Jio launches JioPC, turns your old computer into a cloud PC without buying new hardware

Jio has launched JioPC, a subscription service that turns any old laptop, desktop, or even TV into a cloud-powered PC without needing new hardware. The service is now open to all users across India. Here is everything you need to know.Jio separately capitalised expenditure incurred towards the acquisition and construction of telecom network assets such as antennas, radio equipment, ducts, fibre, routers, racks, batteries and other electronic equipment. Reliance Jio has rolled out a standalone subscription service called JioPC, which allows users across India to turn their existing laptop or desktop into a cloud-powered PC without replacing the hardware. So, if your old PC has been getting slower each day, this service could be worth trying before you invest in a new one.Notably, JioPC was earlier available only to JioHome broadband users. That has now changed. The service is open to consumers across India, regardless of which telecom or broadband provider they use.And the idea is, instead of making your old computer more powerful, Jio moves the heavy computing work to the cloud. Your existing device essentially becomes a way to access that cloud PC.JioPC can give your old computer up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storageJio is targeting computers that are around three to four years old and have started showing their age. If your laptop is running out of storage, slowing down or struggling with newer software, JioPC is being pitched as an alternative to buying a new machine. There are two plans.The standard JioPC comes with 4 vCPU, 8GB RAM and 500GB cloud storage. It costs Rs 1,000 for two months, Rs 2,000 for five months or Rs 4,000 for 10+2 months. Then there is JioPC Ultra, which offers 8 vCPU, 16GB RAM and 1TB cloud storage. It costs Rs 1,200 for two months, Rs 2,500 for five months or Rs 5,000 for 10+2 months.Jio says users can set up or upgrade to JioPC in less than five minutes. There is no need to move your existing data or install new hardware, which means you can get started without going through the usual headache of setting up a new computer.You can even turn your TV into a PCJio is also pushing JioPC beyond laptops and desktops. The service can be accessed through a supported web browser, meaning the physical computer does not need to have powerful hardware.There is also an option to use JioPC on a TV through a Jio Set-Top Box, along with a keyboard and mouse. In other words, your TV can double up as a basic computer.Jio is also highlighting AI as one of the reasons why cloud computing could become useful for older machines. Since demanding processing takes place on Jio's cloud infrastructure, the company says even computers as old as eight years can access the performance needed for modern AI-powered applications.There is a catch, though. JioPC does not actually upgrade the hardware inside your laptop or desktop. You still need a reliable internet connection, and the service cannot be used offline.The cloud PC also runs on Ubuntu/Linux, with LibreOffice and browser-based applications. That means some Windows-specific software may not be available in the same way as it would on a traditional Windows PC.Still, for users who mainly browse the web, work on documents, attend online classes or use cloud-based applications, JioPC could offer an interesting way to squeeze a few more years out of an old computer without spending big on new hardware.- EndsPublished On: Sep 3, 2026 12:38 IST