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x86 gets 86ed!
Click through tha links below and skip to sections relevant to you. Hopefully this can help you maintain a 32-bit machine!
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Welcome
Hello, support for 32-bit x86 computer architecture has been waning for some time now and it is likely to be completely unsupported within a decade. While older computers, operating systems, browsers, and other applications may still work, many of these do not receive security updates to patch serious vulnerabilities that could put your personal data and devices at risk (if using them to connect to the internet). The best ways to mitigate these risks are; use a supported and up to date operating system and browser, reduce or remove your personal data from a potentially vulnerable system, or don't access the internet and leave the device offline. On an x86 device, maintaining an up to date OS and browser is getting more difficult, especially as 2025 came with multiple major blows to 32-bit support, in particular; the end of life of Windows 10 (last Windows iteration to have a 32-bit variant), and Debian 13 dropping 32-bit ISOs (significantly raising the technical barrier of entry, and causing most downstream distros to follow suit).
32-bit computers are generally very old, and have been superceded by 64-bit for roughly 20 years, but if you are still able to safely use a functional piece of hardware that you like, or that serves a helpful purpose/niche, you should not feel compelled to throw it away. 'Netbooks' are a good example of this; an ultra portable laptop variant that pushed Windows XP beyond it's intended life span (at the derision of Microsoft), that were typically inexpensive, lightweight, and convenient to carry around. Also, not everyone can afford to 'just' buy a new or second hand computer, and looking for safe solutions to keep old computers running can be frustrating and time consuming. This page will be an ever-updated 'living article' type thing detailing anything related to modern 32-bit support, primarily focusing on operating systems and browsers, along with other apps and resources :)
The theme/layout/styling/code of this web page is 'Doors 96', from the 'testing range' layouts page created by DOOMVEGA <3
*Note: The general term '32-bit' is used throughout here in reference to the 'x86' 32-bit architecture that dominated personal computer markets from the early 1990s to the mid 2000s. When searching for software and operating systems to download, it may more specifically be referred to as; i386, i486, i586, i686, and IA-32. Any of these should be fine unless your hardware is 25+ years old, in which case you may need a specific number. Also, I am only literate in English, you may find more options and better localization support searching in other languages and non-latin scripts*
This section will focus on operating systems and distributions that STILL actively maintain 32-bit versions with security updates. It will be added to and updated over time. Current sections are: Windows, GNU/Linux, and BSD Variants.
Windows has a hard time limit on the end of it's current 32-bit support, the options listed below are short term at best :(
Windows 10 + ESU/Windows 10 IoT LTSC (until Oct 2026)
Windows 10 is the last version of Windows to provide a 32-bit/x86 version. It's commercial/consumer end of life has already passed on 14th October 2025. However, you are still able to access consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) via the Windows Update menu. This will provide one extra year of security updates to October 2026. Enterprises (businesses) are able to access three years of ESUs, but these licenses can be hard to acquire as a consumer, often having to go through a reseller of excess licenses (which vary from country to country, maybe search local forum sites for answers). There is also the 'Windows 10 IoT LTSC' option, but the last edition of this to provide an x86 version also reaches end of life in October 2026, so it is not worth the extra effort vs. just getting a consumer ESU.
There are several distros and distro families that currently provide 32-bit support for the next few years, beyond that the number is shrinking and getting far less beginner friendly.
To be clear, Debian will continue providing i386 packages for the forseeable future, just not installer images for this architecture. Downstream distros that still want to provide 32-bit install images have to tackle the highly technical task themselves, which is not always feasible for a small team of volunteers.
Debian 12 (until Jun 2028)
Despite Debian 13 dropping 32-bit installer images, Debian 12 will still receive security updates until June 2028, as will all downstream distros based directly on Debian. If using base Debian on an old x86 computer, it would be best to use a lightweight desktop environment like LXQt, LXDE, or Xfce (all included in the 'i386' version of the 'DVD' ISO available here. Also choose the 'Install' option when booting, not the 'Graphical Install' (that is unlikely to work on older hardware).
antiX
Solid choice for older hardware, very lightweight, and setup for desktop use with a highly configured window manager (IceWM) that acts as a desktop environment. Relatively easy to use, comes with a graphical installer. Based on Debian, so the current versions (23.2) should retain support until Jun 2028. The antiX team ports Debian packages to function with alternate init systems (runit, sysVinit), which typically run leaner/faster on old hardware. There is an early alpha build of antiX 25 (based on Debian 13) under development at the moment, while this is not a full release that anyone other than testers should be using, it indicates they intend to continue support of the x86 architecture. It is easiest to install the 'full' ISO and delete any unwanted apps from that point. Their website has a wiki, forum and documentation pages.
Peppermint OS
Lightweight and easy to use with an Xfce desktop, a graphical installer, and options of a Debian or Devuan base (both with 32-bit support). They have not made a decision yet regarding 32-bit ISO support of their Trixie/Debian 13 release, but their Bookworm/Debian 12 based release will be supported until Jun 2028. See their download page, they also have a User's Guide and a sourceforge hosted forum.
Q4OS (until Jun 2028)
Lightweight distro, aimed at older hardware, that uses the Trinity desktop environment (a fork of late 2000s KDE). Trinity is quite novel, it can be swapped to look like Windows XP or Vista, very retro looking and easy to use. They also have a graphical installer and very good onboarding guidance within the system, including options for preloading software (office suite, etc.). Sadly, the Debian 12 based Q4OS 5.x 'Andromeda' will be the last release to provide 32-bit x86 ISOs, with security support continuing until Jun 2028. See their downloads, documentation, and forums.
MX Linux (until Jun 2028)
A popular and easy to use mid-to-lightweight distro with a graphical installer and choice of Xfce or Fluxbox desktop variants. Based on Debian and developed in a co-op with antiX, it shares many tools and features with antiX (live persistence and portability). MX has decided to not provide 32-bit install images for their future releases, leaving the MX Linux 23.6 Xfce and Fluxbox variants as the last with i386 images/support (until Jun 2028). See their downloads page, user manual, and forums
Devuan 5/Daedalus (until Jun 2028)
Base Debian but without the 'systemd' init system, provides an alternative with 'sysVinit' and promotes init diversity in general. The most recent release 'Excalibur', based on Debian 13, does not provide a 32-bit installer imager, only the previous release does. See their Devuan Daedalus Install Guide for the last release to have an i386 image, and specifically their release archive to download it ('devuan_daedalus_5.0.1_i386_desktop.iso' should be the most straight forward install).
Damn Small Linux 2024
Designed to be a very small complete desktop installer image (700MB) specifically to fit on CDs for devices that old enough to not have USB support or DVD drives. Based on antiX and provides an i386 image, see their Website
LMDE (until Jun 2028)
Linux Mint Debian Edition, so Mint based on Debian instead of Ubuntu. They have discontinued 32-bit ISOs, but the Debian 12 based LMDE 6 will retain the same support of it's base and has a 32-bit ISO. See the LMDE 6 "Faye" download site, it only comes with a Cinnamon desktop option (which still runs fine on 10-15 year old hardware).
Not all of these come with graphical installers, it may be a good idea to look up a video install guide.
Puppy Linux
Puppy isn't one distro, but a family of distros built on the same design principles with similar tools/apps. They are made to be very lightweight, versatile, and ready for desktop use. You can see on their Distro Collection page that all variants listed have a 32-bit version, but the ongoing support of these is mostly tied to the upstream base distros; Debian (Jun 2028), Slackware (x86 still supported), and Void (x86 still supported). There is development taking place on a Debian 13 based 32-bit variant though, in TrixiePup32-Retro. Refer to their forums/documentation for installation guidance, as they may be a bit involved (they allow install to RAM).
Slackware
Oldest Linux distribution that is still maintained, first releasing in 1993, still provides x86 support. Slackware is built for stability first with new versions released 'when ready'. Good for 'set and forget' installs on devices that don't get used a lot, but also good for daily use with it's stability/reliability. Has a very old school styled website with install guidance, package list, 'propaganda' (banners, logos, graphics), downloads and other helpful information. Can be downloaded from the Slackware Mirrors site ISO section, the latest x86 release being 'slackware-15.0-iso' (the ones with 64 in the name; 'slackware64-15.0', are the 64 bit ISOs).
Salix
Based on Slackware, designed to be stable and easy to use, comes with Xfce desktop and provides an i586/i686 installer image. See their downloads page and startup guide.
Slax Linux
Provides 32-bit ISOs based on either Slackware or Debian. Requires an email address to download (they send you a link o_O). Website
Alpine Linux
Designed to be small and lightweight, provides x86 install media for most variants. Website
Mageia Linux
Originally forked from Mandriva Linux, maintains a i586 ISO, including one with an Xfce live environment. Uses DNF package manager. Website
Tiny Core Linux
Designed to be extremely small (ISOs between 17MB and 248MB) and modular while providing a graphical interface. The base versions are x86 images, see their Website
Adelie Linux
Provides x86 installer images, with Xfce or LXQt desktop environments. Website
Parabola GNU/Linux-libre
Fully free and open source software only, designed to be lightweight. Currently only provides a command line installer image for x86, but has a section for an LXDE desktop image (maybe it will be added/readded in the future?). Website
Hyperbola GNU/Linux-libre
Another fully free software distro that provides an i686 installer image and is designed to be lightweight. At this time their website certificate is expired, so here is a link to the Hyperbola DistroWatch page (which has links to their site, once that's working again)
Void Linux
Rolling-release with software provided as binary packages or available to be built from source. Rolling-releases need to be regularly updated or they can break, it is best to only install them on devices that are used regularly, and can therefore be updated regularly. Not really beginner friendly, but provides an i686 ISO
openSUSE Tumbleweed
Tumbleweed is the rolling-release version of openSUSE, and provides an i686 ISO. Rolling-releases need to be regularly updated or they can break, it is best to only install them on devices that are used regularly, and can therefore be updated regularly. Not really beginner friendly.
Gentoo
Absolutely not beginner friendly, with source code compiled locally by the user according to their preference. Provides i486 and i686 support though.
The mainline BSD variants still currently provide 32-bit/x86 support with installer images. BSDs are a family of free Unix-like operating systems that have access to a lot of free and open source software. For desktop environments (most BSDs require these to be manually installed) on old hardware; Xfce, MATE, LXQt or LXDE are solid and easy to use options if available. It may be best to look up video install guides for most of these.
NetBSD
The first open-source BSD descendant, initially released in early 1993. Famous for 'running on anything', NetBSD provides an i386 install ISO, but requires manual install of a desktop environment. Follow their install documentation here or their overall guide here.
FreeBSD (until next release: 15.0)
One of the oldest BSD descendants, first releasing in late 1993. Currently provides an i386 install ISO, but requires manual install of a desktop environment. Follow their install documentation here. FreeBSD has indicated that their next release (15.0) will be the first to not provide support for 32-bit architecture (including x86), but their current releases will maintain support until their respective EOL (14.0 = Nov 2028, 14.3 = Jun 2026).
OpenBSD
A fork of NetBSD with a security focus. Provides an i386 install ISO, but requires manual install of a desktop environment. Follow their installation guide here.
NomadBSD
FreeBSD fork that runs a persistent live system entirely from a USB flash drive, and provides 32-bit support. Configured with an Xfce desktop environment and essential daily use software out of the box. Can be used as a main system (leaving the USB plugged in) or taken with you and plugged into other devices (hence 'Nomad'), saving your files and settings. This could even be used just for safe internet access on a device usually running an unsupported operating system (like Windows 10 and below), leaving that base system in tact. NomadBSD does not come as an ISO (as these are read only, won't work with persistence), follow the image writing instructions on their website's download page. The upstream FreeBSD dropping 32-bit support with their next release may effect Nomad's support of the architecture in the future.
MidnightBSD
FreeBSD fork that aims to create an easy to use desktop environment preconfigured with Xfce. Provides an i386 ISO for all their releases, see their downloads page and documentation for installation guidance. While this should be easier than base FreeBSD to install and use, it still may not be totally beginner friendly. The upstream FreeBSD dropping 32-bit support with their next release may effect Midnight's support of the architecture in the future.
This section will cover any web browsers that stil provide 32-bit/x86 support, regardless of whether their target operating system is end-of-life (which again, may pose security risks to your data). There are actually a surprising amount of community maintained browsers targeting Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
Chromium
Linux: still supports 32-bit, in most package managers.
Windows: still supports 32-bit, but only for Windows 10.
Supermium
Chromium fork with 32-bit support for Windows XP, 2003, Vista, 7, and 8.x. Supermium Website.
Thorium
Chromium fork with 32-bit support for Windows XP, 7, and 10, as well as Linux via a .deb package (Debian based distros), and a .rpm package (numerous other distros, not all support 32-bit). Thorium Website.
Firefox
Linux: Dropping 32-bit support in Sep 2026, ESR version still available in most package managers.
Windows: still supports 32-bit, but only for Windows 10.
Midori
Firefox fork that provides 32-bit Linux versions via tarball, and a .deb for Debian based distros. Midori Website.
SeaMonkey
Continuation of the original Netscape/Mozilla suite, the browser is a Firefox fork. Currently version (2.53.21) will be the last release with 32-bit Windows and Linux support. See their news page
Pale Moon
Originally a Firefox fork that now uses it's own web engine (Goanna). 32-bit support for Windows 7, 8.x, and 10, and an endorsed third-party .deb i386 build for Debian 12-based Linux distros. Pale Moon Website
Basilisk
Originally a Pale Moon fork called New Moon, uses Goanna engine. 32-bit support for Windows 7, 8.x, and 10, and Linux via an i686 tarball.
K-Meleon
Lightweight browser that uses the Goanna engine, and previously Gecko. Was commonly used in net cafes throughout the 2000s. 32-bit support for Windows XP, 2003, Vista, 7, 8.x, and 10. K-Meleon Website.
Serpent/Snake
Basilisk fork with 32-bit support for Windows XP, Vista, and 7. Have seen this packaged in with the fan-revived online flash game Coke Studios/Coke Music/MyCoke in 'Decibel.fun', other legacy flash games may do similar. Maintained by 'roytam1', see their latest browser builds post on MSFN.org forum, their blog; RT's Free Soft Website for most up-to-date/test builds.
r3dfox
Firefox fork made by the Eclipse community. 32-bit support for Windows Vista-8.x, and limited XP support. Eclipse r3dfox Website
Lun3r
Pale Moon fork made by Eclipse community. 32-bit support for Windows XP. Eclipse Lun3r Website.
Hydra
Basilisk fork made by Eclipse community. 32-bit support for Windows XP. Eclipse Hydra Website.
Some of these may have a more complicated install process on certain platforms, and may not support javascript/do well with modern websites.
Links
Cross-platform text and graphical browser with 32-bit support, initially released in 1999. Links Website.
NetSurf
Cross-platform text and graphical browser with 32-bit support, initially released in 2007. NetSurf Website.
Dillo
Cross-platform minimalistic text and graphical browser with 32-bit support, initially released in 1999. Dillo Website
Lynx
THE Cross-platform text-based browser with 32-bit support, initially released in 1992. Runs in terminal, native support for Gopher protocol, available in most Linux package managers, or download from their website. Lynx Website.
Giving this page it's own edit log allows the entire thing to be copied easier. Will be trying to keep up with changes in the information above
2025-11-03: Page created :)
*will eventually make an RSS feed just for this page and edits made to it...