Is the Lenovo IdeaPad Y500 still worth buying in 2026?

Only at a low price. It is an older platform on Windows 10 Home, which no longer gets security updates, so treat it as a cheap gaming machine, not a long-term daily driver.

Can the 250 GB SSD be upgraded?

Yes. The Y500 has a drive bay that takes a standard 2.5-inch SSD, so swapping in a larger drive is the usual fix for the small stock capacity.

Does it run Windows 11?

It ships with Windows 10 Home. Windows 11 support depends on the CPU generation and TPM, and many Y500 configurations do not meet the official requirements.

Is the screen good for gaming?

It is a 1920x1080 panel at 15.6 inches, which is sharp for the size. It is a standard 60 Hz display, not a high-refresh gaming screen.

What should I check before buying one?

Check the drive size and health, the battery condition and whether the fans have been cleaned. Given its age, a used unit in good shape is the safer buy.