laptop with an SSD and decent RAM (8GB+) will often outperform a brand-new budget machine. If your hardware still has headroom, upgrading the storage or refreshing thermal paste can breathe years of life back into it. I’ve done exactly that for clients with ageing but well-built EliteBooks.

Rule of thumb: If it’s under 6 years old and doesn’t run like treacle after a clean-up, it’s worth a look.

2. Cost of Repair vs. Value of Replacement
If your screen’s smashed and your battery’s dead, and it’s a £150 machine to begin with, it’s not worth the surgery. But a good repair can still come in at half the price of buying new, especially when you factor in software migration and the general headache of setup.

Tip: I always offer free diagnostics. You’ll know what’s wrong and what it costs to fix before you spend a penny.

3. Usage Case: Netflix or Need for Speed?
If you’re just browsing the web, checking email, or watching YouTube, an older machine with minor tweaks will often do the job. But if you're gaming, editing video, or running VM environments, you’re better off upgrading to a system that can keep up with you.

4. Emotional and Environmental Value
Sentimental attachment aside (yes, I’ve met people still hanging onto Windows XP laptops), repair is a more sustainable route. I even wrote a post about giving old tech a new purpose. Extending the life of devices keeps them out of landfill and saves you money.

5. Warning Signs It’s Time to Upgrade

• You can’t upgrade to Windows 11 and need long-term support

• It takes longer to turn on than it does to make a cuppa

• You’ve already repaired it more than once

• It’s physically breaking down (e.g. hinges, casing, power port)

Final Word
If you’re not sure, just ask. I offer honest, no-nonsense advice and I won’t talk you into a repair that isn’t worth it. Pop your device over, I’ll take a look, and we’ll decide together whether it’s a patch-up or pack-it-in situation.