How long does computer repair take at The Computer Cellar in Durham NC?

Most diagnoses and common repairs at The Computer Cellar are completed within 24 hours of check-in. If uncommon replacement parts are needed, they usually take 1-3 days to arrive. Walk in Mon–Fri 10AM–6PM at 720 9th Street, Durham NC.

Do I need an appointment at The Computer Cellar?

No appointment is needed at The Computer Cellar in Durham, NC. Just walk in Monday through Friday, 10AM to 6PM. We are located at 720 9th Street, Lower Level (basement of The Regulator), Durham NC 27705.

Does The Computer Cellar repair Macs and Apple computers?

Yes! The Computer Cellar repairs both PCs and Macs including MacBooks, iMacs, and Mac Minis. We fix hardware and software issues. Visit us at 720 9th Street in Durham or call (919) 314-3327.

What computer repair services does The Computer Cellar offer?

The Computer Cellar in Durham NC offers virus and malware removal, laptop screen replacement, battery replacement, data recovery, water damage repair, hardware upgrades, custom PC builds, and refurbished laptop sales.

Where is The Computer Cellar located in Durham NC?

The Computer Cellar is located at 720 9th Street, Lower Level (basement of The Regulator bookstore), Durham NC 27705. Open Monday through Friday, 10AM to 6PM. Call (919) 314-3327.

Windows 10 Is Losing Support — Here’s What You Need to Do

Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will officially reach End of Life on October 14, 2025. After that date, Microsoft will no longer release security updates, bug fixes, or technical support for Windows 10. If you’re still running Windows 10, here’s what this means for you — and what your options are.

Laptop computer representing the Windows 10 to Windows 11 upgrade transition

What Does “End of Life” Actually Mean?

It doesn’t mean Windows 10 will stop working on October 14th. Your computer will still turn on and run just fine. What changes is that Microsoft will stop releasing security patches. Over time, newly discovered vulnerabilities in Windows 10 will go unpatched, making your computer increasingly vulnerable to malware, ransomware, and other attacks. Running an unsupported operating system is a real security risk — especially if you use your computer for online banking, shopping, or work.

Can I Upgrade to Windows 11 for Free?

Possibly — but not every computer can run Windows 11. Microsoft has a list of hardware requirements, and the biggest sticking point for many older machines is something called TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module). If your computer doesn’t have this chip or if it was made before 2018 or so, it may not be eligible for a free Windows 11 upgrade.

You can check by pressing the Windows key + R, typing tpm.msc, and pressing Enter. If it says “Compatible TPM cannot be found” or shows TPM 1.2, your machine likely doesn’t meet the requirements. Don’t worry — there are still options.

My Computer Doesn’t Support Windows 11. What Now?

You have a few choices:

Option 1: Replace the Computer — If your machine is 6–8+ years old, it may be time for an upgrade anyway. A newer computer will come with Windows 11 preinstalled and will be significantly faster. We can help you figure out what to look for and what’s worth buying.

Option 2: Keep Running Windows 10 (Carefully) — If you’re not ready to replace the computer, you can continue using Windows 10 after the deadline — just understand the risks. Use a reliable antivirus, avoid risky websites, and be extra cautious with email attachments. This is not a permanent solution, but it buys time.

Option 3: Switch to Linux — For some users, switching to a lightweight Linux distribution (like Linux Mint) can give an older machine a new lease on life with continued security updates. This isn’t for everyone, but it’s a free option worth knowing about.

Related reading: While you’re thinking about your computer’s health, it’s also a good time to check on your backup situation and make sure you’re keeping your software updated on whatever OS you’re running.

Can You Help Me Figure Out My Options?

Absolutely — that’s what we’re here for. Bring your machine into The Computer Cellar and we’ll check whether it’s Windows 11 compatible, walk you through your options honestly, handle the upgrade if it’s possible, or help you find a replacement that fits your budget. No pressure, no upselling — just straight answers.

Stop by our shop at 720 9th St., Lower Level, Durham, NC 27705 — no appointment needed. Or give us a call at (919) 314-3327. Windows 10 support ends in October 2025, so now is a good time to figure out your plan.