Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Manjaro 21.0, codenamed Ornara, made an Arch-based rolling-release desktop approachable with a graphical installer, ready-to-use defaults and a choice of Xfce, KDE Plasma or GNOME. For a newcomer, the installation and desktop options were the clearest advantages; for older hardware, the release also retained Linux 5.4 LTS alongside its newer 5.10 LTS kernel. This is a review of the 2021 release, not a claim that Manjaro 21.0 remains supported or safe to install in 2026.
What Manjaro 21.0 is—and who it suited
Manjaro is an Arch-based Linux distribution with a rolling-release model: software updates arrive as the system develops rather than through a sequence of fixed major-version releases. Its aim is to make an Arch-style desktop easier to install and use; the Manjaro project describes it as suitable for both newcomers and experienced users (Manjaro: About Manjaro).
That combination suited users who wanted a graphical desktop, a choice of interfaces and access to the Arch ecosystem without beginning with a bare system. It did not make the release a maintenance-free choice: a rolling system still needs regular updates, and 21.0 is now a historical release. The sources documenting it do not establish its current security or support status.
Is Manjaro 21.0 easy to install?
For a typical desktop installation, the 2021 review found the Calamares installer straightforward. It walked the user through language, keyboard layout and disk partitioning. Manjaro 21.0 also added a GeoIP-based best guess for language and keyboard settings; these are suggestions, not guaranteed matches, and can be changed during setup (Phoronix, 23 March 2021).
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware match#1 Best Overall
- Intel Core i5-1335U Processor (12M Cache, 12 Threads, up to 4.6 GHz) - 256GB Solid State Drive - 16GB DDR4 SDRAM
- 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) Non-Touch Anti-Glare Display - Intel UHD 620 Integrated Graphics - Stereo Speakers
- 720p HD Webcam with Privacy Shutter. Integrated Microphone - Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC (2x2) 8265, Bluetooth Version 4.2
- I/O Ports: 2x USB 3.0, 1x USB 3.1 Type-C 3.1, Headphone/Mic Combo Port, 4-in-1 Card Reader, HDMI, Kensington Mini-Lock Slot
- Linux Mint (Cinnamon) 64-Bit - Keyboard with Full NumberPad - Fast Charging
DebugPoint reviewer Arindam booted the live system from a USB stick and reported that a basic virtual-machine installation on an SSD took about four minutes. That is one test result, not a reliable estimate for other computers or partitioning choices. If installing to a physical disk, check the selected target carefully: partitioning choices can affect existing data.
Which edition should you choose: Xfce, KDE Plasma or GNOME?
The 21.0 release’s official desktop editions were Xfce 4.16, KDE Plasma 5.21 and GNOME 3.38. Community editions offered additional environments and window managers, but the three official choices are the relevant comparison for most users (Phoronix; DebugPoint).
Rank #2
- Intel Core i5-10210U (up to 4.2GHz) - 1TB PCIe NVMe + 1TB HDD - 32GB DDR4 SDRAM
- 17.3" HD+ (1600x900) Display, Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Built in HD 720p Webcam with Microphone - Bluetooth Version4.2
- I/O Ports: 2x USB 3.1 (Data Only), 1x USB 2.0, 1x HDMI, 1x Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack
- Linux Mint Cinnamon 64-Bit - 6-Row Keyboard w/ Full Numberpad
| Edition | Best fit | 21.0-era features noted in the sources | Resource evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xfce 4.16 | A conventional, configurable desktop for someone who wants a familiar panel-and-menu workflow. | Fractional scaling improvements and Thunar file-manager transfer pause and queue support. | The review measured about 578 MB of RAM at idle on its Xfce test system; this does not establish comparative usage against KDE or GNOME. |
| KDE Plasma 5.21 | A highly configurable interface with a launcher and system settings suited to users who like adjusting their desktop. | Launcher, System Monitor and firewall-settings improvements. | No comparable memory measurement is stated in the cited review. |
| GNOME 3.38 | A streamlined, overview-and-app-grid workflow, particularly for users who prefer a less traditional desktop layout. | App-grid and multi-monitor improvements. | No comparable memory measurement is stated in the cited review. |
Choose based on how you prefer to work, not a promise that one edition will run best on every machine. The evidence here includes a memory figure only for the reviewed Xfce setup, so it cannot support a measured ranking of the three desktops.
Can Manjaro 21.0 run well on older hardware?
The release shipped with Linux 5.10 LTS and retained Linux 5.4 LTS for older hardware, giving users a kernel option when newer hardware support was not the priority (Phoronix). The 5.4 option is relevant, but it is not a guarantee that a particular old computer, graphics card or wireless adapter will work correctly. Hardware compatibility depends on the device and its drivers.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Rank #3
- [ULTRA-RUGGED DESIGN] MIL-STD-810G and IP65 certified. Built to survive 6-foot drops, heavy rain, and extreme vibrations. Features a magnesium alloy chassis with an integrated carry handle for maximum portability
- [4G LTE - WORK ANYWHERE] Integrated 4G LTE Multi-Carrier Mobile Broadband. Stay connected to the internet in remote areas or on the road without relying on Wi-Fi or phone hotspots. True mobile freedom for field professionals
- [1200-NIT SUNLIGHT READABLE] 13.1" XGA Touchscreen with CircuLumin technology. At 1200 nits, it is nearly 4x brighter than a standard laptop, ensuring perfect visibility under direct, intense sunlight
- [LINUX UBUNTU PRE-INSTALLED] Fast, secure, and bloatware-free. Optimized for developers, network engineers, and diagnostic software that thrives in a stable, open-source environment
- [LEGACY SERIAL PORT] Features a native RS-232 Serial Port, HDMI, and USB 3.0. Essential for connecting directly to industrial machinery, CNCs, and automotive diagnostic tools without unreliable adapter
The review’s Xfce machine had 4 GB of RAM and showed about 578 MB in use—roughly 14%—after an hour of light activity, according to reviewer Arindam. Treat that as a snapshot of one installation, not a minimum requirement or a prediction for another desktop, workload or device. The cited sources do not establish official minimum hardware requirements.
What comes preinstalled?
On the Xfce image reviewed by DebugPoint, common applications included Firefox, Thunderbird, GIMP, VLC, a scan utility, Steam runtime and standard desktop utilities. LibreOffice was not included and had to be installed separately through Pamac, Manjaro’s graphical package manager.
Rank #4
- THE POWER TO STAY PRODUCTIVE – Looking to make your everyday work and home life more manageable without breaking the bank? The Lenovo V15 Gen 4 offers long-term reliability with top-of-the-line features to make you your most productive self.
- CRUSH YOUR TO-DO LIST – The AMD Ryzen CPU pairs quiet performance and enhanced operating power to crush your high-demand workday. It optimizes performance and allows for seamless multitasking.
- TRUE-TO-LIFE VISUALS – The 15.6” FHD IPS display is anti-glare with 300 nits brightness to see your best outside or in. Its 88% screen-to-body ratio makes viewing detailed applications like spreadsheets a breeze.
- SEAMLESS COLLABORATION – Lenovo Smart Appearance enhances your camera effects to protect your privacy and to make you the focus of every video conference. Intelligent noise cancelation minimizes distraction and Dolby Audio provides an elegantly sonorous experience.
- BUILT TO WITHSTAND – Built for military-grade toughness, the V15 Gen 4 is tested to withstand harsh temperatures, pressure, humidity, vibrations and more. Keep your work safe from the board room to your living room and everywhere in between.
The reviewed Xfce ISO was approximately 2.4 GB; KDE and GNOME images were approximately 2.8 GB each in that review’s download context. These are historical image sizes for the 21.0-era downloads, not current download-size guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is Manjaro 21.0 a good way to start with Arch Linux?
It could be a practical first step for someone curious about Arch’s rolling-release ecosystem but wanting a graphical installer and a configured desktop. Pamac provided a graphical way to find and install software, while the three official editions let users select a preferred desktop from the outset.
Best Value
- Powerful Linux Laptop: This IdeaPad Slim 3 Laptop comes pre-installed with Ubuntu Linux, offering fast performance, robust security, and a clean, user-friendly experience. Enjoy full customization, seamless hardware compatibility, and access to thousands of open-source apps. Whether you're working, creating, or coding, it's built to keep up with everything you do.
- A Multitasking Master: The latest AMD Ryzen 7 5825U processor (up to 4.5 GHz) delivers powerful performance with 8 cores and 16 threads for smooth multitasking. Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics provide crisp visuals for streaming, browsing, photo editing, and casual gaming. With smart machine intelligence, it adapts to your needs for a fast, responsive experience.
- 15.6" Full HD Display: The IdeaPad Slim 3 boasts an 88% screen-to-body ratio for a floating, edge-to-edge visual experience. TÜV Low Blue Light certification reduces eye strain, making it perfect for long work or study sessions.
- Military-Grade Durability: The smart IdeaPad Slim 3 combines portability and durability, letting you work, study, and play on the go. With a profile 10% slimmer than the previous generation, it's lightweight yet military-grade rugged, ready for anything, anywhere.
- Versatile Connectivity: Enjoy the security of a built-in webcam with a privacy shutter. Connect effortlessly with multiple ports: 2x USB A, 1x USB C, 1x HDMI, 1x SD Card Reader, 1x Headphone/Microphone combo. Bundle comes with Stylus Pen, 256GB Portable SSD and 5-in-1 Docking Station.
That convenience is not the same as using Arch Linux itself, and a rolling-release system still expects users to apply updates and pay attention to system changes. Manjaro 21.0’s accessible setup was a strength; the release’s present-day maintenance status is not established by the cited sources. Anyone installing Linux now should check current Manjaro announcements and download a currently maintained release rather than assume 21.0 still receives security fixes.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
