Windows, indisputably, is the most famous and used operating system worldwide. Of course, all its versions boast a different number of users, features, and applications but generally achieve great success just a few days after launch. 

But not all Windows versions are for all users. Some of them like news, meanwhile others love nostalgic and old systems. The latter are the ones who are currently playing in old machines because they do not need major improvements. They also need a lightweight OS that is supported on their old PCs. Then, the question is: Which is the lightest Windows OS?

In this article, we answer this question and mention other operating systems that, maybe, you can consider interesting.

If you’re looking for a lightweight version of Windows for old PCs, then you’ve arrived at the right place. Below we mention most Windows that exist on the market today and their distinctions.

If you’re a user of the last version of Windows, you’ve already noticed that it’s faster than the older version of the OS. This is due to the new memory management system that runs HDD machines. There are also many tweaks to make Windows 11 run smoothly and faster. 

Besides, as its system’s disk footprint is smaller, it makes it the lightest version and the fastest OS. It also uses compression technologies for non-critical applications. This finally results in faster app openings and wake-up time.   

The latest version of Windows focuses on reducing memory consumption and CPU usage. According to official reports, this desktop OS reduces 35% of the first aspect mentioned above and saves up 37% on the second. 

Using compression technologies lets your computer stay asleep longer and not hibernate as often.

Windows 11 Home OEM Key is available on RoyalCDKeys.

We can say that Windows 10 is a direct improvement of Windows 7. The newer OS uses more memory than the older one but integrates a more intelligent memory management system and has more than twice the RAM of Windows 7.

Still, the latest update of Windows 10 affected the PC speed in some aspects, which means that the newer version becomes heavier than Windows 7. This also means that it requires more space and memory, which is not suitable for an old PC or an old laptop. 

Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM Key is available on RoyalCDKeys.

Windows 10 LTSC 2019 is the latest version of Windows 10, the lightest and highest performing. The best of this Windows Operating System, and the main difference from other Windows, is that it does not have pre-installed applications or promotional games. Besides, its version does not have any advertising application or Bloatware.

This lightweight Windows version was designed for organizations that can’t afford to waste time and resources uninstalling useless applications and functions. 

Finally, this Windows version incorporates all the advanced features, such as Windows Update, and Active Directory. 

Microsoft Windows 10 Enterprise Key Global is available on RoyalCDKeys.

In short, Windows S is a faster and lightweight version of Windows 10 designed for educational environments and business computers. In other words, Windows S is a stripped-down version of the complete Windows 10. 

This lighter version of Windows offers a fast experience but with some limitations. For example, you can only download applications from the Windows Store. Besides, you can only use Microsoft Edge as a browser. This works fine in low-end computers, old hardware, old laptops, and basic users.  

Another alternative is using Windows 10 Pro, designed for professionals and big companies. This version has more advanced features, but, as expected, it is heavier than the S version. Windows 10 S is also more secure than other versions.

Windows 7 is lighter than Windows 10 on a modern system and runs more reliably with fewer issues. Windows 7, in all its editions, is characterized by its lightweight. In fact, Windows 10 is heavier than Windows 7, but it doesn’t mean that the new system architecture of Windows has a larger size. In terms of hardware, both are very similar. 

That said, its fast operating system allows you to turn off extra features, such as Aero, default apps, or gadgets, to improve performance.

Its Home Premium version is the lowest-end version you can likely get, working even on 1 GB computers.

The only problem with Windows 7 is that it does not have more Windows updates. In other words, support is no longer available for Windows 7. But this is not a problem for all users of Windows. Most gamers prefer to play in this iteration than advance to a new version of the OS due to its performance. 

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium OEM Global Key is available on RoyalCDKeys.

Windows Lite version, just like it happens with the S version of the OS, is a stripped-down version of Windows 10. In a few words, it is a more minimalist version, which means it keeps the original OS's bases but lacks many personalization layers. Thanks to this, it‘s lighter, faster, and perfect for low-end PCs and the performance of apps on an old computer. 

Two of the strongest points of Windows 10 Lite are its security applications and charming graphical interface. As you may expect, a disadvantage is that it can't perform complex tasks, which can result in slow performance. 

This version also contains lightweight features and applications to boost functionality and general performance. Lite also includes uninstalling default applications, disabling hibernation, and adjusting virtual memory settings.  

To run the lite Windows 10, you need to have a device with 1 GB of RAM, 10 GB of free space, and a 1 GHz Intel Pentium processor.

Last but not least, Lite versions cannot run previous versions of Windows. So, when you buy a new PC, make sure to check out the Lite edition first!

Newer versions of Windows are commonly faster than their predecessors, and Windows 8.1 is not the exception. Some tests have shown that Windows 8.1 is a bit faster than Windows 7, even Windows 10 when booting. In addition, Windows 10 is a bit slower while running photo editing software, such as Photoshop. Still, Windows 10 is faster when waking from sleep mode.   

In many ways, Windows 8.1 is very similar to Windows 10, i.e., in terms of the Start Menu, features, command line, etc. Both share other apps, such as Cortana, Table Mode, and more. 

Still, the new interface of Windows 8.1, compared to previous versions of Windows, is a bit heavier due to its touch-screen style, Live Tiles, and its new Modern UI interface. Besides, most new features introduced in Windows 8.1 are no longer supported since this desktop package does not boast Windows support.  

Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pro OEM Key Global is available on RoyalCDKeys.

Currently, few people use Windows XP since its features and tools are a bit old-fashioned. Anyway, this OS still works and is functional in a low-end PC that does not demand high performance. 

As it has lesser features than future versions of Windows, Windows XP is lighter than most OS. Still, it includes just a few features that are functional today. That said, it’s not the best choice for people looking for a good OS for their company or players who want to experience the best gaming.   

If you’re interested in still using Windows XP due to nostalgia, you get it as a second OS on your current computer. To do this, you need to partition your hard drive. There you can install Windows XP through a bootable USB stick. Now, you can boot directly from the partition.

Windows RT is a mobile-focused variant mainly designed for tablets and the successor to Windows CE. This looks like Windows 8 since both were released at the same time. Unlike Windows 8, Windows RT is just available as precharged software on specific devices. Some of these devices are:

• Microsoft Surface RT.
• Samsung Ativ Tab.
• Asus VivoTab RT.
• Nokia Lumia 2520.

This Windows operating system was mainly designed to use the Internet and use some basic features. It wasn’t thought to replace Windows 8 or older versions; it’s just a light iteration for unique devices.

Tiny10 is another lightened version of Windows 10 developed by a team called NTDEV. Tiny10  is designed to provide the same features as Windows 10 but without unnecessary components. It was thought to breathe new life into aging PCs by removing bloatware and system components. Tiny10 has been optimized from the beginning, reducing bugs and creating secure desktops. If you install Tiny10 in a 32 bits system, it only takes up 5.2 GB. In 64 bits systems takes up 10 GB.

The Home Version of any Windows, whether it’s Windows 11 or Windows 10, is always lighter compared to commercial versions, such as the Retail version. The Home is thought for lower-power devices performing not-so-empowering tools and applications. 

Commercial versions are generally optimized for enterprise usage, whether it is a 32-bit version or a 64-bit version. Windows Retail and Pro are the fastest Operating Systems, although they’re heavier than the Home iteration.

Below you can check other lightest OS that exists on the market. Some of them are famous on their own. But another super lightweight OS is just starting and worth mentioning.

This is a lightweight Linux distro and the most preferable OS used by old low-end PC users from all over the world who prefer kind iterations. Lubuntu also features an easy-to-use interface with a clean style. This is very similar to the Windows interface, so, if you have an old machine just for specific purposes, Lubuntu OS is a good option. 

To install it just create a bootable USB drive and boot it from there. Then run the installation setup and follow the instructions.

And do not be confused with Ubuntu since both share the same base but are different Operating systems.

This is another Linux distribution based on Ubuntu. The best of this OS is that it’s small and powerful, and with a great UI. Since it’s more polished than other Linux distributions, it looks and feels more like a Mac OS. Then, Elementary is a good choice for all the users who like OS X and want to have a similar experience.

This is another Linux-based OS and a lightweight operating system as a 2GB USB device. Linux boots in RAM, so you don’t have to install it on a system hard disk. It’s compatible with 32-bit and 64-bit CPUs and supports up to 1.5GHz processors.

Puppy is one of the lightest Linux distros you can find on the web. Not for nothing, its name is “Puppy.” 

Puppy Linux is based on the Linux kernel. This OS is designed for netbooks and older PCs since it can run from RAM, not the hard drive, using fewer resources. You can download it in the form of a Live Rescue CD or install it as a mini server. If you want a lightweight Linux distribution, check out the system requirements.

This is OS based on Android OS. It is designed mainly for gamers who want to experience their favorite mobile games in the comfort and bombast of a monitor. With the right configuration, all your games on your smartphone will look incredible, With Phoenix OS, there is virtually anything you can’t emulate and run on your computer. Besides, Phoenix OS allows you to run applications in different windows, and some programs, such as Evernote, have been adapted to look better.

You can find Chrome OS as an integral part of Chromebooks. These are based on Chromium OS, an open-source OS supported by the development community. The best of them is Google Chrome OS Flex, which is designed for navigation, better performance in the cloud, productivity, support, and security.

This is, probably, the lightest modern Operating System and small you can find on the web. Tiny Core Linux is a complete system concentrated in just 10 MB. The desktop of Tiny Core Linux is very simple and just displays a bunch of icons to open apps and the system. Still, it has over 3,000 extensions (libraries, applications, antivirus, etcetera) that provide additional functions. Tiny Core Linux was developed by independent developers as it’s an open-source project.

Linux Lite is another desktop-oriented Linux distribution based on Ubuntu. It offers a light desktop experience, especially with novices, due to its easy-to-use interface, and few resources. It also provides a personalized environment, which is simple and secure. As its name indicates, Linux Lite is lightweight and completely functional. Installing Linux Lite on an old computer is a good idea since it can work on a machine with limited resources or when you need to use hardware with demanding requirements.

Thanks for reading. We hope we have helped you to find out which is the right Windows OS for you. Still, having lightweight Windows is not always the best idea for your purposes. If you’re a gamer, we recommend you to get Windows 11 due to the Game Mode and the high performance. This OS will provide you with all the features you need to perform your gaming and even the most demanding software.