Today’s modern era is blessed with diverse miraculous technologies. One of these miracles that has made everyone’s lives simpler, faster, and entertaining is portable computers, also known as laptops.
But how do these portable computers work so efficiently? Well, it’s because of the operating system or OS. A laptop can’t simply function without an operating system.
Moreover, the increased efficiency of a device depends on how fast and light its operating system is.
So, do you want to get the most out of your laptop? In such a case, equipping it with the fastest operating system is your best choice.
[PS: Also read our post on 10 Essential Questions to Ask When Buying a Laptop in 2024]
Fastest Operating System for Laptops
Are you searching for the fastest operating system for your laptop? This article enlists the top 10 fastest laptop operating systems, which are lightweight and can boot fast.
1) Linux Mint
A community-driven Linux distribution, Linux Mint is an Ubuntu and Debian-based operating system. Designed to be used on x-86 x-64 compliant laptops and computers that are built on open-source operating frameworks.
Linux Mint is powerful, modern, elegant, comfortable, and easy to use. Compared to Ubuntu, Linux Mint utilizes the Cinnamon interface by default.
Moreover, it’s a free operating system with integrated and pre-installed applications. Users can also download additional programs using the package manager or adding a PPA.
Recognized as the fastest operating system, Linux had a 4.03% share in the global market in early 2024.
The OS provides long-term support releases which can be supported for at least five years. Another plus point of Linux Mint is that it requires negligible maintenance due to a robust architecture and unique Update Manager.
From a USB flash drive, a user can boot and run this lightweight operating system on his laptop. Alternatively, the Windows installer Mint4Win lets users install Linux Mint from within Microsoft Windows.
2) Chrome OS
A fast, versatile, cloud-first, easy-to-manage, and secure operating system, Chrome OS secures approximately 2.26% market share worldwide as of February 2024. It’s a Linux-based operating system built by Google and derived from the open-source Chromium OS.
This web-focused operating system is explicitly developed to support inexpensive Chromebooks – low-cost laptops for individuals having basic computing needs. Furthermore, the Google Chrome web browser is the principal user interface of Chrome OS.
Initially, Chrome OS was purely a web-thin client desktop operating system with a few native applications. But now it has come a long way, featuring many added capabilities, like decent printing options, resizeable windows, apps with offline functionality, and more.
Moreover, its Android app compatibility has given the operating system a new life with access to millions of the latest software choices.
3) Windows 10
Windows already dominates the market with a whopping 72.13% global market share in 2024.
Windows 10, a lightning-fast desktop operating system, is compatible with computers, laptops, tablets, internet of Things devices, and embedded devices.
Users were initially allowed to download Windows 10 via MSDN and TechNet as a free upgrade for Windows 8 retail copies. Moreover, the operating system receives new builds regularly that users can access for free.
Regarding the features, this fast operating system is backed with the familiar Start menu, which was replaced with Live Tiles in Windows 8. The operating system makes functionality and user experience more consistent between different device classes.
In addition, Windows 10 supports universal applications, such as Microsoft Edge web browser, task View, and more.
4) Mac OS
macOS, originally known as Mac OS X and shortened previously as OS X, is the desktop operating system designed and sold by Apple since 2001. It is exclusively designed for Mac computers and laptops.
After Windows, macOS is the 2nd most widely used operating system, with a 15.46% global market share in February 2024.
The abbreviation for ‘macOS’ is ‘Macintosh operating system’, and since its introduction, it has undergone several updates and improvements to turn into the sophisticated and user-friendly version it is today.
Built on a Unix-based architecture, the operating system provides users with a stable, fast, reliable, and seamless experience. It’s designed to be intuitive and straightforward while focusing on an elegant, simple, clean, organized user interface.
Moreover, macOS features built-in apps like a web browser, email, App Store, etc.
5) Windows XP
Windows XP is another fastest operating system you can use for your laptop to increase productivity and efficiency. It’s known that Windows XP is the most developed operating system of its time and was created by Microsoft in 2001.
Direct upgrade to its predecessor, Windows 2000, Windows XP was originally designed for high-end business users.
The user-defined, multitasking operating system supports email, networks, visual user interface, facts, device management, and streaming multimedia in a newer form. Moreover, users can enable remote assistance and troubleshooting with remote desktop support.
It’s available in three main versions, including home, professional, and media center editions.
6) Ubuntu OS
A customized Linux operating system, Ubuntu is based on Debian and composed of free and open-source software. Developed by Canonical Limited, the operating system is officially launched in multiple editions, including desktop, core, and server for robots and Internet of Things devices.
In October 2023, the most recent version of the Ubuntu operating system, i.e., 23.10 (Mantic Minotaur), was released. The next version, i.e., 24.04 (Noble Numbat), will be released in April 2024.
Like other Linux distributions, all editions of Ubuntu OS can run on a computer, laptop, or virtual machine. Canonical Ltd. releases an upgrade to Ubuntu every six months and long-term support every two years.
Regarding the OS’ features, it supports office software, web browsing, email, gaming, photos, multiple desktops, videos, and more.
7) Windows 8.1
If your laptop is a few years old and you want a performance boost, installing Windows 8.1 is perfect.
Another Windows NT operating system release, Windows 8.1, is one of the fastest operating systems available. It can be downloaded via MSDN and TechNet or accessed as a free upgrade for Windows 8 retail copies.
Microsoft developed Windows 8.1 as an improved version of Windows 8. While previous versions of the Windows operating system mainly supported desktop computers and laptops, Windows 8.1 is designed for tablets. Therefore, this operating system features a simplified user interface that works smoothly on touchscreens.
8) Lubuntu OS
Eighth on the lightning-speed operating systems list is Lubuntu, created by the Lubuntu community. Designed based on Linux and Ubuntu, many experts consider this desktop operating system perfect to enhance the efficiency of any old laptop.
Leveraging the LXQT desktop environment, Lubuntu was originally known for utilizing fewer resources, being lightweight, and consuming less energy. However, with time, the aim of this operating system changed to be functional yet modular.
Furthermore, Lubuntu utilizes minimal desktop LXDE for seamless laptop performance and supports lightweight applications by default.
Some additional feature offerings of this operating system include multiple tools to enable customization, a simple and modern GUI, a clean interface, and many pre-installed Internet, graphics, office, editing, and video applications.
9) Zorin OS
An alternative to Windows and macOS, the Zorin operating system is developed to make your laptop faster, more secure, and more powerful. It’s a Linux distribution designed based on Ubuntu by the Zorin group.
This operating system is as functional as it’s beautiful and is released in free and pro versions.
Zorin OS’s free version is comprised of two desktop layouts. On the other hand, the Pro version comes with six desktop layouts, including illustration software, animation software, an advanced video editor, 3D graphics and effects software, an audio workstation, and more.
Once you have installed Zorin OS on your laptop, you can access Firefox, LibreOffice, GIMP, Evolution, and Flatpak to download third-party applications.
10) Solaris OS
Solaris, a proprietary Unix operating system, was originally built by Sun Microsystems. However, after Oracle acquired Sun Microsystems in 2010, the operating system was renamed Oracle Solaris.
The operating system has become popular for its scalability, specifically on SPARC systems, and for supporting many innovative features, including ZFS, Dtrace, and Time Slider.
Moreover, Solaris is the best enterprise operating system that can handle enormous workloads and still function smoothly across systems, databases, and applications. It features unique security capabilities and can anticipate issues with your laptop through automated self-healing.
With disaster recovery being integral, the Solaris operating system can enlist default file systems. The Solaris Service Manager can allow users to adapt multiple applications to run under the software.
Bottom Line
When browsing the Internet for lightning-speed operating systems for your portable computer, your search ends with the above-listed desktop operating systems.
Aside from this, always consider which operating system works best for which laptop type to make the correct choice.
For instance, if you own a gaming or personal use laptop, the Windows operating system will work the best. Furthermore, macOS is exclusively created for Apple laptops. However, if you are a professional and need the fastest operating system for your office work, install the Linux OS on your device.
