Most desktop and laptop computer computer systems from the previous twenty years use 64-bit x86 processors, however older 32-bit x86 CPUs (often known as i386 or i686) are nonetheless round. Regardless that Home windows and lots of Linux distributions have left them behind, there are nonetheless some flavors of Linux that can provide you a contemporary computing expertise in your older {hardware}.
This listing goes over 5 Linux distributions that also assist 32-bit x86 computer systems, as of June 2025. There aren’t many choices left as of late, as Fedora and Ubuntu each dropped 32-bit photographs in 2019, affecting downstream distributions like Linux Mint. A lot of the remaining distributions are variants of Debian, because it nonetheless has 32-bit x86 packages and set up photographs.
Regardless that these Linux distributions could be put in on 32-bit PCs, your favourite utility or recreation won’t work. Many different initiatives, like Google Chrome and Home Assistant, have dropped assist for older architectures. The core functions will nonetheless be accessible, although, and Firefox nonetheless works.
1
Debian
Debian helps many {hardware} architectures, together with 32-bit x86. This is among the greatest choices for 32-bit PCs, because it focuses extra on stability than the latest-available software program, and it has a sizeable group for technical assist.
You may select between a number of desktop environments and window managers throughout the set up course of, together with GNOME, KDE Plasma, Xfce, LXQt, and MATE. I like to recommend MATE or LXQt for older PCs, since GNOME and KDE Plasma could be overly CPU and GPU-intensive at occasions. The LXQt choice labored properly after I tried it out. You may also set up Debian with no desktop surroundings, which may be best in case you’re turning an outdated PC into a house server that solely must be managed by way of distant SSH terminal classes.
If you happen to’re not accustomed to desktop Linux, all of the questions and steps within the default installer could be annoying or complicated. Nonetheless, when you’re previous that half, you need to have a steady and succesful PC. Debian’s gradual bundle updates are additionally a standard grievance, however if you would like sooner updates, give Debian Unstable a shot.
You will get 32-bit Debian from the official downloads page, simply search for the ‘32-bit PC DVD-1 iso’ or ‘32-bit PC netinst iso’ hyperlinks. The total DVD picture consists of many packages within the picture, whereas the community set up choice suits on smaller USB drives and CDs by downloading packages throughout the set up course of.
2
Linux Mint Debian Version
Linux Mint is among the hottest desktop Linux distributions, however the principle variations are primarily based on Ubuntu and don’t have 32-bit x86 variations. Fortunately, there’s additionally Linux Mint Debian Version (LMDE), which swaps out the Ubuntu base for Debian whereas preserving the general expertise as shut as potential. If you happen to’re new to Linux, otherwise you don’t know which distribution to select, do that one first.
Linux Mint Debian Version ships with the Cinnamon desktop surroundings, with a taskbar and app launcher that ought to really feel acquainted to Home windows customers. Lots of the included functions are from the GNOME desktop surroundings and associated GTK functions, however there are additionally just a few customized apps and utilities developed by the Mint group. The built-in Software program Supervisor is a straightforward technique to discover new functions and video games.
You may download Linux Mint Debian Edition from the Mint web site, and double examine that you simply obtain the 32-bit model, not the 64-bit picture.
3
MX Linux XFCE
MX Linux is one other Debian-based distribution, and the default XFCE desktop choice is a superb selection for 32-bit PCs. It offers you a light-weight GTK-based desktop with some customized functions, like MX Instruments for frequent system actions and MX Package deal Supervisor for putting in new software program. You may also set up extra packages from APT, Flathub, Snap, or different software program distribution channels, so long as the developer nonetheless helps 32-bit x86, anyway.
MX Linux isn’t a lot totally different than putting in Debian with the XFCE desktop, however similar to Linux Mint, it will get you up and working rapidly with a fantastic desktop expertise. The Fluxbox model of MX Linux may squeeze much more efficiency out of your outdated PC, however the XFCE model might be the best combine of contemporary desktop options and quick efficiency.
You may download MX Linux XFCE from the official web site, and ensure to pick out the “386” model in your 32-bit PC.
4
Raspberry Pi Desktop
The Raspberry Pi OS was purpose-built for Pi computer systems, with many customized functions and tweaks to get essentially the most efficiency out of the Pi’s low-end {hardware}. Raspberry Pi additionally created a model of it for typical 32-bit x86 PCs, known as Debian with Raspberry Pi Desktop.
That is practically the identical software program expertise as Raspberry Pi OS on a Pi laptop, with a easy Wayfire-based desktop surroundings, some primary functions and utilities, and some academic instruments. If you happen to’ve already spent quite a lot of time with Pi boards, you may recognize the familiarity—the settings and menus with phrases like “restart your Pi” haven’t even been modified.
The primary catch is that Raspberry Pi Desktop relies on the outdated Debian 11 launch. The primary Pi working system was updated to Debian 12 ‘Bookworm’ in 2023, however there’s nonetheless no signal of an identical replace for Pi Desktop. It ought to nonetheless obtain safety updates until August 2026, however one of many different distros like Linux Mint or mainline Debian are a greater choice for a fully-supported expertise. I additionally observed the stay desktop surroundings was damaged, so in case you run into the identical drawback, you’ll want to completely set up the working system to provide it a attempt.
You may download Raspberry Pi Desktop from the official web site. Be certain to put in bundle updates after set up, for the reason that present picture (as of the time of writing) is from 2022.
5
Alpine Linux
Alpine Linux just isn’t a conventional desktop Linux distribution, and it’s not the best choice for most individuals organising a PC with Linux. It’s a minimal working system primarily based round musl, BusyBox, and OpenRC, with no graphical interface by default. Alpine can be one of many few remaining Linux distributions for 32-bit PCs not primarily based on Debian.
Alpine Linux is hottest in containers and digital machines—many in style Docker photographs use Alpine Linux because the core picture for its minimal RAM and CPU utilization. It may also be put in because the host working system on a PC, however there aren’t many use instances for that. If you happen to’re attempting to show an outdated laptop right into a minimal server or embedded system, Alpine may be a viable choice.
You may download Alpine Linux from the official web site. The installation process is a bit sophisticated, and also you’ll must install a window manager or desktop environment afterwards in case you want a type of.
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