Community Computer Upcycle

Computer hardware UpCycling program

Keep your computer and get help upgrading it to Linux Mint

If your computer is being denied an upgrade to Windows 11 but you would like to keep using it, we can assist you in upgrading it to Linux Mint. You can check to see if your computer can be upgraded to Windows 11 here.

Please note, this service is for personal and home users only.

Most Windows PCs and Macs made after 2010 can be upgraded to Linux Mint. The newest Macs released after 2020 are using an M1 processor and cannot be upgraded with Mint.

Before you bring your computer in to upgrade to Linux Mint you should backup your files! Upgrading your computer to Linux requires that the disk or SSD be completely erased before the installation. All files and data will be destroyed in that process. You are responsible for backing up your photos, documents, files or other data that you want to keep. These can be backed up to an external USB drive or thumbdrive before your appointment.

How long does an upgrade to Linux take?

Usually the upgrade process takes thirty minutes or less. But we suggest that you allow for up to 1 hour or even more. We can use any extra time to do a quick check afterwards to ensure that everything is working as expected. Sometimes bluetooth devices like keyboards and mice require extra attention to get them working properly with Linux. If everything is working as expected we can use the extra time to do a quick introduction to using Linux Mint and answer any questions you may have.

When you come for your appointment be sure to bring your computer power supply. If you are bringing a desktop computer be sure to bring everything you need to use it: display, keyboard and mouse and the power supplies for computer and display.

Within a few days of your form submission you’ll get a call and/or email to arrange a day and time to meet for your upgrade.