Arch Linux March ISO Is Out With Kernel, Desktop, and Security Updates

Arch Linux has released its March 2026 installation image, labeled 2026.03.01. This ISO bundles all package updates delivered to the repositories during February. As with previous monthly builds, this release does not introduce Arch-specific feature changes; instead, it offers up-to-date installation media for users planning a fresh deployment.

The new image ships with the Linux 6.18.13 LTS kernel, while Linux 6.12.74 LTS remains available through the official repositories.

Updated Core Components

Several foundational system packages have been refreshed in this snapshot:

• Glibc 2.43
• GCC 15.2.1 (complete compiler suite)
• systemd 259.2
• GNU Binutils 2.46

These updates ensure the toolchain and core runtime environment remain aligned with the latest upstream developments.

Security & Firmware Updates

The ISO also incorporates updated cryptography and certificate packages, including:

• NSS 3.121
• ca-certificates-mozilla 3.121
• GnuTLS 3.8.12
• libgcrypt 1.12.1

Hardware compatibility benefits from linux-firmware 20260221 and updated amd-ucode 20260221 microcode packages.

Desktop Environment Updates

Recent repository updates include:

• KDE Plasma 6.6.1
• KDE Frameworks 6.23
• KDE Gear 25.12.2

Users of GNOME will find version 49.4 available, including updated Shell, Files, and core applications.

Other environments and compositors updated in the repositories include:

• Cinnamon 6.6.7
• Budgie 10.10.1
• COSMIC 1.0.8
• Hyprland 0.54

Application & Developer Stack

Popular desktop applications have also been updated:

• Chromium 145
• Mozilla Firefox 148
• LibreOffice 26.2.1

Container tools now include Docker 29.2.1, while users seeking a daemonless container engine can install Podman from the repositories.

For creative professionals, Blender 5.0.1 is available.

Additional Base Updates

The refreshed ISO also reflects:

• Python 3.14.3
• iproute2 6.19
• GNU Coreutils 9.10
• zstd 1.5.7

The guided installer, Archinstall, has been updated to version 3.0.15, simplifying the setup process for new users.

The Arch Linux 2026.03.01 ISO can be downloaded from official mirrors. This image is intended for new installations only. Existing Arch users can fully synchronize their systems with:

sudo pacman -Syu