Published on Sunday, January 9, 2022 | Edited on Saturday, April 26, 2025
As time goes by, more and more Linux Distributions are ceasing to support 32-bit versions of the operating system. If anyone still has a very old computer, he or she may want to replace the very old Windows® operating system it might have installed, with Linux.
In my opinion, the following are the best Linux Distributions that someone may want to use to revive very old hardware instead of throwing it to the trash.
The following Linux Distributions have 32-bit and 64-bit support:
- SparkyLinux – Based on Debian Testing – Desktop Environment is LXQt. Look for MinimalGUI i686.
- PeppermintOS – Based on Debian – Desktop Environment is XFCE. Peppermint OS Fully Loaded, Debian Base 32-bit.
- ELive – Based on Debian – Desktop Environment is Enlightment.
- Slackel – Based on Slackware with Salix tools – Desktop Environments are KDE, MATE and Openbox. In my opinion, MATE is easier for new users of Linux. Openbox is the lightest.
- Q4OS – Based on Debian – Desktop Environment is Trinity, which is a fork of KDE 3.5.
Zorin OS 15.3 Lite– Based on Ubuntu – Desktop Environment is XFCE. 32-bit was supported until April 2023.- Debian – Various Desktop Environments, of which MATE and LXQt are the lightest and easiest for new users of Linux.
- Devuan GNU/Linux – Fork of Debian without systemd. Various Desktop Environments, of which MATE and LXQt are the lightest and easiest for new users of Linux.
References:
Libre Software | GNU+Linux 