Many users have started to move away from the Windows operating system and switch to using Linux with its various distributions, due to its flexibility and increased popularity in recent times. This has led to the availability of numerous resources for tutorials and technical support for any issues users may encounter when using Linux. Additionally, there has been an increase in the number of programs and applications that can be used on the system, and most importantly, many Linux distributions do not require high technical specifications, unlike Windows 10, for example, which consumes a lot of resources with each update. This shift away from Windows 7, which many users relied on, has prompted more users to explore Linux as an alternative.
However, when downloading Linux distributions, many users find that these distributions only support 64-bit architecture and do not offer a 32-bit version. This prevents some users with older devices from experiencing Linux systems. For this reason, we have prepared this article to provide you with the best Linux distributions that support 32-bit architecture, allowing you to download and install them on your old device without any problems.
Having a computer based on 32-bit architecture these days is becoming very rare, to the extent that some 64-bit devices are now considered very old. As a result, most popular distributions do not support this architecture. However, some distributions still support these devices through a separate 32-bit version, rather than just integrating it within the 64-bit operating system. Before we proceed to review the distributions, we recommend checking the article “Difference between 32-bit and 64-bit” to understand the basic differences between the two architectures and how to determine your device’s architecture.
Recommend reading: Uses for your old computer (2): Learn to use Linux systems
Debian Distribution
Debian is one of the renowned Gnu/Linux distributions, with the popular Ubuntu distribution being one of its main derivatives. Debian still supports 32-bit architecture to this day. You can download its ISO file from the official website in either 64-bit or 32-bit architecture. The latest version of the distribution, which is version 10, supports the old architecture with a Long Term Support (LTS) version. This means you can install it on any 32-bit device and receive support and updates until 2024. The distribution relies on the gorgeous GNOME interface as a desktop environment and offers many free software applications by default.
MX Linux Distribution
MX Linux is also one of the beautiful and simple distributions that we have discussed extensively before. It does not require high-spec computers and is often classified as one of the best Linux distributions in general. The distribution is based on Debian and allows you to choose from multiple desktop environments like KDE, XFCE, or Fluxbox during installation. The distribution supports 32-bit architecture up to its latest version, MX-19.2.
Slax Distribution
Slax is another Debian-based distribution, but it is somewhat different in usage. It is considered a portable Linux distribution geared towards new users to Linux, allowing them to try out the system before transitioning to using it as their primary operating system. This is evident from the size of the distribution files, which do not exceed 300 megabytes. The distribution offers a 32-bit version up to its latest release, which is version 9.11. You can download the distribution, burn it to a flash drive, and boot directly into it without installation. You will find it to be a very lightweight distribution with a beautiful interface, namely Fluxbox.
antiX Linux Distribution
antiX is one of the lightest Linux distributions primarily aimed at novice users. It does not require a high-spec computer, as a minimum of around 256 megabytes of RAM is sufficient for the distribution to run on your device without any issues. The distribution supports 32-bit architecture up to its latest release, version 19.3, and includes the KDE environment as the default desktop environment.
Ubuntu Mate Distribution
Ubuntu Mate is a fantastic and user-friendly distribution that suits low-spec devices. For example, the distribution can run smoothly with just 1 gigabyte of RAM, and you can download the Long Term Support version 18.04 of the distribution in 32-bit architecture. This version provides support until April 2021. The distribution is a derivative of the popular Ubuntu distribution and relies on the MATE interface as its default desktop environment.
Xubuntu Distribution
Xubuntu is a distribution affiliated with Canonical and relies on the XFCE interface as the default desktop environment. It was named as a merger of the name Ubuntu and the letter X from the distribution’s interface name. Although the latest version of the distribution does not offer a 32-bit version, you can still download the Long Term Support (LTS) version of the 18.04 release or Bionic Beaver, which provides a supported version for 32-bit devices to receive support until April 2021.
