Putting Linux on a tablet? Here’s 7 distros to try
Is your tablet PC starting to show signs of age? Whether you’re stuck on Windows 10 or suffering from Windows 11 overload, a Linux install is the best way to breathe new life into an old tablet PC. So let’s explore some of the best Linux distributions for tablet PCs.
Ubuntu: the benchmark for most devices
Ubuntu is the most popular Linux operating system for a reason: it runs on just about everything. This makes it a great choice for tablet PCs, and the active community around Ubuntu means it’s easy to find help if you run into problems.
Recent versions of Ubuntu have improved touchscreen support, making it comfortable to use with fingers or a stylus. The Ubuntu GNOME desktop is simple and easy to learn, so the transition from Windows to macOS is smooth.
Ubuntu is a solid choice for your tablet if you want something that’s easy to install and works out of the box.
KDE Neon: a refined and user-friendly option
KDE Neon is a great choice for tablet PCs if you like aesthetics and performance. It includes the modern, customizable KDE Plasma desktop, which looks great. It also supports touchscreen computers very well and works well on tablets. Neon uses the stable foundation of Ubuntu while offering the latest features of KDE Plasma, making it a great option for touch devices.
It shines with multitouch gestures and has an easy-to-edit virtual keyboard that interacts with your tablet in touch mode and feels smooth. KDE Neon has you covered if you want a beautiful, customizable desktop that works great to the touch.
Fedora: state-of-the-art with good hardware support
Fedora is known for being on the cutting edge of technology, often releasing new features before other traditional Linux distributions. This alone makes it ideal for newer tablet hardware. Its frequent kernel updates ensure that touchscreens, styluses, and other input devices are well supported. So if you’re using a convertible laptop or even a Microsoft Surface, Fedora is a good bet.
Along with the GNOME desktop, Fedora Workstation offers decent touch support right out of the box. GNOME’s minimalist layout works well for tablets, and the Favorites bar makes it easy to access open applications.
Fedora is a great option if you’re looking for a distribution with the latest technology and solid hardware support.
NixOS: a unique approach to personalization
NixOS uses a configuration file and approaches Linux differently than many other distributions. This is great if you are an advanced user and want full control over how your system works. This customization can be particularly useful on tablets.
With NixOS, you define your entire system in a single file (configuration.nix), which means you can precisely manage touch support and power management. NixOS allows you to restore your system if something goes wrong during setup, which is always a plus.
If you love tweaking and want full control, NixOS offers a unique, customizable Linux experience for tablets. However, if you don’t have much experience with Linux and don’t already know exactly what you want in a Linux operating system, we don’t recommend it.
Debian: long-term stability
Debian is well known for being stable and reliable. This fact makes it a great option if reliability is what you value most in your tablet PC. You won’t have to worry about constant updates or outages: Debian is built to last.
Installing Debian on a tablet may require a little more manual configuration, especially for touch support. Still, it’s rock solid once you get it up and running.
Arch Linux: for DIY enthusiasts
If you like to build your system from scratch, Arch Linux is perfect for tablet-style computers. Arch is highly customizable and allows you to create a simplified tablet setup with only the necessary packages.
That said, Arch has a few drawbacks: the installation process is manual, requires serious setup, and can take a bit of time. If you’re up for it, Arch offers great flexibility and performance.
Pop!_OS: optimized for productivity
Pop!_OS is designed for productivity and ease of use. It uses a single GNOME-based desktop optimized for multitasking, which is a huge advantage if you’re using a Linux tablet with larger screens. Its window tiling feature makes it easy to manage multiple applications side by side.
Pop!_OS also improves GNOME’s touch support and offers a more intuitive layout, making it perfect for work or creative projects on a tablet. If you need a suitable Linux distribution to get things done, Pop!OS offers a smooth and efficient experience.
Which distribution is best for you?
Choosing the right Linux distribution for your tablet depends on your hardware and personal preferences. Whether you’re looking for something user-friendly like Ubuntu or Pop!OS or prefer more advanced options like NixOS or Arch, there’s something for everyone.
Once you’re ready to get started, learn how to install Linux on an Android tablet.
