How I Revived a Failing Windows Laptop with Linux
Two weeks ago, I put my M4 MacBook Air aside and dusted off a nine-year-old ThinkPad. This machine is part of the estimated 200 to 400 million Windows 10 PCs that don’t meet the criteria for Windows 11. With Microsoft officially ending support for Windows 10 in October, it’s now deemed “obsolete.” Their solution? Ditch it and buy a new computer that can run Windows 11.
But that’s not the only option. This ThinkPad, like countless others, is still fully operational. Its hardware handles everyday tasks with ease. I’ve been using it for web browsing, writing in Google Docs, chatting with colleagues on Slack, and even gaming on Steam. Not too shabby for a laptop that’s supposedly past its prime.
The key is to challenge Microsoft’s narrative. While it’s true that staying on Windows 10 isn’t safe due to the lack of security updates, and Windows 11 isn’t an option, who says this laptop has to run Windows at all? There’s a fantastic alternative that thrives on older hardware, is actively maintained, and can keep millions of computers from being tossed aside prematurely.
That’s right: the answer lies in Linux.
The specs that kept my laptop from running Windows 11
This story revolves around a Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 5, equipped with 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and a 7th-gen Intel Core i7-7600U processor. It’s a beefed-up version of a laptop that was considered a high-end, ultra-portable workhorse back in 2017, boasting over eight hours of battery life in a surprisingly lightweight design. Originally priced at $1,100, my configuration would have set you back $2,100, but I snagged this one used for just $250.
When it arrived, the ThinkPad was in near-mint condition, showing no signs of wear and tear. It even came with a new charger. Booting it up for a clean installation of Windows 10 was a breeze. After a few days of use, I found it hard to believe this was a nearly decade-old laptop. It certainly didn’t feel like a device destined for the scrap heap.
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2017 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 5 (as tested)
* Display: 14-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS, 300 nits
* Processor: Intel Core i7-7600U (2 cores, Intel HD Graphics 620)
* Unified memory: 16GB
* Storage: 512GB SSD
* Webcam: 720p
* Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1
* Ports: 2x USB-C / Thunderbolt 3, 2x USB-A, HDMI 1.4b, microSD card slot, SIM slot, 3.5mm combo audio jack
* Biometrics: Fingerprint reader
* Weight: 2.9 pounds / 1.31kg
* Dimensions: 12.74 x 8.55 x 0.63 inches / 323.5 x 217.1 x 15.95mm
* Battery: 57Wh
* Price: $2,100 (at launch) / $250 (purchased used)
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You’d think this laptop could run Windows 11, but it can’t. Microsoft’s minimum requirements for Windows 11 include at least 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, a TPM 2.0 security chip, UEFI Secure Boot, and a 64-bit processor with at least 2 cores running at 1GHz or faster. My ThinkPad checks all those boxes—except its processor is one generation too old. Windows 11 demands an Intel 8th generation or AMD Ryzen 2000 or newer.
While it technically still works, using it on Windows 10 without security updates poses risks. Even if I opted for Microsoft’s Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, I’d only get one extra year of updates, ending on October 13, 2026. So, whether now or later this year, this laptop is losing Microsoft support.
Sure, you could use tools like Rufus or FlyOOBE to upgrade to Windows 11 anyway, but that’s just delaying the inevitable. Skirting security requirements could lead to issues with future updates. But really, who needs Windows?
Transitioning to Linux Mint
I’ve been running Fedora Linux on my gaming rig for over a year, but I chose Linux Mint for the ThinkPad. It’s one of the most user-friendly Linux distributions, known for its stability, straightforward setup, and the default Cinnamon desktop environment, which resembles Windows 10. Based on Ubuntu—the most popular Linux distribution—it supports nearly any app that works on Linux and performs well on older hardware.
The Mint installer was a breeze, guiding me through a few simple steps. In about 10 minutes, Windows 10 was gone, and a Linux machine was born.
Mint welcomed me with a handy window to help customize my desktop theme, check for updates, or explore the software manager for apps. It came preloaded with essential apps like Firefox and the entire LibreOffice suite, a free, open-source alternative to Microsoft Office.
I took my time customizing Cinnamon while installing Slack and Steam. Installing Steam required using the command line, which might feel daunting for those used to Windows or macOS. Unlike those systems, Linux lacks a centralized app store, though platforms like Flathub and the Snap Store offer similar functionality. Most apps need to be installed via the command line, often by copy-pasting a command from the app’s download page.
Steam is available in Linux Mint’s default repository, so I could install it with a quick “sudo apt-get install steam” in the terminal. For Slack, I simply downloaded the .deb file from Slack’s website and installed it using Mint’s built-in GUI tool.
Getting everything set up to my liking took about an hour. After that, I benched my MacBook for the week and focused on the ThinkPad.
This Linux laptop is no longer obsolete
A nine-year-old laptop can still impress.
When I unboxed the ThinkPad, I was genuinely surprised by its lightweight design. Weighing in at 2.9 pounds, it’s comparable to my 13-inch M4 MacBook Air at 2.7 pounds. The ThinkPad feels even lighter, partly due to its plastic chassis. While it may not have the premium look of the MacBook, it doesn’t feel cheap either—it’s reinforced with carbon fiber. I didn’t notice any flexing or bending during my time with it.
It also outshines my MacBook in terms of ports: two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 3, two USB-A, one HDMI, and a headphone jack. There’s even a combo SIM tray/microSD card slot tucked away beside one of the hinges. I plugged in the USB-A dongle for my favorite wireless Razer mouse directly, avoiding the need for a USB-C hub like I do with my MacBook. My Bluetooth headphones connected seamlessly with Linux, without any driver issues.
The ThinkPad features one of the most satisfying laptop keyboards I’ve ever used. You can really feel the key travel while typing. All the media keys and even the iconic trackpoint function perfectly in Linux.
The webcam and mic work fine in Mint, though they show their age from 2017. The video is a bit washed out and grainy, and the mic picks up background noise more than I’d prefer. Still, they’re clear enough for Google Meet or Zoom calls. The speakers, while not as impressive as my MacBook’s, are loud and clear enough for casual use.
Linux Mint performed admirably on the ThinkPad. It includes quality-of-life features that make it ideal for Linux newcomers, like a graphical interface for updates, which you’d otherwise have to manage through the terminal. The Cinnamon desktop environment may not be the most cutting-edge, but it runs smoothly without draining battery life faster than Windows 10. Plus, it resembles Windows, making it approachable for new users. Customizing Cinnamon is straightforward; you can easily add or remove themes created by other users.
This ThinkPad isn’t a gaming powerhouse, but I managed to run a few lightweight games through Steam, including Wildfrost, Dead Cells, Hollow Knight, Fields of Mistria, and Rogue Heroes: Ruins of Tasos. They all ran surprisingly well, thanks to their low graphical demands.
Game compatibility wasn’t an issue either. Valve’s Proton compatibility layer, integrated into the Linux version of Steam, allows most Windows games to run on Linux, except for those requiring kernel-level anti-cheat. The battery life on the ThinkPad took a hit while running Steam or games without being plugged in, but that’s a common issue across laptops.
Working on a nine-year-old ThinkPad isn’t without its flaws
Unfortunately, there are some drawbacks compared to modern laptops, particularly regarding battery life. The ThinkPad typically lasts around four hours per charge on both Linux and Windows 10, give or take an hour. In its prime, it boasted over eight hours of battery life, so this is one area where age—and its 400-plus battery cycles—becomes evident.
While I didn’t replace the battery, I found a replacement for about $70, highlighting that it’s still repairable after all these years. The screws on the bottom of the ThinkPad are easily accessible, making it simple to replace the battery, SSD, or Wi-Fi card.
A couple of minor issues arose as well. Mint didn’t recognize the ThinkPad’s fingerprint reader out of the box. I found a guide to fix this, but it required using the terminal to update the fingerprint reader drivers.
Thanks to its slower storage, loading times for games and apps are noticeably longer than on my MacBook. The ThinkPad also slowed down a bit with more than ten browser tabs open. Additionally, the keyboard deck occasionally got warm when the laptop was pushed to its limits.
These drawbacks aren’t deal-breakers for me, though, and were a small price to pay to get the ThinkPad running on an operating system that still supports it.
Linux is (sometimes) the answer to forced obsolescence
Microsoft’s decision to end support for Windows 10 rendered millions of functional devices like this 2017 ThinkPad obsolete. According to Microsoft, users should upgrade to Windows 11 for its enhanced security features, which include virtualization-based security and mandatory TPM and UEFI Secure Boot. While these features are beneficial, they don’t justify the need for a new computer for most users.
The discontinuation of Windows 10 support has left millions of devices less secure than before, and many users may not realize their perfectly functional Windows 10 laptops are now cybersecurity risks.
If you own one of these devices and don’t want to replace it, Linux could be the answer. Linux has become significantly easier to learn and use as a daily driver in recent years, especially with beginner-friendly distributions like Mint. It’s also more robust than ChromeOS, a common alternative for budget laptops under $500, although many Windows 11 laptops are available at that price. Plus, Linux is free.
However, Linux isn’t for everyone. It’s still more complex than Windows or macOS, and app compatibility can be a deal-breaker for some. I had no issues using my aging ThinkPad for a week, but I don’t rely on apps that aren’t available on Linux, like Adobe products, Microsoft Office, or companion apps like Razer Synapse.
There are workarounds, such as running Windows apps through compatibility programs like Wine, but performance can vary. Alternatives to many non-native Linux apps exist, like using web versions of Microsoft Office or trying LibreOffice. Similarly, GIMP, Darktable, RawTherapee, Kdenlive, Inkscape, and LibreOffice Draw can serve as alternatives to some Adobe apps. They might not suit everyone, but they’re worth considering.
If you don’t face app barriers and don’t need a powerful laptop, an older Windows laptop running Linux could meet your needs, save a device from the landfill, and save you money.
I recommend looking for a Lenovo laptop, as they tend to work well with Linux. Used business laptops like this ThinkPad X1 Carbon are often a great choice, though a more modern model from the ThinkPad T14 or P14 lineups would be wise. Used Dell and HP business laptops can also be solid options.
For newcomers to Linux, the variety of distributions can be overwhelming. It’s best to start with something popular and easy to set up, like Mint. Ubuntu, Fedora, Zorin, and Pop are also good beginner-friendly distros.
The beauty of having so many options is that if you want a different look or features, you can simply install a new distribution. You’re not locked into one operating system controlled by a single company.
Before diving into Linux, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with the command line and how to install apps, so you’re prepared for a smooth start.
Old laptops aren’t always obsolete laptops
Even if you’re not considering Linux, opting for a used laptop over a new one can be a more budget-friendly choice. There are plenty of modern Windows 11 laptops and Chromebooks available for under $500. However, these often come with significantly less storage and RAM compared to what you might find in a used laptop, especially with rising prices for RAM and storage.
An older laptop like this ThinkPad X1 Carbon could be a viable option if you’re looking for a sub-$500 laptop, but you need to understand what you’re getting into. You can score plenty of RAM and storage at a bargain price, but you’ll sacrifice some performance due to older processors. However, the performance gap isn’t as significant as you might think compared to similarly priced modern laptops.
I ran Geekbench 6 on the ThinkPad, and its Intel Core i7-7600U processor averaged 1260 on the single-core test and 2322 on the multi-core test. Its single-core performance holds up surprisingly well against processors in modern laptops at the same price point. For example, the Intel Core i3-N305 in the Acer Spin 14 scored 1142 on Geekbench 6, and the AMD Ryzen 5 7520U in the Acer Aspire 3 scored 1169, both lower than the Core i7-7600U.
Unfortunately, the Core i7-7600U lags in multi-core performance due to its two cores. The Geekbench results show a wider gap: 4192 for the eight-core Intel Core i3-N305 and 3679 for the Ryzen 5 7520U, compared to just 2322 for the Core i7-7600U.
So, you’re not sacrificing much, if anything, in single-core performance by choosing an older laptop like the ThinkPad over a modern budget laptop. However, you will give up some multi-core performance. If your tasks are limited to web browsing or working in Google Docs, that likely won’t be an issue.
For many, the increased RAM and storage in an older laptop outweighs the benefits of a little extra raw performance. Modern budget laptops may have faster CPUs, but they often come with half the RAM and storage of something like our used ThinkPad, which can significantly impact everyday use.
Forced obsolescence doesn’t have to be the end
Before joining an outlet late last year, I didn’t have a laptop that could run Windows 11 or macOS. My only other device, besides my desktop PC, was a 2017 HP laptop running Windows 10. I had spent countless hours writing on it, enjoyed late-night gaming sessions with friends, and relied on it throughout college and various internships. But it was aging, and I could feel it—the battery life was dwindling (two to three hours max), it was running hot, and it wasn’t eligible for Windows 11.
I couldn’t afford a new laptop at the time, but thanks to Linux, I didn’t need to. I spent an afternoon replacing the battery and installing Fedora. When I booted it back up, it ran much cooler and smoother, with around five hours of battery life. Switching to Linux gave that laptop a second life, saved me hundreds of dollars, and allowed me to keep using a device that had been with me for years. The same approach has now saved this ThinkPad from unnecessary obsolescence.
Microsoft will notify you in your device’s updates menu if you’re not eligible for Windows 11, but they won’t tell you that Windows isn’t your only option. Linux may have a steeper learning curve, but it also grants you the freedom to decide when it’s time to upgrade your laptop.
My ThinkPad may not run Windows 11, but it’s far from obsolete.
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Agree to continue: Linux Mint
Every smart device now requires you to agree to a series of terms and conditions before you can use it—contracts that no one actually reads. It’s impossible for us to analyze every single one of these agreements. However, we’re going to start counting how many times you have to hit “agree” to use devices when we review them, as these are agreements most people don’t read and can’t negotiate.
To install and use Linux Mint, you have to agree to:
* Nothing
Linux Mint is free and open source. You can install proprietary software on Mint, some of which may come with user agreements, but none are required to install and use the operating system itself.
According to the Linux Mint website,
> [M]ost if not all (depending on the edition) software used in Linux Mint is Free and Open Source. We believe in Open Source as a choice, not as a constraint. We think it makes sense to share code, to credit the technology we use, to let people help us, to allow others to build upon what we are making, and to enable progress in general. We also enjoy sharing with the community, so we license our software under the GPL, and the vast majority of components we use are Free and Open Source.
Final tally: Zero mandatory agreements.
