Installing MX Linux 25 Infinity: Complete guide, new features, and tips

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MX Linux has gained fame Because it's one of those distributions that makes your life easy without requiring top-of-the-line hardware. Based on Debian and the result of collaborative work between the antiX and MEPIS communities, it stands out for its well-balanced mix of stability, performance and simplicityIn its new 25th edition, “Infinity”, the project focuses on modernizing the foundation, refining tools, and facilitating installation for users of all levels.

We are facing a release that is born from Debian 13 “Trixie” and it can already be tested in the public phase, with advances that preview what we will see in its final version: up-to-date desktops, a more flexible installer, more mature support for recent hardware and renewed proprietary utilities. Although it's a beta versionIt offers a very clear vision of the direction of the system and how it plans to balance MX tradition with current demands.

What is MX Linux 25 “Infinity” and what does it offer compared to previous editions?

The jump to Debian 13 “Trixie” It brings significant changes: the developers have chosen to include own repositories instead of the default Debian drivers, with the aim of gaining control over the software pace and providing a more cohesive experience. Furthermore, all editions will now use systemd by defaultalthough alternative variants still exist that maintain SysVInit for those who prefer that starting philosophy.

The spirit of MX remains intact: an agile, secure and user-friendly system Designed for modest computers, yet not sacrificing modern features. The combination of a Debian base with its own tools (MX Tools) makes everyday administration tasks much easier, ideal if you're starting out or simply want something that works without any hassle. If your goal is to set up a server, check out the best Linux distributions for servers.

• Users seeking stability with a fresh perspective: updated base, modern desktops and polished utilities.
• Those who value choosing the startup systemThere are editions with systemd and others that retain SysVInit.
• Profiles with new hardware: variants with advanced kernel for up-to-date compatibility.
• Veteran teams They appreciate lightweight environments like Fluxbox, without losing access to the MX ecosystem.

Desktops and kernel: lightness, power and Wayland where it matters

To cover different tastes and needs, MX Linux 25 “Infinity” offers three main desktop flavors. They all arrive updated to recent versions with fine details that are noticeable in everyday use.

• Xfce 4.20It remains the flagship model. Lightweight, stable, and with everything you need without the frills. Ideal if you want performance and good battery life in your laptop.
• KDE Plasma 6.3.6: a step forward in aesthetics, performance and modern support. Wayland is the default session, a significant change for those seeking smoother graphics experiences.
• FluxBox 1.3.7: the ultralight option for very old equipment or for those who prefer a minimalist and highly configurable environment.

In terms of the core, the standard editions include the Debian kernel 6.12 LTS (specifically, 6.12.48 according to the notes), sufficient for most scenarios without surprises. For those who need to squeeze the most out of it. very recent hardwareThere are AHS (Advanced Hardware Support) variants that introduce LiquorixHere you will see references to Liquorix 6.16 in the Xfce AHS edition and, in other notes, Liquorix 6.15 for AHS in general; in both cases the objective is the same: better compatibility and response in modern equipment.

An important detail if your computer uses secure boot: the standard editions They have support for UEFI Secure Boot thanks to kernels signed by Debian, but the AHS variants with Liquorix are not compatible with Secure Boot. This detail should be checked before installation, especially on corporate laptops or devices with restrictive firmware.

Installer and installation process: this is how to install MX Linux 25 “Infinity”

The MX installer comes with several very practical improvements which simplify both clean installations and migrations from other distributions. The new option for Reinstall while keeping your home folder, a very convenient feature if you want to renew the system without losing your data in /home.

In addition, the assistant can configure zram swap automaticallyThis is especially noticeable on systems with limited RAM, as it reduces disk usage in situations where memory is tight. Anyone with resource-constrained machines will greatly appreciate this.

Another new feature to consider is the Secure Boot support on 64-bit systems when using kernels signed by Debian. If you choose AHS with Liquorix, remember that There will be no safe startTherefore, you will need to disable it in the UEFI if your firmware does not allow exceptions.

To install from scratch, the general scheme is simple and well-known: Download the official ISO From MX Linux 25 “Infinity”, create a bootable USB drive (for example, with Ventoy, Rufus, or balenaEtcher), boot from it, and launch the installer. If you plan to run Windows or another distribution alongside it, carefully reserve partitions or use the `/etc/installer` function. replace another Linux installationwhich avoids having to manually mess with the partitioning. However, in this beta, the replacement It does not work with encrypted systems.

During the process the installer will ask you time zone, keyboard and userand will allow you to choose the partitioning scheme. On modern computers, it's normal to maintain GPT and EFI partition For UEFI. If you enable Secure Boot, be sure to choose a compatible edition (not AHS with Liquorix). After copying the files and configuring the boot manager, the system will be ready for its first boot.

As a detail of the beta status, some have been reported installer visual errors In lightweight environments (for example, icons that don't display). These don't affect the installation itself, but it's worth noting that there may be minor cosmetic quirks that the team will iron out.

Update from a previous version: with MX Updater or via terminal

If you're already using MX Linux, There's no need to reinstall To enjoy the improvements, the easiest way is to use the graphical tool. MX Updater, successor to apt-notifier. This utility allows you to check, download, and install packages with a couple of clicks and, if you wish, choose apt or nala as a management backend.

Those who prefer the terminal can opt for one complete update of repositories and packagesThe following command refreshes the indexes and applies all available changes comprehensively:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade && sudo apt full-upgrade

Taking advantage of the base Debian 13MX also adopts the format deb822 for repository sources, with files .sources Clearer and more reliable. If you're more comfortable with the traditional format. .list, do not worry: compatibility is maintainedSo you can live with both without any drama.

House recommendation: before a big jump, make a backup from your personal folder and your most sensitive data. The update usually goes smoothly, but it's worth not playing roulette with your files.

MX tools and application changes: Qt6, new updater, and finer cleanup

One of the most significant advances is that MX Tools migrates to Qt6This aligns the core utilities with the technology used by many desktop applications today. This transition not only modernizes the foundation but also paves the way for performance and user experience improvements.

The classic apt-notifier is replaced by mx-updatera more flexible utility that, in addition to apt, can use nala to manage packages with an extra touch of ergonomics and speed at the exit. Thank you. especially in teams where updating is part of the routine.

On the maintenance front, MX Cleanup gains new featuresNow you can detect and eliminate unused dkms drivers y unnecessary language manualsThey are small things, yes, but they help keep the system lean, light, and unburdened over time.

There are also changes to the default catalog: Audacious replaces Deadbeef as an audio player; in the KDE environment, Qimgv replaces Gwenview as an image viewer; and in Xfce, Engrampa takes over from File Roller as a compressed file manager. In addition new topics, art and translations that bring the distro up to date in visual consistency and linguistic support.

systemd vs SysVInit: two ways to boot the system

Historically, MX Linux has given users options to choose how they prefer to boot the system. In “Infinity”, systemd is the default option in all editions, aligning with the increasing demands of modern applications and workflows. Even so, the project maintains versions with SysVInit for those who prioritize that classic philosophy and the granular control it offers.

In practice, this means that You can choose an edition depending on your preference or needs. Some variants, such as certain KDE editions, may only be available with systemd, while others, such as Xfce or Fluxbox, continue to offer both options. That duality It is a hallmark of MX that the project does not want to lose.

Compatibility, Secure Boot, repositories, and other details to keep an eye on

compatibility with UEFI Secure Boot It's available for 64-bit editions with Debian-signed kernels, which is important if your firmware doesn't allow you to disable Secure Boot. Remember again that AHS editions with Liquorix do not support Secure BootTherefore, if you depend on that function, you will have to opt for the standard variant.

Another change that modernizes the administration is the move to the format deb822 (.sources) to define repos and keys. It's clearer and safer than the old .list, although, we insist, you can continue using the traditional method if you prefer. Having your own repositories also gives MX more software control that delivers, balancing stability and freshness.

Like every beta, “Infinity” comes with warnings Please note: the installer may display minor icon glitches in lightweight environments; some features of mx-updater (such as hiding updates until a new revision) could behave erratically; in KDE, the actions with root privileges They are not fully integrated into the file manager; and the installation replacement function It does not support encrypted disksIdeally, this version should be used for testing and not on mission-critical equipment.

Performance and maintenance: zram, cleaning and environment selection

If your priority is a system that flies on a humble team, Choose Fluxbox or Xfce and activates zram. The combination of a lightweight desktop, LTS kernel, and compressed memory Mark the difference on older laptops, netbooks, or desktops with little RAM.

For new machines, a KDE with wayland by default It offers a modern experience that already feels ready for everyday life. And if you also choose AHS and Liquorix, you'll gain even more. recent hardware supportHowever, this comes with the waiver of UEFI-based secure boot.

It's worth stopping by from time to time. MX Cleanup to remove unused DKMS packages and language manuals you no longer need. These are tasks of Preventive Maintenance that keep the system light and tidy with very little effort.

Download and clean installation options

For a clean installation, all you need to do is Download the official ISO From MX Linux 25 “Infinity”, create the bootable USB drive and follow the wizard. If you are coming from another distro, the function of Linux installation replacement It saves you from manual partitioning, as long as you don't rely on encryption. If you're interested in preserving data, the option to reinstall keeping /home It's one of those improvements that are appreciated in the real world.

Those who prefer to go step by step from a previous MX can use MX Updater or the terminal-based procedure described above. In both cases, the result is an updated system, with recent desktops, modern repositories and the utilities rewritten to Qt6.

MX Linux 25 “Infinity” represents an evolution with a clear intention: modernize without breaking The essence that has made it popular. Based on Debian 13, with modern desktop environments, kernels for all tastes (LTS and Liquorix), Secure Boot support where appropriate, MX Tools in Qt6, and improved utilities like mx-updater and MX Cleanup, the package feels solid even in beta. If you need a stable, fast, and easy-to-maintain distro, this is a top contender that also... It pampers both old and new hardware..