How to install LXLE Linux to revive your older PC
Do you have an old PC or laptop sitting around collecting dust? Want to bring new life into it? You can, with LXLE. LXLE is a lightweight Linux operating system that can revive any old PC. Follow this guide to learn how to get it set up on your system!
Before we begin
Note that although LXLE is best for users looking to revive older computers. However, LXLE is also excellent on new computers, especially if you’re on a more recent computer with a low amount of memory and CPU power.
Downloading LXLE
You must download LXLE from the official website in ISO format to install it. Head over to the official website to get your hands on the latest version of LXLE on your system,
Once you’ve made it to the official website, find the “Download Now” button on the home page and click on it with the mouse. Once you’ve selected the “Download Now” button, you’ll be brought to a download selection page.
On the LXLE download selection page, there are two choices. LXLE 64-bit (which works with most computers) and LXLE 32-bit (which works with older Linux PCs). Make your selection, and the LXLE ISO file will begin downloading to your computer.
If you’re using Linux, you can also download the LXLE ISO file to your computer using the wget download command below in a terminal window.
64-bit
wget https://sourceforge.net/projects/lxle/files/Final/OS/18.04.3-64/lxle-18043-64.iso/download -O ~/Downloads/lxle-18043-64.iso
32-bit
wget https://sourceforge.net/projects/lxle/files/Final/OS/18.04.3-32/lxle-18043-32.iso/download -O ~/Downloads/lxle-18043-32.iso
With the ISO file finished downloading, move on to the next section of the guide.
Creating the LXLE USB installer
Creating an LXLE USB installer on Linux can be done in many ways. However, the easiest way to accomplish this on Linux is with Etcher. Etcher is an easy-to-use tool that is cross-platform and can create a USB installer.
Get your hands on Etcher by going to the official website. Once on the website, download and install Etcher to your computer and launch it. Then, follow the step-by-step instructions below.
Step 1: Select the “Flash from file” button. Then, using the pop-up window, browse for the LXLE ISO file on your computer. Select it to add it to the Etcher application.
Step 2: After selecting the LXLE ISO file on your computer, find the “Select target” button, then browse for the USB flash drive you plan to use and select it.
Step 3: Once the USB flash drive is selected, find the “Flash!” button inside the Etcher application select it with the mouse. Clicking on this button will begin the flashing process.
The flashing process will take a lot of time to complete, so be patient. When the process is complete, reboot your computer with the USB device still plugged in. Then, boot into your computer’s BIOS.
Inside of your computer’s BIOS, look around for the boot configuration. You’ll then need to configure the BIOS, so it boots from USB. When done editing the BIOS, save it and reboot to load up the USB.
Installing LXLE on your computer
To install LXLE on your PC, start up the USB installer. Once the installer is started up, you will see the “Welcome” screen. Click the “Continue” button to move to the next page.
After clicking off the Welcome screen, you’ll be asked to select a keyboard layout. Using the GUI, choose the keyboard layout that works for you. Select the “Continue” button to move to the next page.
Upon choosing your keyboard layout, select the “Download updates while installing LXLE” button, then click on the “Install” third-party software box as well. When both boxes are selected, click on the “Continue” button.
You must now choose how to install LXLE on your computer. Select the “Erase disk and install LXLE” option for best results. Or, select another option if you are an expert. Click on the “Install Now” button to start the installation process.
After choosing an installation option, select a timezone. You can choose a timezone by choosing a location on the geographic map.
With your timezone selected, you’ll see the “Who are you?” Enter your username, password, and computer name. After entering this information, select the “Log in automatically” button or the “Require my password to log in” button. Choose “Continue” when done.
Upon selecting the “Continue” button, LXLE will begin installing on your computer. This process should take about 20 minutes. When the process is complete, you will see a notification appear on your screen. This notification will let you know that LXLE is finished, and you need to reboot to enjoy your newly installed operating system.
