A growing number of teams want to extend device life, lower costs, and simplify endpoint management. Repurposing existing PCs into thin clients is a practical way to achieve these goals without buying new hardware. In this guide, you will learn how to convert your PCs into thin clients, the benefits of repurposing, when not to repurpose, and what to do next.
How to repurpose your current PCs in 3 simple steps
Step 1. Choose the thin client software and management console
Start by selecting the operating system that will convert your PCs into thin clients, and the management console that comes with it. This choice defines security, user experience, and how you manage devices remotely. With ZeeTim, ZeeOS is an ultra-secure, read-only OS that converts any PC with at least 4 GB RAM into a thin client. All devices running ZeeOS can be managed with the Web Management Console (WMC). You can start a free trial to test with your own PCs and use cases.
Step 2. Install and test safely
If you prefer not to install on the internal drive right away, write the OS image to a USB drive and boot the PC from USB. This lets you evaluate performance, peripherals, and sign-in flow without touching the disk.
Step 3. Configure and manage at scale
Enroll devices in the Web Management Console, group them, apply policies, set connection profiles or kiosk mode, and schedule updates. Your repurposed PCs can now be remotely managed from anywhere using the WMC.
Quick decision guide
| If this sounds like you | Repurpose existing PCs | Buy thin client hardware |
|---|---|---|
| Your current devices are working fine and you want to increase the lifespan of these existing devices by up to 8 years | ✅ Likely a good fit | |
| Your current PCs are very old and you want to minimize future failure risk | ✅ Better choice | |
| You must connect specific peripherals that current PCs do not support reliably | ✅ Better choice | |
| You need demanding video conferencing that old or repurposed PCs cannot handle well | ✅ Better choice | |
| Devices have less than 4 GB RAM | ✅ Better choice | |
| You operate in hot or harsh environments and want a robust full-metal endpoint | ✅ Better choice |
(If none of the buy conditions apply, repurposing is usually the best path. Validate with a pilot first. If you are not sure about compatibility, test by repurposing with ZeeOS in your own environment.)
Pros of repurposing a PC into a thin client
Reduced cost and faster rollout
Avoid new hardware purchases and extend device life. Repurposing lets you move faster because devices are already on desks.
Lower local attack surface
Apps and data stay on the server. Only a small client component runs on the device, further limiting the attack surface.
Simpler day to day operations
Central management replaces most per-PC tasks. Local patching and antivirus overhead are minimized compared with maintaining a full desktop OS.
Standardize mixed fleets
Even if your fleet spans different manufacturers and models, one thin client operating system can make endpoints behave the same with consistent policies.
Sustainability benefits
Keeping devices in service longer reduces e-waste and power use, and avoids the embodied carbon of manufacturing new PCs. Repurposing instead of discarding older devices lowers the overall carbon footprint.
BYOD and flexibility
Repurposing allows you to convert the devices you prefer rather than using a predefined hardware list, and it eases change management since users can keep their usual workstations.
When to buy thin client hardware instead
- Your current PCs are very old and you want to minimize future failure risk
- You must connect specific peripherals that current PCs do not support reliably
- You need demanding video conferencing that a repurposed or old PC cannot handle
- Your hardware has less than 4 GB RAM
- You operate in hot or harsh environments and want a robust full-metal thin client
- You need specific output combinations such as multi-4K display support that your current hardware does not support
Next steps
If none of the buy conditions apply, you can confidently repurpose your existing PCs. If you are not sure whether repurposing is a good option for your devices, contact us or start a free trial. Test ZeeOS with your own use cases for an unlimited time. We provide free support during the PoC phase. If it is not a fit after thorough testing, there is no obligation to continue.