REPAIR OR REPLACE YOUR COMPUTER?
Fixing a computer usually makes sense when the repair costs less than about half of a comparable replacement and it still gets security updates. Pick what's wrong and what you'd buy instead, and this puts my real repair prices next to it. It's a rule of thumb, not a promise.
From Ben, Waynesville Computer Services · Updated November 2026
Pick what's wrong (step 3) to see what the repair costs.
THE RULE OF THUMB
If a repair costs more than about half the price of a comparable replacement, or the computer is old enough that it no longer gets security updates, replacing usually makes more sense. Under that, fixing it usually does. It's a rule of thumb, not a statistic: every computer and every budget is different.
It leaves out things only you can weigh: a computer you know and like, a program that won't run on a new one, or how much you want to spend right now.
WHAT CHANGES THE ANSWER
Security updates
Windows 10's regular support ended on October 14, 2025. Microsoft's Extended Security Updates run through October 12, 2027 for home PCs that enroll, so an enrolled PC still gets security fixes for now, but it's a stopgap. If your computer meets Windows 11's requirements, it can move to Windows 11 with its current license; if it doesn't, Linux is a free, modern option for older hardware.
Many computers made before about 2018 don't meet Windows 11's requirements. Not sure about yours? Microsoft's free PC Health Check app checks it for you. Moving to Windows 11 or Linux is the flat $60 OS service.
Still on Windows 7 or 8? Those haven't had security updates for years. Keep it for files and printing if you like, but do your banking and email on a supported device. On a Mac, the same idea applies: once your Mac stops getting security updates from Apple, it's time to think about replacing it.
Your files
Replacing doesn't mean losing them. Moving your files, photos and settings to a new computer is quoted before I start. Won't start and the files matter? Data recovery comes first, and my backup guide shows how to keep a second copy.
The old computer
Bring it to my free electronics drop-off: every drive with personal data is wiped, then it's refurbished, resold or recycled. Or see where to recycle electronics in Haywood County.
Buying refurbished
A refurbished computer can cost less than a new one. I sometimes have refurbished laptops for sale, wiped, tested and cleaned.
WHERE THE PRICES COME FROM
Every repair price is my real price from the services page. Flat prices are the whole labor; "from" prices are starting prices. Parts are what the part costs me (shipping included) plus 10%, priced before anything is ordered. The memory and SSD ranges are estimates for name-brand parts, checked Nov 10, 2026. All prices are plus 7% NC sales tax.
Nothing you type here is saved or sent anywhere: the math happens on this page.
WANT THE REAL NUMBER?
The $40 diagnostic (plus tax) tells you what's wrong and the exact price before any repair, and it counts toward the repair if you go ahead. If replacing it makes more sense, I'll tell you. Drop-off is by appointment.