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How to Upcycle or Recycle Your Old Windows 10 PC
With the Windows 10 EOS (End of Service) nearing, it’s time to start thinking about upcycling ideas for your old PC. From recycling your PC for parts, to repurposing your Windows 10 PC as a media and gaming center, or even a NAS server, there are several things you can do with your old PC. Read on to get the lowdown on the Windows 10 EOS and discover how to recycle old computers. First though, let’s discuss the short future of Windows 10.
End of the line for Windows 10?
A hot topic that’s getting hotter as Windows 10 nears its 10th birthday, soon Microsoft will no longer provide official updates, security patches, and security support for the outdated OS (Operating System). Alas, from October 14 2025 devices still running Windows 10 will be at risk of security vulnerabilities, software compatibility issues, and loss of technical support, leading to a likely decrease in productivity and performance. Thankfully there are several routes you can go down with your old PC, we’ll cover the best options below.
1. Upgrade to Windows 11
Biting the bullet and dropping $140 or so for Windows 11 is the fastest way to keep using your Windows 10 device. This simple upgrade will ensure that your PC is running the latest, most efficient version of Windows, providing you with a secure, future-ready OS. The catch is that some older devices, as well as newer lower spec models that don’t meet the minimum system requirements simply won’t be able to run Windows 11. To upgrade to Windows 11, your PC must meet these minimum requirements:
* Processor: 1 GHz or faster with at least 2 cores on a compatible 64-bit processor. The processor must be on Microsoft’s list of approved CPUs.
* RAM: 4 GB or more.
* Storage: 64 GB and above
* System Firmware: UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability.
* TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 is required.
* GPU: Your graphics card must be compatible with DirectX 12 or later, with a WDDM 2.0 driver.
* Display: A high-definition (720p) display that is greater than 9 inches diagonally and supports 8 bits per color channel.
* Internet Connectivity and Microsoft Account: For Windows 11 Home edition, an internet connection and a Microsoft account are required to complete the setup on first use.
* Current Windows Version: Your device must be running Windows 10, version 2004 or later, to upgrade via Windows Update.
2. Install Linux
Grab some pizzazz for your old PC by installing Linux. Lightweight and secure, this open source OS is the perfect way to extend the life of mature hardware without slowing it down. Choose from a range of distros (complete Linux OS) suited to older PCs, such as Linux Mint, Zorin OS Lite, or Ubuntu MATE for faster performance, free open-source software, and solid community support. To get started on this alternative OS, you’ll require a USB flash drive (4GB+), free disk space, and the ability to change boot settings in BIOS/UEFI. After choosing the distro -not bistro that suits you, download the ISO from their website. Next, use Rufus or Balena Etcher to make a bootable USB, then reboot, install, and enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vc7orrqlrC8
3. Buy Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10
If your device isn’t suitable for a Windows 11 upgrade, then a short-term solution is to purchase extended security updates for Windows 10. Take note that ESUs are not a long term solution: they don’t include new features or non-security fixes, or design change requests. And there’s a slight sting in the tail of ESUs, as their price doubles every year, for a maximum of three years.
4. Turn it into a NAS server
NAS (Network-Attached Storage) is a dedicated file storage system allowing multiple users and devices to access data over a local network. Using a free tool like OpenMediaVault you can easily centralize your file storage for easy access from any of the devices on your network. A NAS server is a great way to backup your files, stream media and also a personal cloud storage solution. On top of this, you can skip paying subscription fees for commercial cloud services, and improve security by keeping your data on local hardware. What’s not to like?
5. Media and Gaming Center
Another snazzy method to repurpose your old PC is to turn it into a dedicated media and gaming center. Load the beast up with your favorite movies, then install VLC or a similar media player for endless movie madness. You can also add emulators for retro console gaming. If you go down this route be sure to stay offline after setting the system up for privacy, security and overall performance.
6. Strip it for parts
If your old PC is a desktop, then stripping it for parts is another possibility. Pulling the old PC apart to salvage useful components is a smart way to repurpose cases, RAM, hard drives, and other parts for future builds or experiments. Take what you need from your old PC, and Frankenstein your upcoming builds, while reducing the scourge of e-waste.
7. Donate
Be a hero and donate your old PC to Computers with Causes. Donating your computer is easy, and can even be written off on your taxes! This is a responsible, meaningful alternative to recycling that will help provide much needed technology to those in need. Before you donate make sure to hard reboot your device to get rid of all your personal data.
8. Get a new Windows 11 PC
What could be more fine and dandy than a brand new Windows 11 PC from Acer? Future proof your computing until the next EOS with a new computer pre-installed with Windows 11. Versatile and packed with features, the Acer Aspire range are great everyday laptops, including Copilot+ PC options. For power and business users, lightweight, durable devices from the TravelMate family will help you win at work.
Final thoughts
We hope you’ve enjoyed today’s article on how to upcycle or recycle your old Windows 10 PC. Remember the EOS for Windows 10 is October 14, 2025, so sort your devices out before then! From donating your PC, to turning it into a gaming and media station, there’s an option for every user. If you’re looking for a new device, be sure to check out the Acer Store where you’re sure to find a Windows 11 PC to call your own.
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What is Microsoft PowerToys and Why You Should Download it Today
Windows 11 is great, but it doesn’t give you full control over how your PC works. That’s where Microsoft PowerToys comes in. This article will show you what PowerToys is, why you should download it, and how it can help you do more with your computer.
What is Microsoft PowerToys?
Microsoft PowerToys is a set of free tools designed to help you get more out of Windows. It was first released in the 1990s for Windows 95, made by Microsoft engineers to give advanced users extra ways to control their computers. After disappearing for a while, PowerToys made a comeback for Windows 10, and it now works even better on Windows 11.
Today’s PowerToys is an open-source project, which means anyone can look at the code, suggest changes, or help build new features. It includes a growing list of small but powerful tools that improve how you use your PC. You can pick and choose which tools you want, and Microsoft updates the app often to fix bugs and add new features.
Who is PowerToys for?
PowerToys is made for people who want more control and options than what Windows gives by default. If you like to customize how your computer works, improve your workflow, or save time on simple tasks, PowerToys is for you.
It’s great for:
* Power users who want shortcuts and faster ways to do things
Productivity fans who want to stay focused and organized
* Developers and IT pros who use advanced tools daily
* Curious users who want to explore what their PC can really do
Even if you’re not an expert, many of the tools are simple to use and can make everyday tasks easier.
Why you should download PowerToys
PowerToys is a free app from Microsoft that helps you get more out of your Windows 11 experience. It adds useful features, improves how your system works, and gives you more control over everyday tasks. Here are five clear reasons to install it.
1. Adds features not included in base Windows 11
Windows 11 is a solid operating system, but it leaves out some practical tools. PowerToys brings them back. For example, “Always on Top” lets you pin a window so it stays visible while you switch between apps. “PowerRename” helps you rename many files at once, and “Image Resizer” adds a quick image resize option to your right-click menu.
2. Gives you better control and customization
PowerToys lets you change how your computer behaves. You can remap keyboard keys, set custom shortcuts, and use window layouts with “FancyZones” to keep your desktop organized. These small tweaks help you set up your system exactly how you like it.
3. Lightweight and modular
The app is easy on your system and doesn't slow it down. It runs quietly in the background and only uses a small amount of memory. You can also turn off any tools you don’t want to use. That makes PowerToys feel light, even when you install all its features.
4. Boosts your productivity
Many PowerToys tools are designed to save time. “PowerToys Run” is a fast search bar that helps you launch apps, open files, or run commands without digging through menus. “Text Extractor” lets you grab text from images and screenshots in just a few clicks.
5. Updated often by Microsoft
PowerToys is still being actively developed. Microsoft adds new tools and improves old ones on a regular basis. Since the project is open source, users and developers can also suggest changes or contribute new ideas.
If you want to do more with your Windows PC without installing a bunch of extra apps, PowerToys is a smart first step.
Next: 10 Cool Things You Can Do with Windows PowerToys
Is PowerToys safe to use?
Yes, PowerToys is safe. It is developed and maintained by Microsoft and is also open source. This means anyone can view the code, report bugs, or suggest improvements. Thousands of users, including developers and IT professionals, use it every day without problems.
There are no ads, no hidden software, and no data collection. If you install it from the Microsoft Store, you also benefit from Microsoft’s built-in security checks. It’s a trusted tool from a trusted source.
System requirements and compatibility
Before you install PowerToys, make sure your computer meets the basic requirements. PowerToys works on:
* Windows 11
* Windows 10 (version 1903 or later)
* 64-bit systems only
It will not run on 32-bit systems or versions of Windows older than 1903. Most modern computers should be compatible. If you're already using Windows 11, you should have no issues.
How to contribute to PowerToys
PowerToys is an open-source project, and Microsoft welcomes help from the community. If you want to get involved, there are several ways to contribute, even if you're not a developer.
You can:
* Write a technical plan for a new tool or feature
* Submit design feedback or concepts to improve usability
* Help improve PowerToys documentation
* Identify or fix bugs in the source code
* Create new utilities or add features to existing ones
Before you begin, read the Contributor’s Guide. It explains how the process works and offers guidance on how to start. The PowerToys team often works directly with contributors to ensure ideas fit well and effort isn’t wasted.
Whether you're writing code, offering feedback, or just fixing typos, your input can help improve the Windows experience for users around the world.
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10 Alternative Search Engines to Google in 2025
Some users are looking for alternative search engines to Google because of privacy concerns and changing user behavior due to the introduction of AI search bots. This article will cover 10 Google alternatives that support web searches and offer additional features. Although Google processes 16.4 billion searches every day, there are alternative search engines available, which we will outline here.
1. Bing
Bing is an AI search engine powered by Microsoft, racking up 100 million daily users and taking up 3.98% of the worldwide search engine market share. With roots in Windows Live Search and MSN Search, Bing was rebranded in 2009. It now includes nifty AI features, such as creating images from the address bar by typing prompts or providing high-quality images with Bing Image Search. It is a robust Google alternative with powerful features.
2. DuckDuck Go
DuckDuckGo is an independent free browser that promises to protect our personal information. Users can search and browse the web privately, keeping sensitive data away from hackers and invasive companies. DuckDuckGo has an average rating of 4.8 on Apple and Google Play, making it a solid choice for browsing. It is designed for data protection and blocks ad trackers and cookies, accumulating 3 billion searches every month.
3. Brave Search
Brave Search provides AI-powered answers to most user questions. It is a high-speed search engine that does not collect or store user information. Brave Search delivers search results from its own index, avoiding bias and censorship, and is available to use in any browser.
4. Kagi
Kagi is an ad-free paid browser that delivers quality searches without tracking. It offers a cleaner search experience that is free from ads and additional clutter. The free version supports 100 searches per month, and paid packages start from $5 USD for 300 monthly searches. Payments will be reimbursed if users do not use their monthly search quota.
5. Ecosia
Users wishing for a search engine that has a greener impact are in luck. Ecosia dedicates its profits to helping the planet, including planting trees and climate action. It also has solar panels that produce the amount of energy required to power user searches twice over, helping to generate more renewables into the energy grid. Ecosia has 20 million active users and its community has planted over 234 million trees.
6. Dogpile
Dogpile is powered by Metasearch technology and offers comprehensive and relevant search results by compiling information from other popular search engines. Each search engine has a unique search method and therefore produces different results, however, Dogpile eliminates duplicates and gives a complete list of relevant results.
7. SearXNG
SearXNG aggregates results from up to 247 search services without tracking or profiling its users. It is a metasearch engine and is supported by an open community, making it user-focused and inclusive. SearXNG combines search queries with searches on other platforms and does not store data, and it is also compatible with Tor for ultimate anonymity.
8. Mullvad Leta
Leta is a privacy-focused search engine provided by Mullvad, and is a front-end to Google and Brave Search APIs. This means that their search engine performs searches on behalf of its users, making requests through the Leta server. Mullvad Leta is suitable for text search results, but does not yet support images, news, or other types of searches.
9. Togoda
Togoda is an AI-infused search engine that provides more meaningful insights to users. It works to emphasize knowledge through intelligent searching, helping users explore interconnected themes and ideas. Togoda has a privacy-first approach and utilizes an encrypted proxy to ensure searches are anonymous.
10. Qwant
Qwant is an AI-supported search engine that does not store search history or resell personal data. It offers a summary feature that offers short and precise responses to searches and questions, helping to streamline the search process. Qwant is available as a browser extension and can be used as the default search engine, although its use is limited to countries within Europe.
Should you find a Google alternative?
Although Google remains a popular search engine, users are becoming increasingly concerned about privacy and advertisements. Google does not sell personal information but uses it to show personalized ads that promote products or services. Many of the alternative search engines to Google highlighted in this article emphasize privacy and do not track or store user information. Whether or not you should find a Google alternative depends on your own personal preferences, so be sure to fully understand the terms of each search engine before switching.
