How to update to MX Linux 25.3: complete installation guide

MX Linux is a lightweight Debian-based distribution focused on stability, ideal for users looking for a reliable and high-performance operating system. Version MX-25.3 represents the latest update of the MX-25 “Infinity” series, integrating the latest news from Debian and MX.

This distribution is particularly useful for those who want a stable, secure, and easy-to-use operating system, suitable for both recent hardware and older systems. Thanks to its lightness and wide range of built-in tools, MX Linux is perfect for technical users, developers, and anyone looking for a robust alternative to more complex distributions.

With MX-25.3, users benefit from significant updates that improve system performance, security, and usability. Among the most relevant new features are the integration of the Linux kernel 6.12 (or 7.2 for the Xfce AHS edition), updates to native utilities such as MX Welcome and MX Tools, and the introduction of new tools like Verify ISO Sig and MX-Theme-Colors.

Prerequisites

• Hardware: A computer compatible with the Xfce, KDE Plasma, Fluxbox, or Xfce AHS editions of MX Linux 25.3, or a Raspberry Pi for the respin version.
• Software: An ISO image of MX Linux 25.3 downloaded from the official site.
• Installation tools: Software for burning ISO images to USB or DVD drives, such as Rufus, Balena Etcher, or dd.
• Internet connection: To download updates and additional utilities via the MX and Debian repositories.

PROCEDURE: Installing and Upgrading MX Linux 25.3

By the end of this guide, you will have correctly installed or upgraded MX Linux 25.3 on your system.

Step 1: Download the MX-25.3 ISO

• Visit the official MX Linux site at MX Linux Blog.
• Select the appropriate edition for your hardware (Xfce, KDE Plasma, Fluxbox, or Xfce AHS for newer hardware).
• Download the corresponding ISO image.

Step 2: Verify the Integrity of the ISO

• Use the new tool Verify ISO Sig to verify the digital signature of the downloaded ISO.
• This step ensures that the ISO has not been altered during download.

Step 3: Create a Bootable Drive

• Insert the USB drive into the computer and launch the bootable drive creation program.
• Select the MX-25.3 ISO and the USB drive as the destination.

Step 4: Start the Installation

• Boot the computer and access the boot menu (usually by pressing a key like F12, ESC, or DEL during boot).
• Follow the on-screen instructions to start the MX Linux live environment.

Step 5: Perform the Installation

• From the live environment, launch the MX/Gazelle installer.
• Follow the guided instructions to configure the installation, including partitioning options, language, and user settings.
• Note that the new installer enables the lazytime option in the /etc/fstab file by default.
• Complete the installation and reboot the computer.

Step 6: Update the System (for Existing Users)

• If you are an existing MX Linux user, update the system through regular update channels.
• Open a terminal and type the following commands:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

Step 7: Post-Installation Configuration

• For Raspberry Pi users, after the first boot, access raspi-config to manually resize the filesystem.
• Explore the new features introduced in MX-25.3, such as MX-Theme-Colors and the updated VPN installation options in the MX Package Installer.

Verification and Troubleshooting

By the end of this guide, you will be able to test the correct functioning of MX Linux 25.3 and resolve any installation or upgrade issues.

Functionality Test

• ISO Image Verification:
• Installation Test:
  • Boot the MX Linux 25.3 ISO image in live mode to verify that all basic features are operational.
• Update Verification:

Troubleshooting

• Installation Issues:
  • Check that the system meets the minimum system requirements for the version of MX Linux you are installing.
• Raspberry Pi Issues:
• Kernel Issues:

Additional Resources

For more details and support, consult the official announcement of MX Linux 25.3.

Educational Summary and Practical Invitation

By the end of this guide, you will have learned how to upgrade your MX Linux system to version 25.3, understanding the new features introduced and the steps necessary to install or upgrade the system.

• Summary of New Features:
  • Updates from Debian 13.7 and MX repositories.
  • Linux kernel 6.12 for most editions, except Xfce AHS with Liquorix 7.2.
  • New utilities like Verify ISO Sig and MX-Theme-Colors.
  • Updates for MX Welcome, MX Tools, and Package Installer.
• Practical Invitation:
  • Download the new ISOs for fresh installations from the official site.