MX Linux has long been a fixture at the top of DistroWatch's popularity charts, a position we acknowledge as a significant, albeit sometimes debated, indicator of a distribution's appeal. Its consistent focus on stability, performance, and user-friendliness has undeniably built a loyal following. With the release of MX Linux 25.1 "Infinity" yesterday, January 20, 2026, the MX Linux team is clearly aiming to not only cement that reputation but also to tackle one of the Linux community's most enduring architectural debates head-on. This is an evolution we view as particularly important for those who feel strongly about their init system.
But does this new "Infinity" truly expand horizons, or do its underlying complexities create new hurdles for users? In our view, it's a bit of both.
The Dual-Init Revolution: Choice at Last, But What's the Catch?
The headline feature of MX Linux 25.1, its thorough dual-init support, marks a foundational shift. For years, the Linux community has engaged in passionate debate over the merits of versus the more traditional . Historically, MX Linux has leaned towards , so its bold inclusion of both in the same ISO image, allowing users to choose their preferred init system right from the live boot menu, is a significant departure. This is a decision we commend for its commitment to user freedom.
This new implementation, we’re told, finally resolves persistent issues that plagued earlier releases when users attempted to run , especially concerning and during logout and login cycles. Furthermore, the fact that is now maintained directly through Debian security updates is a welcome relief, removing a significant maintenance burden from the MX Linux team and instilling greater confidence in its stability. For newcomers, or those building a system from scratch, this is a phenomenal feature, offering true freedom of choice without, we hope, compromising stability.
However, this revolutionary choice comes with a notable caveat: the dual-init selection applies only to new installations. Existing MX Linux 25 users hoping to switch their init system will, regrettably, need to perform a clean installation using these new dual-init ISOs. This is a significant drawback for an otherwise excellent feature, and one that we predict will lead to frustration for loyal users who hoped for a smoother transition. Snapshot ISOs, too, inherit the default init system of the installed source, lacking the live boot menu choice, which feels like a missed opportunity for consistency and convenience.
Beneath the Surface: Performance Gains and Hardware Headaches
MX Linux 25.1 is built upon the solid foundation of Debian 13.3 "Trixie," bringing a wealth of updated packages, bug fixes, and security patches that ensure a stable and current base for all users. The distribution offers two primary kernel options: the standard ISOs ship with Linux kernel 6.12 LTS, while the Advanced Hardware Support (AHS) editions ship with the newer, Liquorix-flavored Linux kernel 6.18 LTS. We appreciate this tiered approach, catering to different user needs.
The AHS edition is where modern hardware users will likely find their bliss. With improved support for Wi-Fi 6E cards, AMD graphics cards, and NVIDIA graphics cards, it’s clearly geared towards users pushing the envelope. The 6.18 LTS kernel, coupled with Mesa 25.3.3 graphics support, promises significant performance enhancements, including reported frame rate increases of up to 15% in games. For gamers or professionals with demanding graphics workloads, the AHS variant makes a strong case for itself, delivering tangible benefits that we think will be immediately noticeable.
That said, the path to hardware bliss isn't entirely smooth for everyone. During our testing, an older Thinkpad W520 with an NVIDIA Quadro 1000M encountered issues with the new kernel, failing to wake the display. Even installing the proprietary NVIDIA driver version 390 didn't resolve the problem. While modern hardware largely benefits, we observed that users with specific older or less common configurations might still face a few compatibility bumps, especially with the very latest kernels. The absence of an x86-32 edition also means older hardware enthusiasts are, unfortunately, out of luck.
Desktop Delights and Installer Ingenuity: Refinements That Matter
MX Linux has always been praised for its thoughtful desktop configurations, and 25.1 continues this tradition with aplomb. The default Xfce 4.20 desktop environment is uncommonly sophisticated, featuring a vertical panel, the Docklike Taskbar plugin, and the Whisker menu, all contributing to a polished and efficient workflow that we find refreshingly productive. For those who prefer alternatives, KDE Plasma 6.3.6 (though, importantly, systemd-only) and the lightweight Fluxbox 1.3.7 are also available, offering a decent range of choices for different preferences.
The installer has also received welcome enhancements. Users can now enable ZRAM memory compression alongside conventional swap, which is excellent for machines with limited RAM and a feature we believe should be standard in more distributions. A new option to replace an existing Linux installation in place is also a handy addition, capable of preserving the contents of the directory – a major time-saver, though users will still need to recreate their accounts. The updated MX Tools, now built on Qt6, feel snappier and more modern, and the inclusion of Nala as the preinstalled package manager, alongside repository format support, simplifies package management for all, a move we wholeheartedly endorse.
The Upgrade Conundrum: A Stumbling Block for Loyal Users
While new installations are well-catered for, existing MX Linux users looking to move from previous series to 25.1 face a slight challenge. Direct version-to-version upgrades are not officially supported. While an in-place migration process exists (preserving but requiring user account recreation), and a documented advanced upgrade procedure is available for the technically savvy, it's certainly not the effortless one-click experience many might hope for. This decision feels like a significant oversight for a distribution that prides itself on user-friendliness.
Furthermore, the "MX User Installed Packages" tool, while generally useful, isn't guaranteed to be 100% successful for reinstalling packages due to potential re-packaging or naming changes between Debian releases. This places a bit of a burden on veteran users, who might find themselves performing a fresh installation more often than they'd like, especially if they value the new dual-init feature. This lack of a seamless upgrade path is, in our view, the most frustrating aspect of an otherwise strong release.
The TTEK2 Verdict: Infinity's Promise, But Not Without Its Limits
MX Linux 25.1 "Infinity" is a release that significantly pushes the envelope for this popular distribution. The dual-init support is the undeniable headline feature for those who value choice, and it offers a refined, stable experience that clearly resolves prior quirks. Combined with a solid Debian 13.3 base and the performance boosts of the AHS kernels, particularly for modern graphics, it makes a strong case for both new users and seasoned enthusiasts. Its reputation for stability, speed, and a clean, lightweight system remains firmly intact, making it suitable for a vast range of hardware. We believe this release lives up to the core tenets of MX Linux.
However, the limitations for existing users wishing to switch init systems, the lack of direct version-to-version upgrades, and specific hardware compatibility quirks on older machines mean it's not an entirely flawless experience. The "Infinity" in its name feels a little less boundless when confronted with these practical restrictions.
For anyone considering a new Linux installation, especially those who appreciate the choice of init systems or demand the latest hardware support, MX Linux 25.1 "Infinity" is an easy recommendation. It delivers on its promise of stability, performance, and flexibility. Existing MX Linux 25 users will need to weigh the benefits of the new features against the effort of a clean installation. But for fresh starts, MX Linux 25.1 offers an "infinity" of possibilities, making it absolutely worth your time.
Recommendation: Highly Recommended for new installations and users seeking ultimate init system flexibility.
MX Linux 25.1 "Infinity" is supported until August 2028, ensuring a long and stable lifespan for your chosen setup.
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