Not every computer was built with Windows 11 in mind. Between TPM 2.0 requirements, secure boot, and newer hardware standards, a lot of perfectly good machines are being left behind. The good news is that doesn’t mean your older laptop or desktop has to gather dust. Linux distributions like Ubuntu and Linux Mint can breathe new life into it, giving you a fast, secure, and modern system without the licensing headaches.

This guide walks you through the process step by step in a simple and practical way.

Step 1: Check Your Hardware

Linux is famously flexible, but it helps to know what you’re working with.

  • RAM: At least 2 GB is the bare minimum, but 4 GB or more will make things smoother.
  • Storage: 20 GB or more of free space. SSDs give a big performance boost if you have one.
  • Processor: Any dual-core CPU from the last 15 years will usually do fine.

If your machine is really old, less than 2 GB of RAM for example, Linux Mint Xfce edition is a better choice than the heavier desktop environments.

Step 2: Pick Your Distribution

Two beginner-friendly options stand out:

  • Ubuntu: Very popular, lots of community support, polished look.
  • Linux Mint: Based on Ubuntu but designed to feel more like Windows. The Cinnamon desktop is especially comfortable if you’re coming from Windows 10.

Both are stable, easy to install, and receive regular updates. If you’re unsure, Mint is usually the smoother transition for Windows users.

Step 3: Create a Bootable USB

You’ll need an 8 GB or larger USB stick.

  1. Go to the official website and download the ISO file:
  2. Use a tool like Rufus (Windows) or balenaEtcher (Windows, macOS, Linux) to “burn” the ISO to the USB drive.
  3. Once done, you’ll have a bootable installer ready to go.

Step 4: Boot from the USB

  1. Insert the USB stick into your old computer.
  2. Restart and press the key to enter the boot menu (often F12, F2, Del, or Esc).
  3. Select the USB drive as the boot device.

If secure boot is enabled in the BIOS and Linux won’t load, disable it in the firmware settings.

Step 5: Try Before You Install

Both Ubuntu and Mint let you run a live session straight from the USB. This is a no-risk way to test:

  • Does Wi-Fi work?
  • Does the screen look normal?
  • Does the computer feel responsive enough?

If it feels sluggish, you can always try a lighter variant later such as Ubuntu MATE, Xubuntu, or Mint Xfce.

Step 6: Install Linux

When you’re ready:

  1. Click “Install Ubuntu” or “Install Linux Mint.”
  2. Choose your language and keyboard layout.
  3. Decide whether you want to erase the whole disk or install alongside Windows if it’s still there.
    • Erase and install is simpler if you’re done with Windows 10.
    • Dual-boot is useful if you want to keep both systems.
  4. Follow the prompts to set up your username, password, and time zone.

The process usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes.

Step 7: First Boot and Updates

After installation, reboot and remove the USB stick. You’ll land in your brand-new Linux desktop.

  • First thing: run the Update Manager (Linux Mint) or Software Updater (Ubuntu).
  • Install all available updates to ensure security and performance improvements.

Step 8: Install Essentials

Linux comes with a lot out of the box, but you might want extras:

  • Web browser: Firefox is pre-installed, Chrome or Chromium can be added easily.
  • Office suite: LibreOffice comes standard.
  • Media: VLC handles almost any video or audio file.
  • App store: Both Ubuntu Software Center and Mint’s Software Manager make it easy to browse and install applications.

Step 9: Customize Your Setup

This is where Linux shines. You can tweak everything from themes and icons to how your desktop behaves. Mint, in particular, lets you customize panels and menus to look almost identical to Windows if you prefer familiarity.

Step 10: Enjoy a Second Life for Your PC

Now you’ve dodged the Windows 11 upgrade treadmill. Your old computer runs a modern, secure operating system that will keep receiving updates for years. For web browsing, document editing, streaming, light coding, or even some gaming with Steam and Proton, it’s more than enough.