In this article, we will check the best light and fast OS for low-end PCs, especially for old laptops and computers with limited memory and configuration.
Best Light and Fast OS For Old and Low-End Laptops and PCs
The list below contains the 5 lightest OSs based on Linux that work smoothly on old hardware PCs and laptops. Since each OS has a different UI and functionality, choose the one that best fits your needs.
1. Lubuntu
Lubuntu is a lightweight, resource-efficient Linux distribution based on Ubuntu. It features the LXQt desktop environment and essential pre-installed applications. It offers both Long-Term Support and regular releases, making it suitable for machines with limited hardware resources.
Key Features
- Lightweight Linux distribution based on Ubuntu
- Uses the LXQt desktop environment (since version 18.10)
- It provides a functional yet modular experience that is lightweight by default
- Suitable for machines with limited hardware resources
- It comes with essential pre-installed apps for daily use
- Long Term Support (LTS) releases supported for 3 years
- Regular releases every 6 months, supported for 9 months
- Comprehensive Lubuntu Manual available for users
2. Puppy Linux
Puppy Linux is a lightweight, fast, and user-friendly Linux distribution that can be installed from various media types. It features a customizable interface, pre-installed applications, and a sophisticated write-caching system. Puppy Linux prioritizes safety, offers built-in tools for customization, and can run on both older and newer systems, including single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi.
- Lightweight and small in size, around 300MB or less
- Can be installed from USB, CD drive, SD card, or other media types
- Fast booting time, in a fraction of a second for most applications
- User-friendly graphical interface with customizable themes
- Optimized to support older desktop systems and newer computers
- Runs on both 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems
- Comes with pre-installed programs and tools for common tasks like internet, email, office apps, and multimedia
- It can function as a live USB, live CD or be installed on a hard drive
3. Linux Lite
Linux Lite is a lightweight, user-friendly, and feature-rich distribution that offers an easy-to-use computing experience, even on older hardware. With pre-installed applications, a clean desktop interface, and built-in maintenance tools, Linux Lite is suitable for beginners and experienced users, prioritizing security and efficiency.
- Lightweight and fast, it is ideal for older computers
- Easy to use, suitable for Linux beginners
- Comes with essential apps pre-installed, fully functional out of the box
- Includes LibreOffice, which is Microsoft Office-compatible
- Built-in firewall and security update notifications for enhanced security
- Clean, familiar, and intuitive desktop interface
- Bundled with popular apps like Chrome, Thunderbird, Dropbox, VLC Media Player
4. ChromeOS
ChromeOS is an operating system made by Google that is easy to use and secure. It works with many apps, including those you use on the web, Android, and Linux. ChromeOS also works very well with other Google products and services. It has built-in security features and updates itself automatically. ChromeOS comes with special tools that help you get things done more easily. It’s a great choice for people who want a simple and reliable operating system that works smoothly with Google products.
- Linux-based operating system developed by Google, designed for Chromebooks, Chromeboxes, Chromebits, and Chromebases
- It uses the Google Chrome web browser as its principal user interface
- Supports web applications, progressive web apps, browser extensions, Android apps, and Linux apps
- Built-in security features and automatic updates
- Seamless access to Google services and cross-device syncing
5. Tiny Core Linux
Tiny Core Linux is a very small and fast Linux operating system. It runs completely from your computer’s memory, making it perfect for older computers with limited storage and power. You can customize Tiny Core Linux by adding only the parts you need from online sources or removable drives. It has a simple graphical desktop and can run from a USB drive without installing it on your hard drive. Tiny Core Linux starts very quickly, usually in less than 10 seconds. You can install extra programs using its special package system and save your files on a separate drive. Tiny Core Linux is a great choice for a lightweight, flexible, and efficient Linux system.
- Extremely lightweight Linux distribution with a core ISO image of around 16 MB
- It runs completely from RAM, making it very fast
- Loads applications on demand from online repositories or removable media
- Modular design allows easy customization by adding only desired components
- It is ideal for older hardware with limited resources like memory and storage
- Supports i486 or later processors
- Includes a minimal graphical desktop environment based on the FLTK toolkit
- BusyBox provides many common Linux utilities in a single executable
Conclusion
The above list only shows the best 5 OSs, but several other light and superfast OSs include Xubuntu, Zorin OS, Bodhi Linux, etc. Since each OS’s design and use case varies based on the target audience, we recommend trying each one and selecting the best one for you.