Get ready to blast off into the world of MX Linux 25 'Infinity' – the latest release that's shaking things up in the Linux universe. But here's where it gets controversial: MX Linux has ditched the ability to switch init systems on the fly, a feature that once set it apart. So, what does this mean for users? Let's dive in.
MX Linux 25 'Infinity' is now available, and it's not just a minor update. This release marks a significant shift from its 2023 predecessor, with pre-install decisions taking center stage instead of boot-time choices. Available in seven different downloads (all for x86-64, as the x86-32 edition has been retired), Infinity is built on Debian 13, which no longer supports 32-bit x86 editions. And this is the part most people miss: the removal of the systemd-shim tool, which previously allowed users to switch between init systems, has simplified some choices but complicated others.
One of the standout features of MX Linux 21 and 23 was its avoidance of the controversial systemd as the default init system, though it was still present and could be activated at startup. However, as reported in August, this flexibility is gone in MX 25. The change stems from the Linux kernel's transition from cgroups v1 to v2, which effectively disables the systemd-shim tool. Now, if you want MX Linux without systemd, you’ll need to choose a separate download with the traditional sysvinit – and once installed, switching isn’t an option.
MX Linux still offers three desktop environments: the middleweight Xfce (default), the full-featured KDE Plasma, and the super-lightweight Fluxbox. The KDE variant, like Debian 13, comes with Plasma 6.3.6 and is only available with systemd. The Xfce and Fluxbox editions, however, offer both systemd and sysvinit options. Adding to the complexity, the flagship Xfce edition also includes an Advanced Hardware Support (AHS) variant, featuring the Liquorix kernel – a choice that might leave some users scratching their heads.
Here’s the breakdown of the seven variants:
Xfce
1. Standard kernel 6.12 with systemd
2. Standard kernel 6.12 with sysvinit
3. AHS kernel 6.16 with systemd
4. AHS kernel 6.16 with sysvinit
KDE
5. Kernel 6.12 with systemd
Fluxbox
6. With systemd
7. With sysvinit
It’s intriguing that the project opted for this approach despite the added complexity. Only time will tell if some of these options will fade away due to lack of popularity.
Beyond the init system changes, MX 25 introduces new features and improvements. The installation program now supports ZRAM memory compression, a boon for systems with limited write cycles, like those running off USB keys or microSD cards. The installer also includes an option to replace an existing Linux installation while preserving the /home directory, though user accounts will need to be recreated. This is particularly useful since MX Linux doesn’t support direct version-to-version upgrades, instead favoring in-place migration.
The MX Tools suite has been updated to Qt6, and the MX User Installed Packages tool helps you list and reinstall extra Debian packages after an upgrade. However, due to potential changes in package names between Debian releases, this isn’t foolproof. For the tech-savvy, there’s a documented in-place upgrade procedure from MX 23 to MX 25.
MX 25 also inherits Debian 13’s support for the new deb822 repository config file format. All three desktops have received polish, with tweaks to Xfce’s Whisker menu, Plasma’s Dolphin file manager, and Fluxbox’s panel layout.
MX Linux’s Xfce configuration is one of its standout features, optimized for widescreen monitors with a vertical panel and a Docklike Taskbar plugin that mimics Windows Vista’s iconic taskbar. The Whisker menu adds search and session management, making it far superior to Xfce’s default launch menu. The placement of the launch button in the bottom left corner will feel familiar to Windows users, offering a smarter layout than Xubuntu’s single panel.
Testing the systemd and sysvinit versions of the Xfce edition side by side, we found no noticeable differences in performance – except that sysvinit uses about 50MB less RAM at idle. On a Thinkpad W520, the sysvinit edition worked well, but MX Linux struggled to activate the NVIDIA Quadro 1000M GPU, a known issue with modern kernels. Interestingly, some distros like Pop!_OS 24.04 and Ubuntu 25.10 managed to wake the display, highlighting the challenges of hardware compatibility.
Despite this minor hiccup, MX Linux 25 shines with its sophisticated Xfce configuration and the inclusion of the Nala package manager, making updates a breeze. Its fit and finish rival those of Debian 13 and Devuan 6, offering an easier installation and post-install adjustment process. If you’re looking for a user-friendly alternative to Debian, without Ubuntu’s snap packages and with the option to avoid systemd, MX 25 is a solid choice.
Thought-provoking question: Is the removal of init system flexibility a step forward or a missed opportunity for MX Linux? Share your thoughts in the comments – we’d love to hear your take!
