I'm not upgrading to Windows 11, but I'm not tolerating Linux either:
Chrome OS saved my old laptop
xda-developers.com/im-not-upgrading-to-windows-11-but-im-not-tolerating-linux-either/
Photo: xda-developers.com · view article
Reviving Old Laptops with Chrome OS SolutionsA decade-old HP Pavilion runs smoothly and securely with Chrome OS Flex despite failing Windows 11 requirements.
Key FactsJul 16, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
- Older laptops like the HP Pavilion with 4th-gen Intel i5 and GTX 970M struggle to run Windows 11 well even after hardware upgrades.
- Windows 10 support ending soon poses security risks for aging machines still relying on it.
- Chrome OS Flex offers a lightweight, web-focused alternative that revitalizes old hardware but limits offline app usage.
- Installing full Chrome OS via the Linux-based Brunch Framework delivers a user-friendly, efficient solution for aging notebooks.
There’s a dearth of plug-and-play open-source operating systems fostering a robust app ecosystem that isn't in some way based on Linux.— Chandraveer, author of this XDA article; on the lack of plug-and-play open-source operating systems not based on Linux.
Story Details
| Last Updated | |
| Total Articles | 1 |
Main Topics
Similar to This
Previous
How To Turn Your Old Windows PC Into A Chromebook For Free: ChromeOS Flex is a lightweight OS that turns any computer into a Chromebook — it's perfect for your ...
engadget.com/2261523/how-to-turn-your-old-windows-pc-into-chromebook-free/
I'm a Windows user who installed Linux for the first time - here's how the experience changed me
zdnet.com/article/windows-user-installed-linux-for-the-first-time/
I forced Windows 11 onto ancient hardware, and Linux suddenly became the obvious choice
xda-developers.com/installing-linux-on-old-system-is-better-than-windows-11/
Key FactsLinux Outperforms Windows 11 on Old PCs
Jul 9, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
- Windows 11 demands TPM and Secure Boot, creating compatibility issues for older machines.
- Even with bypass tools, Windows 11 experiences high CPU usage and lag during basic operations on aged hardware.
- Linux distributions offer flexible, lightweight options that maintain better performance on legacy systems.
- MX Linux Fluxbox provides a more responsive daily experience on old laptops compared to Windows 11.
Windows is the first operating system I tried, and I've been using it for the last 20 years.— Abhishek, XDA author, describing his long-time use of Windows.
OpinionThis ultra-lightweight Linux OS just saved my Windows 10 laptop from the scrapheap
neowin.net/editorials/this-ultra-lightweight-linux-os-just-saved-my-windows-10-laptop-from-the-scrapheap/
I ran Windows 11 and Linux side by side for a year, and a clear winner emerged for productivity
xda-developers.com/ran-windows-11-linux-side-by-side-for-year-clear-winner-emerged-productivity/
Mashable Feb 26
Limited-time offer: Windows 11 Pro lifetime license for just $12.97: Upgrade once. Enjoy Windows 11 Pro for life.
mashable.com/article/feb-25-microsoft-windows-11-pro
notebookcheck.net Jan 11
I dumped Windows 11 for Linux, and you should too: With the growing number of users jumping from Windows to Linux, I decided to fully take the plunge and dive ...
notebookcheck.net/I-dumped-Windows-11-for-Linux-and-you-should-too.1190961.0.html
Windows users love to underestimate how stable Linux actually is: Is Windows 11 really that much more stable?
xda-developers.com/windows-users-love-to-underestimate-how-stable-linux-actually-is/
This Linux OS looks just like Windows 11, and it got a new update: It's almost indistinguishable.
xda-developers.com/this-linux-os-looks-just-like-windows-11-and-it-got-a-new-update/
I ditched Linux for Windows 11 for one week - and found 9 big problems: After 30 years with Linux, I decided to try Windows 11. Here's a list of everything that ...
zdnet.com/article/i-ditched-linux-for-windows-11-for-one-week-and-found-9-big-problems/
Windows updates are boring again, and I'm happier than ever to be on macOS: As time goes on, Windows 11 seems increasingly boring, and both macOS and Linux are ...
xda-developers.com/windows-updates-boring-again-happier-than-ever-on-macos/
I tried using Linux's AntiX OS on my super old laptop and it works like a charm: Discover how AntiX Linux, a lightweight OS designed for old machines ...
xda-developers.com/linuxs-antix-os-works-like-charm-on-old-laptop/
7 features Windows 12 needs to borrow from its competitors: Windows 11 has been pretty controversial for Microsoft — but borrowing these 7 features from its ...
xda-developers.com/features-windows-12-should-borrow-from-competitors/
I'm not upgrading to Windows 11, but I'm not tolerating Linux either: Chrome OS saved my old laptop
xda-developers.com/upgrading-windows-10-to-chrome-os-no-linux-windows-11/
Microsoft accused of ‘tech extortion’ over Windows 10 support ending in campaign to get people to upgrade to Linux
techradar.com/computing/windows/microsoft-accused-of-tech-extortion-over-windows-10-support-ending-in-campaign-to-get-people-to-upgrade-to-linux
Windows 10 support is ending — but End of 10 wants you to switch to Linux: End of 10 is encouraging people with Windows 10 PCs to install Linux and skip buying ...
tomshardware.com/software/linux/windows-10-support-is-ending-but-end-of-10-wants-you-to-switch-to-linux
5 Windows tools and apps you can't find on other operating systems: These Windows tools are unique to Windows itself.
xda-developers.com/windows-tools-apps-cant-find-other-operating-systems/
E-waste or Linux? Charities face tough choices as Windows 10 support ends: Microsoft's requirements for Windows 11 include a 1GHz or faster CPU with at least two ...
techspot.com/news/107157-charities-face-tough-choices-security-e-waste-windows.html
The EU is cracking down on ads in Windows 11’s Start menu: Microsoft makes changes to Windows 11 Start Menu Search to comply with EU regulations ...
digitaltrends.com/computing/tweaks-made-to-windows-11-start-menu-to-comply-with-eu-rules/
How to Revive an Old Computer for Your Kid—or Decide on a New One: If you have an older computer that feels too slow to get anything done, these tips may keep it ...
nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/buy-revive-laptop-for-kid/
Key FactsRevive an Old Computer or Choose a New One
Jul 2, 2023 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance
Summary created with AI assistance
- Windows 10 PCs: reset and restart
- Wait for the reset process to complete, then install all Windows updates - this may require two or three restarts, depending on how long your PC has been out of operation.
- Next, upgrade to Windows 11 if possible.
- If the PC Health Check app indicates that your laptop is not supported, you may still be able to upgrade to Windows 11, depending on how your laptop falls short of the requirements. However, this carries risks. Read the guide from Ars Technica to decide whether you want to upgrade or continue using Windows 10.
Next