{"id":1497,"date":"2026-02-23T16:26:02","date_gmt":"2026-02-23T07:26:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jiritsu-lab.com\/?p=1497"},"modified":"2026-03-13T09:19:58","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T00:19:58","slug":"install-linux-on-old-windows-10-pc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jiritsu-lab.com\/ja\/install-linux-on-old-windows-10-pc\/","title":{"rendered":"Install Linux on Old Windows 10 PC: Step-by-Step Guide for 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Install Linux on Old Windows 10 PC: Step-by-Step Guide for 2026<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\"Old
Keep your existing Windows 10 PC and reduce electronic waste by installing Linux instead of buying new hardware.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Executive summary:<\/strong> Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. That means no more free security updates. Your PC may still work, but using it online becomes progressively riskier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many older machines cannot upgrade to Windows 11 because of TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, or other hardware requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Installing Linux is a practical way to keep older devices useful – especially when budget, e-waste, or \u201cthe PC still works fine\u201d are real concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Linux Mint (Xfce edition) runs comfortably on 4GB RAM and remains workable on 2GB with realistic expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This guide walks you through a low-risk workflow: back up first, create a verified USB, test Linux live, then install using a conservative method (external SSD or dual boot).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Safe workflow (low risk):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Back up your important files<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Download Linux Mint + verify the ISO<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Create your bootable USB (Etcher)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Try Linux without installing (live session)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Install using the safest method (external SSD first)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    \u2192 [Mode 1 \u2014 Create a Linux Mint Bootable USB]<\/strong><\/a>
    \u2192 [Mode 2 \u2014 Try Linux Without Installing]<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    Why You May Need to Install Linux on an Old Windows 10 PC<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. In practical terms, that means no more free security updates, fixes, or technical support<\/strong> from Microsoft for Windows 10. Your PC may keep working, but – as Microsoft explicitly warns – without ongoing security updates, it becomes more exposed to malware and other attacks over time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    End-of-support doesn\u2019t make a device instantly unusable. It means newly discovered vulnerabilities are no longer patched. Over time, that increases exposure – especially for an internet-connected PC used for email, banking, or cloud logins.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    <\/a>Why not just upgrade to Windows 11?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    For a large share of older Windows 10 PCs, Windows 11 is blocked by hardware requirements. Official minimum requirements include 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability, and TPM 2.0<\/strong>. Microsoft also states TPM 2.0 is required for Windows 11 and positions it as foundational for multiple security features. Industry reporting has further emphasized that Microsoft has publicly framed TPM 2.0 as \u201cnon-negotiable,\u201d reinforcing that many older PCs will be left behind.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If your hardware can\u2019t clear those checks (or you don\u2019t want to fight workarounds), you essentially have three realistic paths:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1) Replace the PC with newer hardware that supports Windows 11.
    2) Enroll in Windows 10 consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) for a limited time window.
    3) Install an actively supported operating system. Linux is the most common choice for extending life on older PCs. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    <\/a>What about Windows 10 ESU?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Microsoft\u2019s consumer ESU program is explicitly designed as a \u201cmore secure option\u201d for staying on Windows 10 temporarily while transitioning. It provides only \u201ccritical and important\u201d security updates (no new features, no non-security fixes, and no technical support). The consumer ESU program can be used until October 13, 2026<\/strong>, and it requires Windows 10 version 22H2 plus other prerequisites. Microsoft also states ESU can be obtained via multiple enrollment methods, including a one-time $30 USD purchase (plus applicable tax), and the license can be used on up to 10 devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That said, ESU is fundamentally a short runway<\/strong>. If you want a long-term solution for an older machine that still has usable hardware, Linux is the option that typically gives you ongoing security updates and modern software without requiring new hardware.<\/a> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    Can Your Old Windows 10 PC Run Linux?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The short answer is: in most cases, yes – but the experience<\/em> depends heavily on RAM, storage type (SSD vs HDD), and which Linux desktop environment you choose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To ground this in documentation and benchmarks, it\u2019s useful to compare three layers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n