A laptop is usually worth repairing if it's under about five years old, the repair costs less than half the price of a comparable new laptop, and the fault is a common one such as the battery, screen, keyboard, storage or charging port. Replacing usually makes more sense if the motherboard has failed on an older machine, or it can't run a supported version of Windows.
The quick rule of thumb: the 50% rule
A simple way to decide is to compare the repair quote with the price of a new laptop that does the same job. If the repair costs less than about half of that, and the rest of the laptop is in good condition, repairing is usually the better value. You keep a machine you already know, with all your files, programs and settings exactly where you left them.
Three things tip the balance:
- Age: laptops under five years old are almost always worth fixing for common faults. Beyond seven years, serious faults are often better solved by replacing.
- Condition: if the hinges, screen and keyboard are in good shape, one repair can give the laptop years more life.
- Software support: a laptop that can run Windows 11 (or a current version of macOS) will keep receiving security updates.
Which laptop faults are usually worth fixing?
| Fault | Usually worth repairing? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Battery won't hold charge | Yes | Batteries wear out with use; replacements are available for most models. |
| Cracked or broken screen | Usually | Screen panels are available for most popular laptops, including MacBooks. |
| Keyboard or trackpad faults | Usually | Often a single part, and much cheaper than a new laptop. |
| Slow performance | Yes | Often fixed with an SSD or RAM upgrade, or by removing malware and clutter. |
| Overheating or loud fan | Yes | Usually dust build-up or dried thermal paste: a clean and re-paste solves it. |
| Charging port or DC jack | Usually | A common wear-and-tear fault that can normally be repaired or replaced. |
| Liquid damage | Depends | Needs a quick assessment; the sooner it's looked at, the better the chances. |
| Motherboard failure | Often not on older laptops | The cost can approach the value of the laptop itself. |
When replacing makes more sense
- The laptop is seven or more years old and has a serious fault.
- The motherboard has failed on a budget or older model.
- It has several faults at once (for example, screen, battery and keyboard).
- It can't run Windows 11 and you rely on it for online banking, email and shopping.
- You simply need more power than it can be upgraded to, for example for video editing or modern games.
What about older Windows 10 laptops?
Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on 14 October 2025, and the one-year Extended Security Updates programme for home users ends in October 2026. After that, Windows 10 laptops stop receiving security fixes.
If your laptop meets the Windows 11 requirements (including TPM 2.0 and a supported processor), upgrading Windows, often alongside an SSD, can give it a new lease of life. If it doesn't, think carefully before spending a lot on a major repair, especially if you use it for anything sensitive.
How to decide in three steps
- Get a proper diagnosis. Many faults look serious but turn out to be simple, such as a faulty charger or a loose connector. A free diagnostic tells you exactly what's wrong.
- Compare the fixed quote with a like-for-like new laptop. Use the 50% rule above.
- Factor in your setup and data. Repairing keeps everything as it is, while a new laptop means moving files, reinstalling programs and setting things up again.
Don't forget your data
Even if you decide to replace the laptop, your files are usually still safe on its internal drive. In most cases they can be copied across to your new laptop, even if the old one won't turn on.
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