Computer Replacement Schedule

To boost employee productivity, as well as reduce the likelihood of unplanned failures, a computer replacement cycle is recommended for departments to build into their budgets. 

Recommended lifecycle replacements 

• Windows desktop: 5 to 6 years 
• Windows laptop: 4 to 5 years 
• Mac desktop: 6 to 7 years 
• Mac laptop: 5 to 6 years
• iPad: 5 to 6 years 
• Monitors: 8 to 10 years 

At the end of the replacement period, and if the computer still has a useful life, departments can contact the Help Desk or their IT staff to have the computer reimaged and redistributed to either a part-time or student employee or as an infrequently used shared computer. Alternately, IT can just pick it up, wipe the hard drive, and send it to surplus. 

There are many advantages to employees, departments, and to the university by having a computer replacement schedule. 

• Minimize employee frustration and productivity loss – Older computers have slower responsiveness at boot up, when launching applications, when applications are running in the background, and while working with applications. 
• Reduce security concerns - Computers on the university network must run a current, secure operating system and outdated hardware will not meet that requirement.  
• Create predictable cost – By building computer replacements into your budget, you will have predictable expenditures for computers. 
• Reduce maintenance costs and resulting downtimes - Older computers fail more frequently. Also, when computers go out of warranty, departments are responsible for additional hardware costs for support and possibly support costs for Macs. 
• Having a computer with the ability to take advantage of new technologies as they emerge.  

For assistance preparing an appropriate computer replacement plan, please contact ATUS or your departmental IT support.