In a recent exploration of the evolving landscape of desktop computing, the transition away from Windows 10 has prompted many organizations to reconsider their hardware strategies. With the end-of-service announcement in mid-October 2025, a staggering 42% of desktop systems were still operating on Windows 10, leaving millions of devices unsupported and vulnerable to security risks.
While some companies may opt to continue using these outdated systems, others face the dilemma of either investing in new Windows 11 devices or discarding their existing hardware, which could contribute to environmental waste. However, a more innovative approach is emerging among forward-thinking organizations: the repurposing of these so-called “obsolete” PCs into thin clients.
A New Life for Old Laptops
Last year, I detailed my experience with 10ZiG RepurpOS, a thin-client operating system that revitalizes aging hardware. This time, I will focus on transforming an old Windows 10 laptop, specifically a Dell E7440, into a functional thin client using RepurpOS. This model, popular in the business sector, can often be found on platforms like eBay for around , making it an economical choice for businesses looking to extend the life of their technology.
RepurpOS is designed to replace traditional operating systems on x86 devices, including laptops and PCs, and offers a streamlined alternative for accessing virtual desktop infrastructures (VDI) and cloud applications. The hardware requirements are modest, needing only an Intel or AMD x86 CPU, 2 GB of RAM, and 4 GB of persistent storage, making it accessible for a wide range of older devices.
Cost-Effective Licensing
For organizations considering this transition, RepurpOS is available through a subscription model that is notably more affordable than Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates for Windows 10. While users can trial the OS without a license, they will encounter limitations such as disabled updates and registration prompts. For this article, I will utilize an unlicensed version of RepurpOS.
Installation Process
Downloading RepurpOS is straightforward, requiring minimal information. I acquired a USB drive containing the OS from the 10ZiG booth at a recent tech event, which I will use for installation. Upon booting the laptop from the USB, I was greeted with an intuitive installation interface, allowing me to navigate easily through the setup process.
After configuring my Wi-Fi connection, I discovered that RepurpOS supports a variety of remote desktop protocols, including Citrix, Horizon, and AWS, among others. This versatility ensures that users can connect to their preferred virtual environments seamlessly.
Once satisfied with its performance from the USB drive, I proceeded to install the OS directly onto the laptop’s SSD. The installation was swift, taking less than a minute to format and copy the necessary files, after which I restarted the laptop to complete the process.
Testing Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)
To evaluate the new setup, I conducted a test using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to connect to a Windows 11 virtual machine in my home lab. Contrary to common misconceptions, RDP has significantly evolved, now offering a fast and secure means of remote access. With advancements in codecs and bandwidth management, modern RDP implementations deliver smooth and responsive remote sessions, even under less-than-ideal network conditions.
Features such as Adaptive Graphics and GPU-accelerated rendering enhance the user experience, ensuring minimal lag and crisp visuals, whether for office applications or multimedia content. This transformation of an outdated laptop into a capable thin client exemplifies how organizations can maximize their existing investments while embracing modern computing solutions.
