Guide · Getting started

How to install Linux on an old desktop

By Tiny · how I pick

Updated October 2026. No affiliate links on this page.

Installing Linux on an old desktop takes about 30 minutes:

For most people, Linux Mint is the easiest first choice. You can test everything from the USB stick before anything on the computer changes.

Words you'll see in this guide
  • Distro: short for distribution. One packaged version of Linux, like Linux Mint or Ubuntu.
  • ISO file: a single file that holds a whole operating system installer.
  • Bootable USB: a USB stick set up so a computer can start from it instead of its own drive.
  • BIOS / UEFI: the settings screen built into a motherboard that runs before the operating system starts.
  • Secure Boot: a security setting that only lets approved operating systems start. It sometimes blocks Linux installers.
  • Live session: Linux running straight off a USB stick, so you can try it without installing.

See the full glossary

Why now: Microsoft ended regular support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, and the extended security updates for home users ran out in October 2026. Without security patches, an old Windows 10 box is a risk online, even though the hardware still works fine. Linux is free, keeps getting updates, and can turn that machine into a quick desktop or an always-on home server.

Step 1: Check what you're working with

You need two facts about the machine. In Windows, right-click This PC and choose Properties, or search for "About your PC."

You'll also need:

Step 2: Pick the right version for your RAM

Matching the desktop to the memory is what decides whether an old PC feels quick or sluggish.

Your RAMBest pickWhy
4GB or moreLinux Mint CinnamonThe friendliest Windows-like desktop. The best default for most people.
2 to 4GBLinux Mint Xfce, Xubuntu, or MX Linux XfceA lighter desktop that still feels complete and familiar.
1 to 2GBantiX or LubuntuMinimal and quick. Brings mid-2000s machines back to life.
Under 1GBantiX or Puppy LinuxRuns mostly in memory, so it starts on very old hardware.

Step 3: Make a bootable USB

Copying the ISO onto the stick won't work. It has to be written in a special way so the PC can start from it. Use one of these free tools on your current computer:

It takes a few minutes and erases the stick.

Step 4: Start the old desktop from the USB

  1. Plug the USB stick into the old PC.
  2. Turn the PC on and keep tapping the boot menu key. It's usually F12, F10, Esc, or F2, and the maker's logo screen often tells you which.
  3. Choose the USB stick from the menu.

    You should see: the Linux startup screen instead of Windows.

If it won't start from the USB: Secure Boot is the usual cause. Linux Mint and other Ubuntu-based versions normally work with it, but if the installer won't load, restart into the BIOS or UEFI settings (the same boot key, or Del). Turn Secure Boot off for now, save, and try again. Also check that the PC is set to start from the USB and not its internal drive.

Step 5: Try it, then install

Linux starts a live session that runs entirely from the USB stick, so nothing on the PC changes yet. This is what makes it low-risk.

  1. Click around. Open the web browser and check that Wi-Fi, sound, and the display all work.
  2. If everything behaves, double-click Install on the desktop.
  3. Answer the basic questions: language, time zone, keyboard, and a username and password.
  4. Choose how to install. This is the one choice that matters:
    • Erase disk and install Linux: the clean, simple option for a machine you're giving to Linux. It wipes Windows and everything else, which is why step 1 said to back up.
    • Install alongside Windows: keeps Windows and lets you pick one at startup. On an unsupported Windows 10 box, there's little reason to keep it.
  5. Let it finish, remove the USB stick when asked, and restart.

    You should see: the Linux login screen. That's a working Linux desktop.

Step 6: Turn it into something useful

A revived desktop makes a great first home server. It's free because you already own it, and it runs the same jobs a new mini PC does. Next steps:

Too loud or power-hungry to leave on all day? That's your cue to read reuse or replace and compare it with a cheap low-power mini PC.

Where to go next

New to all of this? Start with what kind of server you need, or take the 60-second which server should I buy quiz.

Quick answers

Which Linux should I install on an old desktop?

For most people, Linux Mint. Use the Cinnamon version with 4GB of RAM or more, since it looks and feels like Windows. With 2 to 4GB, use a lighter Xfce version (Mint Xfce, Xubuntu, or MX Linux Xfce). Under 2GB, antiX or Puppy Linux.

How much RAM do I need to run Linux on an old PC?

Linux Mint Xfce is comfortable on 4GB and usable on 2GB. Very light versions go much lower: antiX and Lubuntu run on 1 to 2GB. Match the desktop to your RAM and even a very old machine feels responsive.

Will installing Linux erase Windows?

Only if you choose to. You can try Linux from the USB stick first without changing anything. When you install, you pick either erasing the drive or installing alongside Windows. Back up anything you want to keep first.

The Linux USB won't boot. What's wrong?

Usually one of two things. The PC is still starting from its internal drive, so press the boot menu key (often F12, F10, Esc, or F2) right after turning it on and choose the USB stick. Or Secure Boot is blocking it, so turn Secure Boot off in the BIOS settings for now and try again.

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