The best Linux for an old laptop
I've spun up dozens of Linux versions in virtual machines on my homelab, used each for a few days, and deleted most of them. If I had an old laptop that didn't run Windows well, I'd put Linux Mint or Ubuntu on it. Here's how to pick between them and what to use if the laptop is really old.
My pick
- Most people: Linux Mint (Cinnamon edition). Familiar, easy, supported for years.
- 6 GB of memory or more: Ubuntu is just as good, with a more modern look.
- 4 GB or an older processor: Linux Mint Xfce, Xubuntu, or Lubuntu.
- Either way: try it from a USB stick first, and put an SSD in if it still has a hard drive.
Why Linux on an old laptop
A lot of laptops from 2012 to 2017 still have plenty of life in them but can't run Windows 11, and Windows 10's free security updates end on October 12, 2027. That's where Linux for old laptops comes in. It's free, gets security updates, and runs comfortably on hardware that struggles with Windows. For web browsing, email, documents, video calls, and streaming, it does everything most people need.
It's not the only option. ChromeOS Flex is simpler if you only use a web browser. But Linux runs on more hardware and does more.
Check the laptop first
- 64-bit processor. Almost anything from about 2008 on is 64-bit. Most Linux versions no longer support 32-bit.
- Memory. 4 GB is workable with a lighter desktop. 8 GB is comfortable for anything below. How to check yours.
- The drive. If it's a spinning hard drive, an SSD makes a bigger difference than which Linux you choose. Here's how to swap a hard drive for an SSD.
- Back up your files. Installing Linux over Windows erases everything. My backup guide covers it.
Which Linux to choose
Linux comes in versions called distributions, or distros. There are hundreds. For an old laptop, only a handful matter:
| Distro | Good for | Memory | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linux Mint (Cinnamon) | Most people, especially coming from Windows | 4 GB+, 8 GB ideal | Start menu and taskbar feel familiar. Version 22.3 is supported until 2029 |
| Linux Mint Xfce | Older or slower laptops | 4 GB | Same Mint, lighter desktop |
| Ubuntu (26.04 LTS) | Newer "old" laptops | 6 GB+ | The most popular Linux. Different look from Windows. Supported for years |
| Xubuntu / Lubuntu | 4 GB machines | 4 GB | Lighter official Ubuntu flavors |
| Debian | Tinkerers who want stability | 4 GB+ | Rock solid, a little more hands-on to set up |
I've run all of these, plus more specialized ones like CasaOS and ZimaOS for home servers and SteamOS for gaming. For an everyday laptop, though, it comes back to Mint or Ubuntu. They have the most users, which means the most answers when you search for help.
If you're choosing between the two: Mint is easier for someone used to Windows. Ubuntu is a good fit if you want the latest version and the laptop has the memory for it.
Try it without installing
Every distro above can run from a USB stick without touching your hard drive. It's slower than an installed system, but it shows you whether Wi-Fi, sound, and the touchpad work.
- Download the ISO file from the distro's website (linuxmint.com or ubuntu.com).
- Write it to a USB stick of 8 GB or more with the free balenaEtcher or Rufus. Anything on the stick gets erased.
- Restart the laptop and tap the boot menu key: usually F12 on Lenovo and Dell, F9 on HP, or Esc. Pick the USB stick.
- Choose the option to try it without installing. Connect to Wi-Fi, open the browser, play a video, and try the webcam.
If it won't boot from the USB stick, turn off Secure Boot in the BIOS and try again. Mint and Ubuntu usually work with Secure Boot on.
Installing it
If everything worked in the trial, double-click the Install icon on the desktop. The installer asks a few questions:
- Erase disk and install replaces Windows completely. This is the simplest choice for an old laptop.
- Install alongside Windows keeps both and lets you pick at startup. It works, but it splits an already small drive, and on an old laptop it's rarely worth it.
- Pick a username and password, and the installer does the rest. It takes 10 to 30 minutes.
After you install
- Install updates. In Mint, open Update Manager. In Ubuntu, open Software Updater.
- Check for drivers. Mint's Driver Manager and Ubuntu's Additional Drivers find things like Broadcom Wi-Fi or Nvidia graphics that need an extra driver.
- Set up snapshots. Mint includes Timeshift, which saves a copy of the system so you can undo a bad update. Turn on daily snapshots.
- Get your apps. Firefox and LibreOffice come installed. Chrome, Zoom, Spotify, and many others are in the Software Manager or on their makers' websites.
What won't work
Be realistic about this before you erase Windows:
- Microsoft Office desktop apps. Use Office on the web, or LibreOffice, which opens Word and Excel files.
- Adobe software, most tax software, and some specialized programs only run on Windows or Mac. Check whether there's a web version.
- Some games, especially ones with anti-cheat. Steam runs many Windows games on Linux, but not all.
- Some printers and scanners, mostly older or unusual ones. Most common printers work, often without installing anything.
If one of those is a deal-breaker, stay on Windows 10 with free ESU updates for now, or look at a refurbished PC that runs Windows 11. If the laptop's only job will be web browsing, ChromeOS Flex may be simpler still.
Linux questions
What is the best Linux for an old laptop?
Linux Mint is the best choice for most people. It looks and works a lot like Windows, runs well on older hardware, and gets security updates for years. Ubuntu is a good alternative if the laptop has 6 GB of memory or more.
What Linux runs best on a laptop with 4 GB of RAM?
Linux Mint with the Xfce desktop, Xubuntu, or Lubuntu. They use less memory than Mint's default Cinnamon desktop or standard Ubuntu. An SSD helps as much as the choice of Linux does.
Can I try Linux without deleting Windows?
Yes. Linux Mint and Ubuntu both run straight from a USB stick without installing anything. If you like it, you can install it, either replacing Windows or alongside it.
Will my programs run on Linux?
Web-based ones will, since Firefox and Chrome both run on Linux. Most Windows desktop programs won't, including Microsoft Office's desktop apps and Adobe software. LibreOffice and the web versions of Office are the usual replacements.
Is Linux Mint safe?
Yes. It gets regular security updates, and Linux Mint 22.3 is supported until 2029. Keep installing updates through the Update Manager, just like on Windows.
