Most business-grade computers, laptops, and servers have a lifecycle of about 3 to 5 years. After this period, they may no longer receive firmware updates or be compatible with the latest software, which can create security risks or performance issues. As hardware ages, it’s also more prone to failure—leading to increased repair costs and potential data loss. Performance degradation is gradual, so users may not notice until it begins to impact productivity. It’s a good practice to track asset age and plan replacements in advance, staggering them to avoid large, unexpected capital expenses. Proper maintenance can extend a machine’s life, but eventually, upgrades become necessary to maintain security and efficiency.