Ubuntu 26.04 LTS Raises Requirements – Linux is Now Formally “Heavier” Windows 11

Evgen Kovalov

HARDWARE

April 09 2026

Latest information on system requirements Ubuntu LTS 26.04 shows an unexpected trend: for the first time, the popular Linux distribution has formally turned out to be “heavier” in terms of minimum requirements than Windows 11.

According to published data, Ubuntu 26.04 now requires 2 GHz dual-core processor, at least 6 GB of RAM and 25 GB of free space. For comparison, Windows 11 officially declares 1 GHz CPU, 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage.

Thus, the Linux distribution requires 50% more RAM and a higher base frequency CPU, which breaks the established notion that Linux is always suitable for weak systems.

However, the situation is not so clear-cut. Unlike Windows, Ubuntu 26.04 LTS remains flexible – the system can be installed even on devices with weaker hardware, including configurations with 2 GB arrangementIn addition, the server version requires even fewer resources.

In case of Windows 11 restrictions are stricter: mandatory TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, as well as additional requirements for features like Copilot+, including an NPU. Without these requirements, installation of the system is officially impossible without workarounds.

Ubuntu’s growing demands are explained by the increasing sophistication of its graphical environment, modern libraries, and emphasis on a richer user experience. At the same time, Linux remains a more flexible platform, especially for enthusiasts and server users.

As a result, the market is gradually coming to a new reality: even “light” systems are becoming heavier, and the difference between Linux and Windows is increasingly determined not by requirements, but approach to constraints and installation flexibility.

…

Source