Windows abandons 32-bit support. What Linux distribution to use?

Windows drops support

Windows to continue using 32-bit hardware are closing. Literally. Microsoft decided keep up major Linux distributions and discontinue support. Of course, it is not going to do it abruptly. In principle, it will stop publishing updated versions for new computers. Existing versions for the time being will continue to be supported and can continue to be purchased from resellers. But, the process is irreversible.

Windows drops 32-bit support

This week Microsoft releases Windows 2004 version 10 for developers and PC builders. the official documentation about the minimum requirements to install Windows is clarified:

Starting with Windows 10, version 2004, all new Windows 10 systems will need to use 64-bit builds and Microsoft will stop releasing 32-bit builds for OEM distribution. This does not affect customers' 32-bit systems that are built with earlier versions of Windows 10; Microsoft remains committed to providing security and feature updates on these devices, including the continuous availability of 32-bit media on non-OEM channels to support various update installation scenarios.

What is the difference between 32 bit or 64 bit?

When we talk about 32 or 64 bit architectures we are referring to the storage capacity of the data.  32-bit systems store 4,294,967,296-bit words while 64-bit systems work with 18,446,744,073,709,551,616 bits. This means more processing in less time.

Another point in favor of 64 bits is the RAM memory that they are capable of managing. While the 32 can only work with 4GB, they have a theoretical limit of 16 million Terabytes.

Most likely, if you changed your computer in the last 10 years, it will be 64-bit.

Linux distributions compatible with 32-bit systems

One of the advantages of Linux is that it allows you to extend the life of older computers. And while the major distributions dropped 32-bit support, there are still several that continue to support it.

32-bit Linux distributions are compatible with older computers, have most of the features you might need, and consume little system resources. It is true that you could have problems with tasks such as video editing or very complex games. But, for things like editing texts, surfing the Internet or reading a book, they will work perfectly.

Debian

Is one of the distributions Older Linux and is the base of other very popular ones like Ubuntu and Linux Mint. Although the database only includes free software, it is possible to add repositories to install drivers and other proprietary programs.

In order to run Debian, a minimum of 512MB of RAM is required, with 2GB being the recommended amount of memory. In addition, a 1GHz Pentium processor and 10 GB of disk space.

Bodhi linux

It is about of a minimalist version derived from Ubuntu with a desktop fork of Enlightenment called Moksha.

The minimum requirements to run this distribution are:

  • Processor 32bit, 500MHz (Non-PAE)
  • 512MB of RAM
  • 5GB of disk space

Recommended requirements

  • 64bit, 1.0GHz processor
  • 768MB of RAM
  • 10GB of disk space

In the case of 32-bit equipment, the one we have to install is the Legacy version that uses an old kernel compatible with equipment older than 15 years.

Puppy Linux

Of the distributions that we discuss in this list, Puppy Linux It is the one that demands the least requirements since it manages with 300 MB of disk space and 256 MB of RAM.

Another thing that sets this distro apart is that it is actually a collection of multiple Linux distros, built on the same shared principles, using the same set of tools over a single set of Puppy-specific applications and settings, and generally providing behaviors and consistent characteristics, regardless of the flavors you choose.

We can distinguish three main categories within the Puppy Linux family of distributions:

  • Official Puppy Linux Distributions: They are maintained by the Puppy Linux team, are intended for general-purpose users, and are generally built using the Puppy Linux system builder (called Woof-CE).
  • Puppy Linux woof-built distributions: They are developed to satisfy specific needs and appearances, also oriented to a general purpose, and built using the Puppy Linux systems builder (called Woof-CE) with some additional or modified packages.
  • Unofficial derivatives ("puplets"): They are generally repackaged, or repackaged from repackaging, made and maintained by Puppy Linux enthusiasts, generally aimed at specific purposes.

Of course this list is not complete. There are many more Linux distributions that still bring old computers to life. And, now that Windows also abandons 32-bit support, it is a good excuse to try them.


12 comments, leave yours

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  1.   Eduardo said

    I would add mxlinux 32 with xfce and sparkylinux. Both based on debian

    1.    Diego German Gonzalez said

      Thanks for the tip

  2.   luix said

    correct me if necessary, windows will not run on computers with 32-bit processors ..

    In other words, we will only have 64-bit windows. It's right?

    I suppose that support for 32-bit applications will continue

    1.    Diego German Gonzalez said

      Little by little they will be abandoning the support

  3.   Ikssa said

    Lots of Linux distros have ditched 32-bit too :(

  4.   who cares said

    Linux Mint Debian Edition does not fail.

  5.   Juan Pablo said

    The whole introduction where bit numbers are discussed is totally wrong.
    "32-bit systems store 4,294,967,296-bit words […]"
    32-bit systems do not store words of that many bits but use internal 32-bit registers in the processor. That number is the number of memory addresses you can address.
    Of course, it also doesn't mean processing more information in the same amount of time, which depends on many other factors.

  6.   Gonzalo said

    In the case of Debian, if it is installed with a desktop, lxqt consumes much less resources, something ideal for older computers that only support 32bits.

    1.    Diego German Gonzalez said

      Thanks for the tip

  7.   Salamander said

    Processor 2bit, 500MHz (Non-PAE) -> fixes the 2bits :)

    Everything must have an end, even though I consider that the 32-bit is still alive, mainly the very low consumption intel cpu are present in the mini pc and sbc, but hey the new thing is arm and now is what matters.

    1.    Diego German Gonzalez said

      Thank you

  8.   Linuxero neophyte said

    I have used Debian with which I had a problem with the touch panel and it did not allow me to tap and Puppy Linux is a very good and interesting distribution, although I do not like its graphical interface very much. Other Linux distributions that support 32 bits are: Q4OS and Zorin Lite, the latter is very simple and complete, ideal for users who use Windows.