I was wrong. Linux mint uses 1.5GB out of 8 at Mint start up. No apps, browsers being used.
Posted on 03/11/2026 7:23:49 AM PDT by dennisw
Some rumored Windows 12 features could frustrate users and be the reason Linux finally starts looking better.
First off, the rumor about a 2026 release for Windows 12 is not true. Someone translated a German article about Windows 12 releasing in 2026, and it proved to be untrue (and was later retracted). Second, there are a lot of other "speculations" as to what Windows 12 will be like.
What could cause a large migration? I'm going to set the rumors aside, and instead, focus on what I believe will happen (based on the past, the present, and the future of technology). It's all about AI.
Microsoft is heavily invested in Copilot and has zero intention of backing down from its AI. Although many have claimed the rumors that Microsoft is planning on plunging Windows 12 deeper into artificial intelligence waters are false, I would argue that they are true.
Let me explain.
Also: The 6 Linux distros I expect to rule 2026 - as someone who's tested hundreds (and for decades)
AI started as third-party services that consumers could use. Those services then transformed into paid services. The paid services were soon replaced by free services, by way of various integrations. For example, the Opera browser gave us Aria, which we could all use for free. Google gave us Gemini. Apple gave us Apple Intelligence (sort of?), and Microsoft gave us Copilot.
AI then evolved into agentic AI, which could automate tasks like shopping, and that agentic AI started filtering into various browsers (some free, some not).
Then, AI started trickling its way into operating systems, with Copilot, Gemini, and Apple Intelligence becoming more and more deeply embedded. All of a sudden, AI was integrated into web browsers, email, notes, office suites, and more. What this meant is that user-facing apps were now intrinsically tied to AI.
The next evolution Here's where I think this goes with regard to Windows (ergo, Windows 12):
AI will take the place of Windows Service Manager, so users won't have to worry about managing services. AI will take control of software updates. AI will begin reading what's on users' screens (so it always has context for what users are asking). AI will be used for natural language system control (such as "I need to close the app that's consuming the most RAM"). AI will be capable of local processing (which will require even more powerful systems). AI will be able to monitor long-running tasks (such as research), and will be able to assist in that process. AI will be used for semantic search on the desktop. AI will be used for data collection. As you can see, I believe AI will be so deeply embedded in the next iteration of Windows that it will be impossible to break that tie. If you want an AI-less Windows, you'll be out of luck, and once Microsoft makes that change, there will be no going back.
At the same time, the Windows UI probably won't undergo much of a change, and it will most likely include even more ads and more data collection.
Also: I've used Windows for decades, but I tried Linux to see if it's truly 'easy' now - and one thing surprised me
When you put all of this together, it points to migration. Users are only willing to take so much before they finally break and change, and Windows 12 might be the metaphorical straw v. camel. And I believe that what we'll see with Windows 12 will make the migration from Windows 10 to Linux look quaint.
And then, you add to that the continued evolution of the Linux desktop into something that any user (of any skill level) can work with and enjoy (without all the caveats that come with Windows), and you have a perfect storm. Linux on the desktop will never:
Include ads. Be deeply interwoven with AI. Require users to purchase a new PC. Collect user information or track users' behavior. Cost a penny. Sounds appealing, right? Well, the combination of where Windows is going and where Linux is not going will have consumers flocking to the open-source operating system.
And there you have my take on the whole Windows 12/Linux debate.
My RAM usage reaches 65% when desktop is first displayed...then falls back to 55-60%. I really, really despise Windows!!!
Is there any way to not lose all MINT settings each time I plug-in the USB to run MINT?
My understanding is if MINT is on a USB to use “Live”, you lose all settings, etc each time you exit & remove the USB - is this correct?________________
Traditionally yes! But now there is a way to retain your live settings, adjustments, passwords, etc -—>>> for your next usb Mint session. Ask perplexity AI how to.
For your first mint alteration, download and put Chrome browser on it. Easy to do.
Mint cinnamon comes with Firefox browser installed. Connect to yr wifi, and you can test out mint.
I’ve been using Brave for years after departing that massive memory Edge.
I recall trying Firefox but found Brave was faster - both far superior to Edge
Chrome uses memory/ram in mint, roughly the same amount as in win 11. But since mint runs leaner than win-11, mint gives chrome/any browser more ram/memory living space. btw I see great used laptop deals on eBay, every day. Laptops with 16gb / 32gb ram for running win-11. $160 on up.
When you get usb mint running do NOT press the install mint desktop icon.
Most of that can be blamed on the browsers. I’ve noticed myself that Brave updates a lot. Other than that, you could try Debian. It’s made to be stable and as such, doesn’t push the very latest of everything. Brave is going to be the same for Debian as Ubuntu — https://brave.com/linux/
I have Falkon browser installed and it doesn’t update often but also lacks the latest tech/features. There are others - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_web_browsers_for_Unix_and_Unix-like_operating_systems
Chrome uses memory/ram in mint, roughly the same amount as in win 11. But since mint runs leaner than win-11, mint gives chrome/any browser more ram/memory living space. btw I see great used laptop deals on eBay, every day. Laptops with 16gb / 32gb ram for running win-11. $160 on up.
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Right now I am using mint cinnamon with laptop with 8gb ram ..... and just chrome and brave open. 66 tabs open in chrome. 6 tabs open in brave. The mint system monitor shows 6gb out of 8gb being used and monitor is at 77%.
I finally got Mint-USB running but only after I disabled “Security Boot” on my ASUS Zenbook laptop.
Call me crazy...but disabling that feature to run Linux Cinnamon in today’s culture seems quite risky regardless of what Linux states about their security.
That said, it ran a bit faster than W11 via the default Firefox so there’s hope.
I’ll keep it in my memory for possible future use as I’m growing very tired of W11’s memory hog on my 8gb laptop.
When you initially boot-up laptop before opening any browser, apps, etc - how much RAM is Mint-Cinnamon using?
2.5GB out of 8 but I must check to be sure.
WOW!
On my 8GB ASUS Zenbook laptop, the memory hog hits 60-65% (5GB) on boot-up before I begin using it.
If I let it idle, it “recovers” to 55% RAM usage...and one reason why I am looking at Linux Mint.
As an entrepreneur, my website software runs on Windows and that is a significant roadblock.
My business email is Outlook2019 and my primary personal email is Hotmail/Outlook - both appear to be portable to Thunderbird on Mint.
I was wrong. Linux mint uses 1.5GB out of 8 at Mint start up. No apps, browsers being used.
Thanks for the follow-up...1.5GB is amazing!
When I got my ASUS Zenbook, it was running Win8 at only 20% (1.6GB).
Now, Win11 boots up w/memory usage at 65% (5GB) of my 8GB.
Or run windows 11 with 16GB. Cheap on ebay these days. I would go above to 20gb 24 or 32 ...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/389735303343
or
https://www.ebay.com/itm/177957292142
or
https://www.ebay.com/itm/389735305125
https://www.ebay.com/itm/187395463673
Even less for 15.6” or 16” laptops
ping
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