Linux Mint 21.3 Xfce: legacy version for old computers


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When you have an elderly computer, for example one sold with Windows XP, Vista or 7, then the Xfce edition of Linux Mint is an excellent alternative operating system. Very easy and simple to operate; the average Windows user can handle it right away. No learning curve to speak of!

However, sometimes the latest edition of that Xfce edition (currently 22) is a bit too new for very old hardware, mainly because of its default kernel and graphics stack. In such a case, the older Linux Mint 21.3 Xfce (nickname: Virginia) is still a fine choice.


Beautiful and free (no charge)

This particular Linux is extra light, so the system requirements of this modern operating system are modest. But in spite of being lightweight, it's complete, beautiful and well-polished.

Linux Mint is also entirely free of cost, which is of course an advantage in times of (personal) economic crisis.... Linux Mint doesn't generate any direct sort of income. It's funded only by advertising on its website and support forum, and by sponsoring and donations.

Linux Mint 21.3 Xfce is a good alternative for the Windows 7, XP or Windows Vista on your computer. Because those Windows editions aren't being supported anymore, which renders them much too insecure for the internet.


Contents of this page:

Mint 21.3 Xfce: not the latest, but in a few cases the best for old hardware

1. In short: do you have a computer that was sold with a pre-installed Windows XP, Vista or 7? Then Linux Mint 21.3 Xfce might be your best choice. Because Mint 21.3 Xfce runs well on almost all old hardware.

There's also a newer Linux Mint available: Linux Mint 22 Xfce. But that newer version can run on fewer old computers than 21.3 does, because it's designed for more modern hardware. Do you have a modern computer that was sold with a pre-installed Windows 10 or 11? Then Linux Mint 22 is definitely the best option for you.

Linux Mint 21.3 will be supported with security updates until May, 2027. It's therefore still a good option.

Download Mint 21.3 Xfce

2. Click on the blue button to download a free copy of Linux Mint 21.3 Xfce (64-bit):



Note: you have to burn the iso file on a DVD in a special way. You can even make a bootable USB memory stick, when you have no DVD burner.

Screenshot of the desktop

3. Below you see a screenshot of Linux Mint 21.3 Xfce. The elegant and polished desktop, with expanded menu (click on the image to enlarge it):


Minimal system requirements

4. The minimal system requirements are as follows:

Reasonable performance (my own measure):
RAM memory: 4 GB
Video card: 512 MB
Hard disk space: 30 GB (provided you don't install any Flatpaks or Snaps)

With that, Linux Mint 21.3 Xfce will run reasonably smoothly. If you need an even lighter and leaner operating system, then take a look at Bodhi Linux.

Install Mint alongside Windows (dual boot)

5. It's very easy to install Linux Mint 21.3 Xfce alongside Windows, so that your computer becomes a dual boot. Then you can choose which operating system to boot, every time you power on your computer. This is how you create a dual boot.

What to do right after installation

6. Out of the box, Linux Mint 21.3 Xfce is very complete. Yet there are some things that you can do right after installation, which will make it even better.

I have divided the actions into three categories:
- the absolutely essential ones (part 1);
- the recommended ones (not essential, part 2);
- the maybe useful (part 3).

You can find the to-do list here.

Tips and tweaks for Linux Mint 21.3 Xfce

7. You can find many useful tips and tweaks for Linux Mint 21.3 Xfce on this page.

Get help

8. You can get quick and friendly help on the official Linux Mint forum.

Want more tips?

Do you want even more tips and tweaks? There's a lot more of them on this website!

For example:

Speed up your Linux Mint!

Clean your Linux Mint safely

Avoid 10 fatal mistakes


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