{"id":43364,"date":"2015-07-19T17:26:00","date_gmt":"2015-07-19T11:56:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/?p=43364"},"modified":"2026-10-15T13:48:34","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T08:18:34","slug":"intel-compute-stick-smallest-windows-computer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2015\/07\/intel-compute-stick-smallest-windows-computer\/","title":{"rendered":"Intel Compute Stick: The Tiny Windows PC and Its 2026 Alternatives"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The <strong>Intel Compute Stick<\/strong> was a complete Windows computer about the size of a USB pen drive. You plugged it into the HDMI port of a monitor or TV, added a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, and had a working PC. This article covers what the Compute Stick offered when it launched in 2015, what happened to it, and what to buy today if you want a tiny PC.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-43412\" src=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/intel-compute-stick.jpg\" alt=\"Intel Compute Stick plugged into an HDMI port\" width=\"500\" height=\"316\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/intel-compute-stick.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/intel-compute-stick-150x95.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/intel-compute-stick-300x190.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Quick answer:<\/strong> Intel discontinued the Compute Stick line on July 31, 2020, so you can no longer buy it new. Its low-power Atom chip, 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage would struggle with modern Windows anyway. If you want a tiny computer today, a palm-sized mini PC is the closest replacement, while a streaming stick suits TV-only use.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6aef5f85b4376\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #1a202c;color:#1a202c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #1a202c;color:#1a202c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6aef5f85b4376\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2015\/07\/intel-compute-stick-smallest-windows-computer\/#What_the_Intel_Compute_Stick_offered\" >What the Intel Compute Stick offered<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2015\/07\/intel-compute-stick-smallest-windows-computer\/#The_rise_and_fall_of_computers_on_sticks\" >The rise and fall of computers on sticks<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2015\/07\/intel-compute-stick-smallest-windows-computer\/#Intel_Compute_Stick_alternatives_in_2026\" >Intel Compute Stick alternatives in 2026<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2015\/07\/intel-compute-stick-smallest-windows-computer\/#Tips_if_you_still_own_a_Compute_Stick\" >Tips if you still own a Compute Stick<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2015\/07\/intel-compute-stick-smallest-windows-computer\/#FAQ\" >FAQ<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2015\/07\/intel-compute-stick-smallest-windows-computer\/#Is_the_Intel_Compute_Stick_still_sold\" >Is the Intel Compute Stick still sold?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2015\/07\/intel-compute-stick-smallest-windows-computer\/#Can_the_Intel_Compute_Stick_run_Windows_11\" >Can the Intel Compute Stick run Windows 11?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2015\/07\/intel-compute-stick-smallest-windows-computer\/#How_was_the_Compute_Stick_powered\" >How was the Compute Stick powered?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2015\/07\/intel-compute-stick-smallest-windows-computer\/#What_is_the_best_replacement_for_a_stick_PC\" >What is the best replacement for a stick PC?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_the_Intel_Compute_Stick_offered\"><\/span>What the Intel Compute Stick offered<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When we covered it in 2015, the Compute Stick was one of the smallest Windows computers on the market. Its small size made it useful for people with limited desk space or an outdated desktop to replace. It shipped with Windows 8.1 and was eligible for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2015\/06\/free-windows-10-upgrade\/\">free Windows 10 upgrade<\/a> on July 29, 2015.<\/p>\n<p>The first model had these specifications:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Intel Atom quad-core processor with Intel HD Graphics<\/li>\n<li>2GB of soldered RAM<\/li>\n<li>32GB of flash storage, plus a microSD slot for more<\/li>\n<li>One USB 2.0 port (a USB hub was needed for more accessories)<\/li>\n<li>Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0<\/li>\n<li>Power through a micro USB port, not through HDMI as you might expect<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>After the first setup it was mostly plug and play: a fully working Windows computer on your monitor or HDTV.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_rise_and_fall_of_computers_on_sticks\"><\/span>The rise and fall of computers on sticks<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In 2015 it looked like stick PCs would change the PC market and end the days of the bulky desktop. Intel released second-generation Compute Sticks in 2016 with faster Core m processors, and other makers joined in.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-43413\" src=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/lenovo-ideastick.jpg\" alt=\"Lenovo Ideacentre Stick 300 stick computer\" width=\"500\" height=\"304\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/lenovo-ideastick.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/lenovo-ideastick-150x91.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/lenovo-ideastick-300x182.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Lenovo announced a similar stick computer, the <strong>Ideacentre Stick 300<\/strong>, with comparable specs.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-43067\" src=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/chromebit.jpg\" alt=\"Asus Chromebit Chrome OS stick computer\" width=\"500\" height=\"315\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/chromebit.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/chromebit-150x95.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/chromebit-300x189.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Google and Asus answered with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2015\/04\/google-chromebit-computer\/\">Chromebit<\/a>, which packed Chrome OS into a similar stick. After buying the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2014\/01\/hp-14-chromebook-unboxing-photos\/\">HP 14 Chromebook<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2015\/02\/asus-chromebox-unboxing-photos\/\">Asus Chromebox<\/a>, I was looking forward to it as my third Chrome device.<\/p>\n<p>The category never took off. Sticks ran hot, had very little memory and storage, and offered few ports. Meanwhile, small mini PCs became cheap and far more capable, and Intel ended the Compute Stick line in 2020.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Intel_Compute_Stick_alternatives_in_2026\"><\/span>Intel Compute Stick alternatives in 2026<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Mini PCs:<\/strong> palm-sized desktops that mount behind a monitor or TV. They offer far more RAM, storage and ports than any stick. Browse <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/go\/mini-pc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener\">mini PCs on Amazon<\/a> and pick one with at least 8GB of RAM and an SSD for Windows 11.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.raspberrypi.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Raspberry Pi<\/a>:<\/strong> a tiny, low-cost Linux computer for projects, learning and media use.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Streaming sticks:<\/strong> if you only wanted the Compute Stick to watch video on a TV, a streaming stick is cheaper and simpler.<\/li>\n<li><strong>An upgraded old desktop:<\/strong> sometimes the best small upgrade is the PC you already own. See <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2022\/12\/upgrade-old-desktop-pc\/\">how to upgrade an old desktop PC<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tips_if_you_still_own_a_Compute_Stick\"><\/span>Tips if you still own a Compute Stick<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>An old stick can still work as a simple display or kiosk computer. Use a good power adapter, keep it in a ventilated spot, and add a microSD card for storage. Check whether your exact model supports the version of Windows you want before upgrading.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ\"><\/span>FAQ<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_the_Intel_Compute_Stick_still_sold\"><\/span>Is the Intel Compute Stick still sold?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>No. Intel discontinued the Compute Stick line on July 31, 2020.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_the_Intel_Compute_Stick_run_Windows_11\"><\/span>Can the Intel Compute Stick run Windows 11?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The original model has only 2GB of RAM, below the 4GB minimum that Windows 11 requires, so it is not a practical Windows 11 machine.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_was_the_Compute_Stick_powered\"><\/span>How was the Compute Stick powered?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Through a micro USB port connected to a power adapter, not through the HDMI port.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_best_replacement_for_a_stick_PC\"><\/span>What is the best replacement for a stick PC?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A mini PC with an SSD and 8GB or more of RAM gives you a tiny Windows computer without the stick&#8217;s limits.<\/p>\n<p>Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, QuickOnlineTips earns from qualifying purchases.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Intel Compute Stick was a complete Windows computer about the size of a USB pen drive. You plugged it&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":43412,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-43364","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-computers"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43364","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=43364"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43364\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":67118,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43364\/revisions\/67118"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/43412"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=43364"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=43364"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=43364"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}