MX Linux 25 ‘Infinity’ has been officially released, built on Debian 13 “Trixie” and represents a significant milestone for this popular distribution. The release features the long-term supported Linux 6.12 LTS kernel series for standard editions and a Liquorix-flavored Linux 6.16 kernel for the KDE Plasma edition and the Xfce-based AHS (Advanced Hardware Support) edition. MX Linux continues its reputation as a stable, user-friendly distribution that consistently ranks at the top of DistroWatch.
What is MX Linux?
MX Linux is a cooperative project between antiX and former MEPIS communities that focuses on providing a complete, ready-to-use Debian-based system. The distribution has earned its popularity through stability, excellent hardware support, and user-friendly tools that make Linux accessible to users of all experience levels.
Major Changes in MX Linux 25
Debian 13 “Trixie” Foundation
MX Linux 25 is now built on Debian 13 “Trixie”, bringing updated software packages, enhanced security features, and improved hardware compatibility. This solid foundation ensures system stability while providing access to modern applications and technologies.
Desktop Environments
The release ships in several editions—Xfce, KDE Plasma, and Fluxbox—each updated to their latest versions, specifically Xfce 4.20, Plasma 6.3.6, and Fluxbox 1.3.7.
Xfce 4.20 Edition: The Xfce edition features an improved Whisker Menu that has been updated to the new settings format. The desktop maintains its lightweight efficiency while incorporating modern improvements, making it ideal for users seeking a balance between features and performance.
KDE Plasma 6.3.6 Edition: The KDE Plasma edition defaults to a Wayland session, with X11 still available from the session chooser. The edition received root actions and service menus for the Dolphin file manager, while TLP has been removed in favor of power-profiles-daemon to fix an issue with the power profile widget.
Fluxbox 1.3.7 Edition: The Fluxbox edition received many new configuration options, a revised panel configuration, revised root-level menus, revamped “appfinder” configurations for the Rofi tool, and adjustments to the default toolbar configurations. Audacious now serves as the default audio player instead of DeaDBeeF.
Revolutionary systemd Support
One of the most significant changes in MX Linux 25 is the shift in init system support. MX 25 ships with systemd as the default init system for all editions, though users who prefer sysVinit can choose clearly labeled ISOs available for the Xfce and Fluxbox variants. For years, MX positioned itself as a systemd-free option, traditionally shipping sysVinit as its baseline. However, with MX-25, the developers are now offering parallel builds. This change provides better compatibility with modern software while still respecting users who prefer traditional init systems.
Updated MX Tools and Software
MX Tools Migration to Qt6
All MX Tools now use Qt 6 for improved performance and compatibility. The suite of proprietary tools that make MX Linux unique has been modernized to work seamlessly with contemporary desktop environments.
New MX Updater
The long-standing apt-notifier has been replaced by mx-updater, which offers optional nala backend support. This new tool provides more customization options and flexibility in package management, allowing users to choose between traditional APT or the newer Nala backend.
Enhanced Installer Features
The installer has received significant improvements:
- A new replace-install option preserves home folders when reinstalling
- The installer can now create zram swap devices
- Secure Boot is now supported on 64-bit UEFI systems using signed Debian kernels
- Btrfs installation options are now available
Additional Features and Improvements
Repository Management
MX Linux 25 includes support for Debian’s new deb822 format for managing sources, modernizing how the system handles software repositories and making configuration more straightforward.
MX Cleanup Enhancements
MX Cleanup can now remove unused DKMS drivers and extra language manuals, helping users reclaim disk space and maintain cleaner installations.
Conky Configurations
New Conky configurations have been added, along with a default Conky configuration allowing users to change between 12h (AM/PM) and 24h for the locale, providing better customization for system monitoring displays.
Theme Updates
MX Linux 25 updates to the mx-ease and mx-matcha themes, giving the distribution a refreshed and modern appearance across all desktop environments.
System Requirements and Compatibility
MX Linux 25 maintains its accessibility to a wide range of hardware configurations. The distribution runs efficiently on both older machines and modern systems, thanks to its lightweight design and optimization. The AHS (Advanced Hardware Support) variants feature the 6.16 Liquorix kernel for better performance on newer hardware.
Minimum Requirements:
- 1 GHz processor
- 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended)
- 15 GB free disk space
- Compatible graphics card
Download and Installation
MX 25 ISOs are available for Xfce, KDE, and Fluxbox editions — including SysVinit and AHS variants. Users can download the distribution from the official MX Linux website. Each ISO includes checksums and signature files for verification, ensuring download integrity.
For current MX Linux 23 users, there’s a migration page available for upgrade guidance, making the transition to the new release smoother.
Who Should Use MX Linux 25?
MX Linux 25 ‘Infinity’ is ideal for various user groups:
Beginners will appreciate the user-friendly approach and comprehensive documentation available on the MX Linux wiki. Intermediate users seeking stability without sacrificing modern features will find the Debian 13 base perfect for daily use. Advanced users who value customization will enjoy the choice between init systems and desktop environments. Those with older hardware can benefit from the lightweight Xfce and Fluxbox editions, while users with modern hardware can take advantage of the AHS variants with newer kernels.
Community and Support
MX Linux benefits from an active and helpful community. Users can find support through the official forum, comprehensive documentation, IRC channels, and social media presence. The project maintains transparency about development and actively engages with user feedback.
Conclusion
MX Linux 25 ‘Infinity’ represents a thoughtful evolution that modernizes the distribution while maintaining its core values. Built on Debian 13 “Trixie” with updated desktop environments including Plasma 6.3.6 and Xfce 4.20, along with the introduction of systemd support alongside traditional sysVinit options, this release ensures MX Linux remains competitive and relevant.
The combination of stability from Debian, modern desktop environments from KDE and Xfce, and the unique MX Tools makes this distribution stand out. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight system for older hardware or a modern desktop experience with the latest features, MX Linux 25 delivers.
Rating: 9/10
MX Linux 25 ‘Infinity’ successfully modernizes while respecting user choice, making it one of the most flexible and user-friendly Debian-based distributions available today.
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