Can my computer run Ubuntu?

Ubuntu is an inherently lightweight operating system, capable of running on some pretty outdated hardware. Canonical (the developers of Ubuntu) even claims that, generally, a machine that can run Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, or x86 OS X can run Ubuntu 20.04 perfectly fine.

How do I know if my laptop is compatible with Ubuntu?

Head over to to check out the current tally of compatible hardware and search on any prospective machines you’re considering buying.