Best Linux distributions to revive an ancient laptop

There are numerous lightweight Linux distributions that can revive an outdated laptop that has been collecting dust.

Microsoft's most recent operating system has more demanding hardware requirements, yet many older laptops can still run Windows 10.

A dual-core processor, 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, and a trusted platform module (TPM) version 2.0 are the minimum requirements for Windows 11.

Because it restricts Windows 11 to computers with CPUs newer than Intel's 8th generation and AMD's Ryzen 2000 series, Microsoft's TPM 2.0 requirement is contentious.

AMD introduced the Ryzen 2000 series in 2018, whereas Intel announced its 8th generation processors in 2017. A Linux-based operating system might extend the life of your outdated laptop if it struggles to run Windows 8.1 or 10 and does not satisfy Windows 11's minimum system requirements. An operating system built on the Linux kernel is referred to as a Linux distribution (distro).

Operating systems need several programs in addition to the kernel to run, and Linux distributions frequently use GNU Project-produced tools.

Richard Stallman, the creator of GNU, has long argued that Linux distributions should be referred to be GNU/Linux systems.

His recommendation, however, was never adopted, and the abbreviation "Linux" is nevertheless frequently used to refer to both operating systems. Because they are open-source, free to use, and frequently feature less demanding hardware, Linux distributions are appealing.

Many Linux distributions also enable users to boot the operating system from a USB device in order to preview it before deciding to install it.

Here are some of the Linux distributions that are the lightest and might be able to revive some of the more dated laptops.

Linux Lite

Linux Lite is the best option for customers switching from Windows because it features a similar desktop environment and well-known programs like Skype. No more software is needed after the initial installation, according to the creators of Linux Lite.

Several pre-installed programs include LibreOffice, GIMP, VLC media player, Firefox, and the VLC media player.

Linux Lite uses a customized version of the Xfce desktop environment and is based on Ubuntu, which is based on Debian. Linux Lite can be run on a laptop with a processor that runs at or above 700 MHz, 512 MB of RAM, and 5 GB of storage.

Puppy Linux

Puppy Linux is distinctive because it combines several different Linux distributions. Since there are several Puppy Linux distributions, the prerequisites can change depending on which one you install. AbiWord, VLC media player, and Firefox are a few of the standard programs that come with Puppy Linux distributions. Most versions should run smoothly on a laptop with a 1 GHz processor, 512 MB of RAM, and 8 GB of storage.

TinyCore Linux

The least resource-intensive Linux distribution on this list, TinyCore, can operate inside a device's RAM. The full distribution is only 16 MB in size, while the Core version is much lower at just 11 MB. Although this operating system is relatively light, it is also very basic, hence it is not advised for the typical laptop user. According to the Core team, it just contains the core required to boot into a very basic X desktop, which usually has wired internet access. Although a browser or word processor are not included, you can install other programs using the command-line interface.

The minimal system requirements for Tiny Core are an Intel i486DX processor and 46 MB of RAM. Given that Intel's i486DX CPU was introduced in 1989, it is reasonable to assume that Tiny Core can be run on any contemporary computer.

antiX

A Linux distribution called antiX is based on Debian Stable. The total size of the distribution is 1.4 GB, while the "basic" version is just over 800 MB. The 440 MB "core" version is smaller but comes with fewer pre-installed programs. AntiX employs sysVinit or runit as its system and service manager rather than systemd, which is another factor some people use to argue that it is less demanding than other Linux distributions. AntiX needs a single-core 1.3 GHz processor, 256 MB of RAM, and 5 GB of storage as a minimum to run.

Zorin OS Lite

Zorin OS Lite is a fantastic option if you value utility over aesthetics but still desire an operating system that looks like Windows. The most demanding of these operating systems is Zorin, though. Based on Ubuntu, Zorin OS Lite does not employ the GNOME desktop interface, which has come under fire for becoming bloated and resource-intensive. It makes use of the Xfce desktop environment instead. For this Linux distribution, your laptop must have a 1 GHz processor, 1 GB of RAM, and 10 GB of storage as the absolute minimum requirements.

Bodhi Linux

The Mokshah Desktop graphical user interface is used by Bodhi Linux, and the 64-bit edition is based on Ubuntu 20.04. Based on Ubuntu 18.04, the 32-bit version can run on processors older than Intel's Pentium II, which debuted in 1997. The minimum hardware specifications for Bodhi Linux are a 500 MHz processor, 512 MB of RAM, and 5 GB of storage. The developers of Bodhi have stated that even though 1 GB of RAM is advised, the installer will nonetheless function on 512 MB—albeit more slowly.