This article is about Lightweight Linux Distros. Assume you’re working on a laptop or computer with limited system resources. In that circumstance, taking advantage of the full capabilities of Linux distros like Ubuntu is not viable due to the substantial resources required. However, this does not supervise out the possibility of finding Linux distros that run with older laptops.
The 12 ESSENTIAL Best Lightweight Linux Distros in 2022
In this article, you may know about the Lightweight Linux Distros here are the details below;
There are now several lightweight Linux distros that give you with great graphical desktops while still allowing you to enjoy a straightforward computing experience with your older PC. These lightweight Linux distros are small, fast, and safe, with many useful features and low power consumption thanks to their light desktop environments. As a result, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of some of the best lightweight Linux distributions to test in 2022.
Excited? So, let’s get this party started.
In 2022, the best lightweight Linux distributions
Best linux distros – Linux Lite
It’s not simply that Linux Lite was designed to run smoothly on older computers. It’s also specifically developed with Linux newbies in mind. This is evident in the simple, Windows 95-inspired Xfce desktop environment, which includes a familiar taskbar with a “Menu” button that resembles the original Windows “Start” menu.
This lightweight Linux distribution is based on Debian and built on Ubuntu’s LTS (long-term support) version, which means you’ll get top-notch software and hardware compatibility right away. The documentation is straightforward to help you get started with the fundamentals, such as troubleshooting wireless networks and graphics speed.
To download Linux Lite to disc, you’ll need a 1.5GHz operating system with 1GB of RAM, as well as 20GB of hard drive space. They are, however, less user-friendly than Linux Lite.
Linux Lite requires the following minimum hardware:
• 1GHz or faster with two or more cores (64 bit processor)
• 1GB RAM
• 20GB free storage
AntiX – the best Linux distros
AntiX is one of the best choices for content on a machine with minimal resources. The complete version of antiX, which includes IceWM and the Rox File Manager, is one of the lightest distros available, with a vast choice of software, both lightweight and mainstream, for practically any desktop task. The most adorable aspects of this lightweight Linux distribution is its metapackage installer, which makes it easier for newbie users to get started.
AntiX booted into IceWM, a nice-looking window manager with desktop icons. Another appealing element of the distribution is its custom-built antiX control panel, which allows you to tweak practically every aspect of the setup. Using customizable modules in the Control Panel, you may change the appearance of the desktop, such as themes, menus, and wallpaper, as well as configure an antiX advertising blocker image and change the automount behaviour.
AntiX requires the following minimum hardware:
• 256MB RAM
• 4.0GB hard drive size
• Intel-AMD x86 compatible systems
Linux distros 2022 – Puppy Linux
Puppy Linux is the next lightweight Linux distribution on our list, with a download size of roughly 300MB, making it one of the smallest releases on the list. It makes use of a combination of JWM and ROX Desktop to create a light desktop experience.
Puppy Linux is a compilation of Linux distributions that share the same basic ideas, a unique set of customizations and software, as well as the same behaviour and features.
Switching to an Ubuntu-based distribution, for example, would provide support for Debian packages, and the Raspbian distribution makes setting up this lightweight Linux distro straightforward.
Puppy Linux is a complete operating system that comes with no software, making it ideal for people wishing to set up their own minimal Linux environment. The user interface isn’t the most advanced, but it’s quick and works well.
Puppy Linux requires the following minimum hardware:
• Intel-AMD system with 600MHz processor
• 256MB RAM
• 300MB free storage
Bodhi Linux is a lightweight Linux distribution.
If you’re looking for a lightweight Linux distribution to run on an outdated laptop, you’re likely to run into Bodhi Linux. It’s a lightweight Linux distribution designed to work on PCs with limited resources. Bodhi Linux is a weightless distribution that includes Moksha Desktop. Although Moksha lacks an internal window compositor by default, Compiz effects can be applied.
Bodhi Linux is aesthetically pleasing and performs admirably. You may get access to a lot of stuff for free thanks to Ubuntu repositories. Bodhi Linux 5.1 is now available in four different flavours: Standard, AppPack, Legacy, and HWE.
Each edition is distinct and serves a purpose. The HWE version is the one to choose if you want a 64-bit operating system with kernel upgrades that allow you to use new hardware support and features. If you don’t care about the kernel, the standard release is the best option. Furthermore, Bodhi Linux Legacy is 32-bit and can be used to breathe fresh life into computers that are fifteen years old. The AppPack edition, a live system-based OS that connects to your PC and executes conventional applications, is also available.
Bodhi Linux requires the following minimum hardware:
• 500MHz processor
• 256MB RAM
• 5GB hard drive
Popular Linux Distributions: Ubuntu MATE
If i have to choose one of the “heavyweight” Linux distributions for older PCs from this list, I’d choose Ubuntu MATE. Many new features & enhancements are included in the most recent version of Ubuntu MATE. This features a variety of colour schemes, a simple installation, the experimental ZFS, and Feral Interactive’s GameMode. This is one of the most OK desktop environments, which is why MATE has a more refined appearance and can easily work on low-end hardware.
Furthermore, Ubuntu MATE provides an appealing Linux experience that will make the move for a Windows user much easier. We frequently criticise smaller Linux distros for consuming insufficient resources; however, this is not the case with Ubuntu MATE.
Ubuntu MATE requires the following minimum hardware:
• Core 2 Duo (64-bit)
• 1GB RAM
• 8GB storage
Lightweight Desktop Environment Plus Arch Linux
I recommend Arch Linux to anyone who enjoys customising and personalising their computer. Your operating system’s desktop interface might make it light or heavy. Arch is a minimal, lightweight Linux distribution that doesn’t come with a lot of pre-installed software.
I would suggest that you try i3, a lightweight window manager. It’s been suggested that the most efficient DE doesn’t even have one. If you want to go from Arch to a fast and light Linux distribution with a desktop environment, there are various possibilities, including the fantastic Xfce and the LXQt.
Before choosing on Arch Linux, keep this in mind. Make sure your system isn’t based on 32-bit technology, as Arch manufacturers have discontinued supporting 32-bit platforms due to their dwindling popularity. You can alternatively install the forked archlinux32 version.
Arch Linux requires the following minimum hardware:
• Core 2 Duo (64-bit)
• 530MB RAM
• 2GB storage
BunsenLabs is a brand new Linux distribution.
BunsenLabs is the successor to the CrunchBang Ubuntu project, which ceased operations in 2013. CrunchBang made a name for itself by employing the primary Openbox Window Manager, which comes with its own programme repository and extremely lightweight system requirements.
BunsenLabs is the only project started after the CrunchBang era that is still maintained. The CrunchBang-inspired Linux distribution employs a Debian basis, a basic user interface, and the Openbox window manager, as well as a BunsenLabs-specific package repository.
Each of the x86 and ARM CPUs has 32-bit and 64-bit versions that function together. The minimal system requirements are 1GB RAM, with the current ISO’s complete installation taking up about 2.1GB. BunsenLabs remains true to its CrunchBang roots. However, Linux newbies should be warned that it may be unsettling.
BunsenLabs requires the following minimum hardware:
• 1GB RAM
• 20GB Storage
• Supports both 32bit and 64bit systems
Linux server distributions (LXLE)
LXLE utilises the same fundamental LXDE desktop application as Lubuntu. Because LTS versions are available for five years, the emphasis is on hardware stability and long-term support. The most recent version was an update to Ubuntu’s current LTS. This lightweight Linux distribution focuses on resurrecting obsolete devices, and it was designed to work as an operating desktop right out of the box. It was created with modern Windows users in mind.
The programmers spend a lot of time making all of the essential changes and modifications to boost performance, but they don’t scrimp on the finer details. The range of wallpapers accessible in the app, as well as clones of Windows programmes such as Aero Snap and Expose, demonstrate that the game’s aesthetics are important.
The lightweight Linux distribution provides full-featured software in a variety of categories, including audio and video, web graphics, office games, and more. There are other useful tools like a terminal-based weather software and Penguin Pills, an interface that can be used as a visual for many antivirus scanners.
LXLE is available as a Live image on 32-bit and 64-bit PCs, just like Lubuntu. A min of 512 MB of system RAM is required, with 1GB being recommended.
LXLE hardware requirements are as follows:
• 1GB RAM
• 512GB Storage
• Supports both 32bit and 64bit systems
Q4OS is a light Linux distribution.
Q4OS is a Debian-based lightweight Linux distribution that uses the Trinity desktop environment. It consists of a set of custom-designed tools and improvements, as well as an emphasis on making the system more efficient. It’s appropriate for both Linux newbies and veterans. While the default installation of Q4OS does not include all of the programmes, you will have access to strong tools for installing applications and custom codecs to meet your specific needs. Desktop effects are also supported with a relatively contemporary computer.
Unlike other common Linux distributions, Q4OS allows you to download Trinity separately after installing the normal Plasma desktop. Q4OS also comes with a Windows installer, so you may install it on your Windows PC just like any other Windows programme. The installer supports Secure Boot and can be used with Windows 10, 8, or 7. Q4OS also includes native utilities such as Desktop Profiler and Software Center, as well as third-party app installers that support x86/32 bit, ARM architecture, and more.
Hardware requirements for Q4OS are as follows:
• 1 G-Hz processor
• 1 GB RAM
• 5 GB storage
Small Linux Distributions – Xubuntu
Xubuntu, another Ubuntu flavour option, is a lightweight Linux system based on Ubuntu that uses Xfce as its primary desktop interface. It’s not as light as LXQt, but it uses fewer resources on the machine than vanilla Ubuntu.
Xfce is also capable of providing a clean and user-friendly user experience. It can receive regular updates because it is an Ubuntu variant. Ubuntu 21.04 Hirsute Hippo stable was only released a few days ago. After that, Xubuntu 21.04 stable became available for download a few days later. Xubuntu may not run properly on an old laptop or computer that is more than ten decades old, but it is the way to go if you have a recent computer.
Xubuntu’s minimum hardware requirements are as follows:
• 512MB RAM
• 8GB Storage
• Intel or AMD 64-bit processor
Lightweight Linux Distributions – Porteus
Porteus is a Slackware-based lightweight Linux distribution designed to be entirely portable and run on removable media such as USB sticks or CDs. It can also be downloaded to a disc via a USB stick or CD. It’s quick because it’s small enough to run on system RAM.
The fact that Porteus is compressed and develops the file system in real-time is its most distinguishing feature. The other software available to the operating system is available as modules in addition to the pre-installed software, making the OS incredibly compact and lightweight.
Porteus works on both 32-bit and 64-bit computers. After downloading an ISO file, users can choose between MATE, Openbox, KDE, LXQt, Xfce, Cinnamon, and LXDE desktop environments.
Porteus requires the following minimum hardware:
• 1GHz CPU
• 512MB RAM
• 1GB Hard Drive
Zorin OS Lite – most popular linux distros
Zorin OS Lite is a great distribution for folks who are tired of Windows stuttering their PC.
Zorin OS is the most beautiful lightweight Linux distributions today, and it’s a great alternative to Windows.
Although it is not the lightest Linux distribution available, it is an outstanding distro thanks to Xfce, which makes Zorin OS Lite run more smoothly. It also comes with a large number of useful and pre-installed utilities for running a lightweight version.
Zorin OS Lite requires the following minimum hardware:
• 2GB RAM
• 5GB Storage
• Intel or AMD 64-bit processor
Final Thoughts
So, if you’ve never tried Linux before and are lucky enough to have an old laptop, why not check-out some of the best lightweight Linux Distros and see what a difference a light Linux distribution can make. If your system’s resources aren’t an issue, you might have better luck using beginner-friendly Linux versions.
