Do you have an old PC lying around? Maybe your Windows 10 PC won’t support Windows 11, and you’re not interested in purchasing a new machine. What do you do?
You can turn to a lightweight Linux distribution. This type of operating system typically has very low system requirements and can make older machines feel as if they’re brand new.
Also: 10 Linux apps I install on every new machine (and why you should, too)
Although there are some distributions that claim to be lightweight, I’m limiting my choices to those whose system requirements are equal to or less than a 1GHz CPU, equal to or less than 2GB of RAM, and a minimum of 10GB storage. I’ve also only chosen those distributions that don’t skimp on the features in favor of speed. But which distribution should you choose? Let me help you with that.
1. Linux Lite
It’s a simple but effective desktop.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Linux Lite is probably the best of all lightweight Linux distributions. Based on Ubuntu LTS and designed with user-friendliness in mind, Linux Lite uses the Xfce desktop to create a UI that’s clean and simple but doesn’t miss out on features.
Also: This lightweight Linux distro is the best (and easiest) way to revive your old computer. Here’s how
Once installed, you’ll find Linux Lite includes the apps you need to get started, such as Chrome, LibreOffice, GIMP, Photo Manager, Deja Dup Backups, VLC media player, a USB image writer, an onscreen keyboard, Timeshift (for restore points), and more. If it doesn’t include the app you need, there’s always the Synaptic Package Manager GUI to help you find what you’re looking for.
The system requirements for Linux Lite are:
- CPU: 1GHz or faster
- 1GB of RAM
- 8GB of drive space
Linux Lite can be downloaded and installed for free.
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2. AntiX
AntiX will be mostly familar to a wide swath of users.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
AntiX is another lightweight distribution, but I wouldn’t recommend it to those new to Linux. AntiX is geared more toward those with at least a bit of Linux experience. The reason for that is AntiX opts for the zzzFM-IceWM window manager. Even though the developers have configured the window manager to look fairly familiar, if you go to make any changes to the look and feel, you’ll find it’s not quite as simple as KDE Plasma or GNOME.
Also: Why this lightweight Linux distro won’t win any popularity contests but is perfect for power users
AntiX ships with plenty of pre-installed apps, such as Firefox, LibreOffice, Firejail, plenty of media players, and more. More than anything, though, AntiX is crazy fast, which means an aging computer will feel like you just purchased it off the shelf.
The system requirements for AntiX are:
- CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon 64 X2
- 1GB or more RAM
- 10GB or more drive space
- Graphics: Any graphics card with 3D acceleration
3. Bodhi Linux
Moksha’s Green theme is now the default.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Not gonna lie – I do love me some Bodhi Linux. The Moksha Desktop is a fork of Enlightenment, and it looks gorgeous. Of all the lightweight distributions, Bodhi is, by far, the most unique. But don’t think that uniqueness makes Bodhi Linux challenging to use. You’d be surprised at how easy this distribution is.
Also: Bodhi Linux can make an old computer feel brand new
One of my favorite features of Bodhi Linux is the right-click mouse menu. Right-click anywhere on the desktop, and a menu will appear where you can launch applications and much more. The right-click menu is the same as the desktop menu, so it’s very efficient. Although Bodhi Linux doesn’t include much in the way of eye candy, you’ll find plenty of beautiful themes to choose from.
The Bodhi Linux system requirements are:
- CPU: 1.0GHz or faster
- 768MB of RAM
- 10GB of drive space
4. BunsenLabs
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BunsenLabs Linux will surprise you with how it is functional and user-friendly. On top of that, it’s beautiful. This distribution is a continuation of the beloved CrunchBang Linux and uses a Debian base, the OpenBox window manager, the tint2 panel, Conky, and jgmenu. All of those bits come together to form a lightweight Linux distribution that not only performs incredibly well but looks very modern.
Also: This Linux distribution surprised me with its minimalistic yet highly-functional operating system
On top of all this, it shouldn’t take you any time to get up to speed with how the distribution works. Even better, BunsenLabs Linux includes a desktop mouse menu that is similar to the one found in Bodhi Linux.
The system requirements for BunsenLabs Linux are:
- CPU: 1GHz or faster
- 2GB of RAM
- 20GB of drive space
5. Lubuntu
The Lubuntu desktop looks and feels like an early 2000 UI.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Lubuntu is another distribution based on Ubuntu LTS. This take, however, uses the LXQt desktop, which is one of the most full-featured of all the lightweight desktop environments. LXQt is very fast and easy to use. Anyone who’s worked with Windows of any iteration will find LXQt familiar. Lubuntu is an official spin of Ubuntu and retains things like Snap package support, a stable kernel, a similar set of pre-installed software, and access to the standard Ubuntu repositories.
And although the Lubuntu desktop may give you early-2000s vibes, that doesn’t mean it’s too old-school for use. Lubuntu even includes KDE Plasma’s Discover app store, so you won’t have any problem installing all of the apps you need. The best thing about Lubuntu, however, is the speed. This lightweight Linux distribution will blow you away with how fast it runs, even on older hardware.
Speaking of which, the system requirements for Lubuntu are:
- CPU: 1GHz or faster
- 1GB of RAM
- 5GB of drive space
Also: Lubuntu is Linux for those looking to simplify and speed up their desktop experience
Any one of the above Linux distributions will give your aging PC new life – so, if you’re looking at the end of Windows 10 and your computer won’t support Windows 11, instead of throwing that machine away, install one of these distributions and keep that computer around for a few more years.
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