Can You Really Extend the Life of an Old Windows 10 Laptop with Linux?

When Microsoft announced the end of support for Windows 10 (October 2024), I began suggesting that anyone stuck on an older Windows 10 machine -- especially those who couldn't upgrade to Windows 11 -- consider extending the device's life by installing ChromeOS or Linux. I posted the idea on my blog and shared it with family members.

Was That a Fair Recommendation?

At first glance, the advice felt solid. I own laptops running Linux, ChromeOS, macOS, and Windows, so I thought I understood the trade‑offs. However, my primary Linux machine is a converted MacBook Pro -- a fairly powerful device. A Windows 10 laptop of comparable age and specs would probably still qualify for Windows 11, meaning my own setup wasn't the best benchmark for low‑end hardware.

What if someone has a truly old, low‑spec Windows laptop? Could Linux run as a daily driver on such a machine? I didn't know for sure, so I decided to find out.

My Test Device: Lenovo ThinkPad E470

• CPU: Intel Core i5-7200U (2016)
• RAM: 4 GB
• Storage: 500 GB HDD (no SSD)
• Display: 1366 x 768 resolution
• Original OS: Shipped with Windows 7; later upgraded to Windows 10

At roughly nine years old, this ThinkPad is a clear step down from my newer computers, making it a realistic candidate for a "low‑spec" test.

Putting Linux to the Test

Instead of taking my word for it, I bought the ThinkPad specifically to install Linux and see whether it could serve as a usable daily machine. After creating a bootable USB, I installed Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE) 7 because it's a lightweight distribution with strong community support. You can safely pick any lightweight distro you prefer; I recommend Debian- or Ubuntu‑based ones because they have larger support communities.

The installation went smoothly and the system now boots cleanly. I'm writing this post on the Linux‑powered ThinkPad and will use it for the next month to evaluate real‑world performance -- web browsing, media playback, and occasional streaming‑related tasks. The RAM and hard drive won't be a problem; the only adjustment I'm making is learning the keyboard layout, since the Page Up/Page Down and Fn/Print‑Screen keys are positioned differently than I'm used to.

What This Means for You

If you're still on Windows 10 and your hardware can't upgrade to Windows 11, you don't need to discard the machine. Installing Linux can:

• Extend the device's useful life without paying for a new OS license.
• Provide a stable, secure environment that receives regular updates.
• Save money compared to buying a brand‑new Windows 11 laptop.

Yes, the experience will feel different, but the change is comparable to moving from Windows 10 to Windows 11 -- just without the cost.

Takeaway Checklist

1. Check hardware specs - 4 GB+ RAM and a decent CPU.
2. Choose a distro - Linux Mint, Ubuntu, Zorin OS, or any lightweight option (look for an Xfce desktop version; avoid Gnome).
3. Create a bootable USB and back up important data.
4. Install Linux - dual‑boot if you want to keep Windows.
5. Test daily tasks - browsing, video playback, streaming software.

My Philosophy

My Streaming Life is built around having options and saving money. I've considered Linux a viable choice for years, and I encourage anyone fed up with Microsoft's upgrade push to explore it as an alternative. Give it a try and let me know how it works for you!