EndeavourOS Mercury: The Latest Arch Linux-Based Release Arrives with Linux Kernel 6.13 and Xfce 4.20

The EndeavourOS team has officially announced the release of EndeavourOS Mercury, the latest stable version of this popular Arch Linux-based distribution. This update introduces significant improvements, including the Linux 6.13 kernel, the option to install Xfce 4.20, and multiple system optimizations that enhance the overall user experience.


Key Features of EndeavourOS Mercury

This new release brings several important updates and enhancements:

  • Updated to Linux Kernel 6.13, ensuring improved compatibility with modern hardware.
  • Refreshed desktop environments: KDE Plasma 6.2.5 is included in both the live environment and offline installation, with Xfce 4.20 as an alternative option. The Xfce theme has also been adjusted to resemble the default Xfce look.
  • Default dark theme: KDE Plasma, GNOME, Xfce, Budgie, Cinnamon, and MATE now use a dark theme by default.
  • Enhanced EFI and Legacy BIOS support: A memory test for EFI systems has been added to the live ISO, and previous issues with Legacy BIOS installations have been resolved.
  • Improved mirror list management: Users who modify the mirror list in the live session will now have their selections carried over to the installation process, rather than being re-ranked automatically.

Calamares Installer Improvements

The Calamares graphical installer has received significant enhancements:

  • Fixed duplicate EFI selection entries that previously appeared during installation.
  • Improved partition replacement functionality, allowing users to replace empty disk space without errors.
  • Updated EndeavourOS branding, making it easier for content creators and artists to access official branding assets, now available on GitHub.

User Experience Enhancements

  • GNOME now automatically switches between light and dark wallpapers based on system settings.
  • Updated graphics stack with Mesa 24.3.4, improving performance for modern GPUs.
  • Latest Mozilla Firefox 135 is included, offering enhanced security and performance.

Rolling-Release Model with Continuous Updates

As EndeavourOS follows a rolling-release model, existing users do not need to reinstall the system to benefit from these updates. Instead, they can simply run the following command in the terminal to update their system:

sudo pacman -Syu

Download and Availability

EndeavourOS Mercury is available for download now from the official website. The ISO includes all the latest improvements and allows users to customize their installation with a choice of modern desktop environments.

With this release, EndeavourOS continues to solidify its reputation as a lightweight, customizable, and constantly evolving Linux distribution, offering users a smoother and more refined experience.

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