MX Linux 25 “Infinity” is Officially Here: What’s New in This Massive Release

The wait is officially over. The MX Linux team has announced the stable MX Linux 25 release, codenamed “Infinity.” This is not just a minor refresh; it’s a significant milestone for one of the most popular Linux distributions in the world. Released on November 9, 2025, “Infinity” moves the entire project to a new, modern foundation, offers major changes to its core philosophy, and delivers the polished desktop environment updates that users have been waiting for.

For years, MX Linux has built its reputation on being a stable, user-friendly, and resource-efficient distribution that cleverly balanced the rock-solid nature of Debian with a suite of powerful, custom-built MX Tools. It was also famously “systemd-free” by default, offering SysVinit as the default init system, which carved out a loyal following.

With MX-25, the team has made some bold moves. The biggest story is the shift in its approach to init systems and the full embrace of a Debian 13 “Trixie” base. This update is massive, so let’s break down everything you need to know about this “Infinity” release.

The Core Upgrade: What “Based on Debian 13 Trixie” Really Means

The most fundamental change in the MX Linux 25 release is the jump from Debian 12 “Bookworm” to the newly-minted Debian 13 “Trixie.” This move is significant because it updates the entire software stack that MX is built upon. Trixie was released earlier this year and brings thousands of new and updated packages, security enhancements, and long-term support.

For the end-user, this means:

• Modern Software: Access to newer versions of applications, libraries, and development tools right from the main repositories.
• Enhanced Security: The Debian 13 base includes the latest security patches and a more hardened toolchain.
• Future-Proofing: By aligning with the new stable branch, MX-25 ensures it will receive security and core updates for years to come.

A key technical change is the adoption of the deb822 source format for managing APT repositories. While this is an “under-the-hood” change, it’s a more modern and flexible way to define software sources. Don’t worry, the excellent MX Repo Manager tool has been fully updated to handle both the new deb822 format and the traditional .list files, making the transition seamless for users.

The Big Choice: Systemd vs. SysVinit Redefined

Perhaps the most discussed change in the entire MX Linux 25 release is the new approach to init systems. Previously, MX Linux shipped a single ISO that cleverly allowed users to choose between SysVinit and systemd at boot. This was a key part of its identity.

With MX-25, this philosophy has shifted. The team has opted for a clearer, more maintainable approach by offering separate ISO images for systemd and SysVinit.

• Systemd is Now the Default: For the standard Xfce, Fluxbox, and KDE Plasma editions, the main ISO download now uses systemd as the default init system. The team has stated this move is for maximum compatibility with the modern Debian base and the wider Linux software ecosystem, particularly for services and applications that now expect systemd to be present.
• SysVinit Lives On: For the purists and fans of the traditional init system, do not panic! The MX team continues to provide separate SysVinit-based ISOs for both the Xfce and Fluxbox editions.
• KDE Plasma is Systemd-Only: It is important to note that the KDE Plasma 6.3.6 spin is offered only with systemd. This is a practical decision, as the modern Plasma desktop is deeply integrated with systemd services for things like power management, session handling, and device mounting.

This change marks a major philosophical evolution for MX Linux. While some in the community will miss the all-in-one ISO, this new method is arguably cleaner, less complex to maintain, and provides a more optimized, “native” experience for whichever init system you choose. For those on the systemd-based ISOs, MX-25 now also includes systemd-cryptsetup for improved support for encrypted /home partitions.

New Desktop Environment Updates for Every Flavor

MX Linux 25 brings significant updates to all three of its official desktop flavors, ensuring a fresh and modern experience out of the box.

Xfce 4.20: The Flagship Refined

The flagship Xfce edition, which MX is most famous for, gets the fantastic Xfce 4.20 update. This version is a major leap forward for the lightweight desktop. Key highlights in the MX-25 implementation include:

• Thunar File Manager: The file manager has received a lot of love, with improved performance, a more customizable toolbar, and better file operation dialogs.
• Power Management: Xfce 4.20 now has native support for the power-profiles-daemon, allowing for better integration with modern laptops and power-saving modes.
• Panel and Desktop: The panel sees new options for customization, and the desktop wallpaper handling has been improved for multi-monitor setups.
• New Themes: The new mx-ease and mx-matcha themes are included, giving the desktop a refreshed and modern look that complements the Xfce 4.20 visuals.

KDE Plasma 6.3.6: A Modern, Wayland-Default Powerhouse

The KDE Plasma edition has been updated to Plasma 6.3.6. This is a mature version of the new Plasma 6 series, which is built on Qt 6 and the KDE Frameworks 6. The biggest news here is that the MX-25 KDE edition now defaults to a Wayland session at the login screen.

This is a major step forward, offering the benefits of Wayland’s modern architecture, including smoother performance, better fractional scaling, and enhanced security. For those who still need it, a “Plasma (X11)” session is still available as an option. This, combined with the underlying power of the KDE Plasma 6 series, makes the MX-25 KDE spin a top-tier choice for users who want a powerful, modern, and visually stunning desktop.

Fluxbox 1.3.7: Lightweight, Fast, and More Configurable

The minimalist Fluxbox edition, beloved by users who crave speed and low resource usage, is updated to version 1.3.7. This isn’t just a version bump; the MX team has integrated many new configuration options, revised the default panels, and integrated the Rofi application launcher for a more functional “out-of-the-box” experience.

Kernel and Hardware Support: The AHS Factor

MX Linux 25 continues its excellent tradition of providing kernel options for all types of hardware.

• Standard Kernel: The standard Xfce and Fluxbox ISOs ship with a long-term support Linux 6.12 LTS kernel. This is the perfect choice for most users, offering a battle-tested kernel with proven stability and reliability.
• AHS (Advanced Hardware Support): For users with newer hardware—think the latest CPUs, GPUs, and Wi-Fi chips—the AHS ISO is the one to get. The AHS-specific ISO (which uses Xfce) and the standard KDE ISO both ship with a more modern, Liquorix-flavored Linux 6.15 kernel. This provides the necessary drivers and support for cutting-edge components right out of the box.

What’s New in the Famous MX Tools?

A new MX release wouldn’t be complete without updates to its signature MX Tools, and MX-25 delivers plenty.

The entire suite of MX Tools has been ported to Qt 6, ensuring they look and feel native on all desktops, especially the Qt-based KDE Plasma.

• mx-updater: This is the most notable new tool. It replaces the old apt-notifier package. mx-updater is a much-improved utility for handling system updates. It’s visually similar but offers more preferences, including the ability to use the popular Nala command-line frontend as its backend instead of apt.
• Installer Updates: The installer has been enhanced with two major features. First, a new “replace” function that allows you to easily install MX-25 over a different, existing Linux installation. Second, the installer now has built-in support for creating a zram-based swap, which is a fantastic performance and resource-saving feature.
• Secure Boot: The installer now offers basic support for 64-bit UEFI Secure Boot. This is a welcome addition for users with modern PCs that have Secure Boot enabled by default. It’s important to note this only works with the Debian-signed standard kernels, not the AHS/Liquorix kernel.

How to Get the MX Linux 25 Release: Download and Upgrade Path

You can download the new ISOs for all editions (Xfce, KDE, Fluxbox) and architectures (systemd, SysVinit) right now from the official website.

• Official Download Page: MX Linux Download Links

For users currently on MX-23, the team has historically always recommended a fresh installation for major version jumps. This is the cleanest and safest way to move to MX-25, ensuring there are no residual package conflicts. You can use the excellent MX Tool “User Installed Packages” to create a list of your apps to make re-installation a breeze.

That said, a developer on the official forums noted that an “unofficial” but documented manual upgrade path (which involves changing your APT sources to “trixie” and running a dist-upgrade) will likely be possible. Keep an eye on the MX Linux Migration page for official guides and documentation.

Conclusion: “Infinity” is a Bold Step Forward

The MX Linux 25 “Infinity” release is a massive and confident step forward. By embracing Debian 13, offering clear choices for init systems, and defaulting to modern technologies like Wayland on the KDE spin, the MX team has proven they are not afraid to evolve.

They have managed to do this while still staying true to their roots: providing choice (SysVinit is still here!), stability (LTS kernel), and incredible custom tools (mx-updater) that make the user’s life easier. This release solidifies MX’s position as a top-tier distribution for new and experienced users alike.

💬 Have you tried the new MX Linux 25 release? What are your thoughts on the new systemd-first approach or the Xfce 4.20 update? Let us know in the comments below!