The Verge·3 min read

I saved a doomed Windows laptop by embracing Linux

A nine-year-old ThinkPad thrives with Linux Mint.

Stevie Bonifield shares how a nine-year-old Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 5, deemed obsolete after Microsoft ended support for Windows 10, was revitalized by installing Linux Mint. This operating system not only breathed new life into the laptop but also enabled it to perform everyday tasks like web browsing and gaming, proving that older hardware can still be useful.

Key Takeaways

  • 1.

    The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 5 was purchased used for $250.

  • 2.

    Linux Mint offers a user-friendly experience, making it ideal for older hardware.

  • 3.

    Windows 10 support ended in October 2025, pushing users to seek alternatives.

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