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MX Linux 23.1 “Libretto” was the first refresh of MX-23, built on Debian 12.2 “Bookworm” and announced on October 15, 2023. It brought bug fixes, kernel and application updates, and installer improvements. If you already run MX-23, MX Linux said you could receive the 23.1 packages through the regular update channel without reinstalling. MX-23.1 is no longer the current release: the MX Linux site lists MX-25.3 as current as of September 2026.
What changed in MX Linux 23.1?
The release announcement describes MX-23.1 as a package of bug fixes and updates to kernels and applications on a Debian 12.2 base. Its changes varied by edition, so the kernel and desktop-specific details should be matched to the image you use.
- Installer: Updates addressed swap-file handling, hibernation and OEM installation.
- KDE: An updated SDDM initialization script avoided an SDDM restart during sysVinit boot.
- AHS Xfce: Included a 6.5 kernel, updated firmware and updated Mesa libraries.
- Fluxbox: Added a script to display the default hotkeys.
The announcement says the main Xfce and Fluxbox images used the 6.1 kernel, while AHS used 6.5. These are edition-specific release details, not a single kernel version shared by every image. MX Linux release archive
Do you need to reinstall MX-23 to get 23.1?
No. MX Linux said existing MX-23 users did not need to reinstall: the point-release packages were available through the regular update channel. The current MX Linux FAQ likewise describes point-release updates as arriving through standard update channels. This is different from moving between major MX versions; for that, consult MX Linux’s FAQ and migration guidance.
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Which MX Linux 23.1 edition should you choose?
MX Linux lists Xfce, KDE and Fluxbox as its official desktop options. Choose based on the desktop workflow you prefer and, where relevant, the image’s kernel track and hardware support. The release announcement does not provide evidence for claiming that one edition is faster than another.
- Xfce: The main image used kernel 6.1; the AHS Xfce image used kernel 6.5 and included updated firmware and Mesa libraries.
- KDE: The release notes describe an SDDM startup-script change for sysVinit boot.
- Fluxbox: The main image used kernel 6.1 and gained a default-hotkeys display script.
Check the release-specific notes and hardware requirements before choosing an image. The version and kernel details above come from the MX-23.1 announcement; MX’s FAQ lists the official editions.
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Can you install MX Linux from a USB drive?
Yes. A USB flash drive can hold bootable live installation media; it is not needed to run MX Linux after the system is installed. The current MX Users Manual’s general live-USB guidance lists 4 GB of free space, but that figure is not confirmed as an MX-23.1-specific minimum. A mirror listing gives the MX-23.1 x64 ISO size as 2.1 GiB. MX Users Manual; MX-23.1 mirror directory
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is MX Linux 23.1 still supported, and should you download it?
MX-23.1 is a historical release, not the current MX Linux version. As of September 2026, MX Linux’s site lists MX-25.3 as current. If you want to install MX Linux now, start with the current MX Linux release information, rather than treating an MX-23.1 image as the latest download.
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The MX FAQ says the project is based on Debian Stable and automatically receives Debian security updates, but the cited material does not establish a specific MX-23 support end date. Check the version-specific support chart before relying on a particular end-of-support date. MX Linux FAQ
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