Trisquel 12.0 Releases as Ubuntu-Based Fully Free Linux Distro
Trisquel 12.0 brings a new Ubuntu 24.04 LTS base, APT 3.0, more fully free browser choices and support until 2029 to the GNU-endorsed free-software distribution.
A New Long-Term Base for Software Freedom
Trisquel 12.0 “Ecne” is the project’s new long-term release for people who want a complete desktop built only from free software. It moves the distribution to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and refreshes its installer, kernel work, security rules and software choices.
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS Base
A fresh long-term foundation for the fully free system.
Support Until 2029
Production-ready, with direct upgrades from Trisquel 11.
More Browser Choice
GNU IceCat and ungoogled-chromium join Abrowser.
What Is Trisquel?
Trisquel is a GNU/Linux distribution that includes only free software. Unlike most mainstream distributions, it leaves out proprietary drivers, firmware and other non-free components. The trade-off is simple: you get a system that respects the four freedoms of free software, but you may have fewer hardware options and a more limited out-of-the-box experience.
The project is run as a non-profit and is on the list of fully free distributions endorsed by the GNU Project. Trisquel builds on Ubuntu’s packages, removes the non-free parts and adds its own tools and branding.
What’s New in Trisquel 12.0
According to the official release announcement, Ecne builds on the previous release, “Aramo”, with improvements to packaging, the kernel, security and software availability.
APT 3.0 and deb822 repositories
The release ships APT 3.0 and uses the modern deb822 repository format across its installation paths, including the network installer, the graphical Ubiquity installer and Synaptic.
More modular kernel changes
The developers reorganized their kernel modifications to cut breakage in the installer components, and work on updating kernel-wedge continues.
Better desktop security coverage
Many AppArmor rules for graphical environments were revised to improve protection for everyday desktop use.
New browser options
GNU IceCat and ungoogled-chromium are now available, alongside the continuously maintained Abrowser.
The backports repository also offers newer versions of popular applications such as LibreOffice, yt-dlp, Inkscape, Nextcloud Desktop, Kdenlive, Tuba, 0 A.D. and fastfetch.
Software and Kernel Versions
Independent coverage of the release from Linuxiac lists the main application and kernel versions that ship with Trisquel 12.0:
| Component | Version |
|---|---|
| Base system | Ubuntu 24.04 LTS |
| Default web browser | Abrowser 146 |
| Email client | Icedove 140 |
| Office suite | LibreOffice 24 |
| Default kernel | Linux-libre 6.8.x |
| Hardware Enablement Stack (HWE) | Linux-libre 6.14.x |
Package versions can change through updates. Check the package database on the Trisquel website for the current numbers.
Editions and Architectures
| Edition | Desktop | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Trisquel | MATE 1.26.1 | The default edition: simple, accessible and light on hardware (no 3D acceleration needed) |
| Triskel | KDE Plasma 5.27 | Users who want to customize the look and behaviour in detail |
| Trisquel Mini | LXDE 0.99.2 | Netbooks, older computers and low-resource systems |
| Trisquel Sugar (TOAST) | Sugar 0.121 | Children, with dozens of educational activities |
| Network installer | Command-line install | Servers and advanced users building a custom environment |
Supported architectures, as reported by Linuxiac, are amd64, ppc64el, arm64 and armhf.
Who Should Use Trisquel 12?
A good fit if you
- Want a desktop made only of free software
- Value a GNU-endorsed distribution
- Use hardware that works without proprietary firmware
- Want a stable LTS base for the next few years
Think twice if you
- Depend on proprietary Wi-Fi, graphics or Bluetooth firmware
- Need the newest games or vendor-specific drivers
- Want the broadest possible hardware support out of the box
How to Upgrade from Trisquel 11 “Aramo”
The Trisquel announcement says Aramo users can upgrade directly with the update-manager or with the do-release-upgrade command in a terminal. Here is a careful way to do it from the console.
Back up your data
Copy your home folder and important configuration files to an external drive before any release upgrade.
Update your current system
Install all pending updates on Trisquel 11 first:
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgradeStart the release upgrade
sudo do-release-upgradeFollow the prompts and keep the computer on power during the upgrade.
Restart and verify
After rebooting, confirm the new release and kernel:
lsb_release -a
uname -rDownload Trisquel 12.0
ISO images for all editions are available on the official Trisquel download page. Always download from the project’s own site and verify the checksum of the image before you write it to a USB drive.
What Comes Next
The developers say work on the next release begins immediately. They have also started early groundwork for RISC-V support, which would extend Trisquel to the growing free-hardware ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Trisquel 12.0 based on?
It is based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.
How long will Trisquel 12.0 be supported?
The project says Ecne will receive support until 2029.
Can I upgrade directly from Trisquel 11?
Yes. The project states that Trisquel 11 “Aramo” users can upgrade with the update-manager or do-release-upgrade.
Which desktop does Trisquel 12.0 use by default?
The main edition uses MATE 1.26.1. Other editions use KDE Plasma, LXDE and Sugar.
Is Trisquel endorsed by the GNU Project?
Yes. Trisquel appears on the GNU list of fully free GNU/Linux distributions.
Will my Wi-Fi and graphics card work?
It depends on the hardware. Trisquel does not include proprietary firmware, so devices that need it may not work. Test with the live image first.
Conclusion
Trisquel 12.0 “Ecne” gives free-software users a new Ubuntu 24.04 LTS-based release with support until 2029, a modernized package setup and a wider choice of browsers. It is not meant for everyone, because strict software freedom limits hardware support, but for users who want a fully free desktop it is a solid and well-maintained option.
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Sources & Further Reading
- Trisquel 12.0 “Ecne” release announcement (Trisquel Project)
- Trisquel 12.0 Releases as Ubuntu-Based Fully Free Linux Distro (Linuxiac)
- Trisquel download page
Editorial note: this article is based on the official Trisquel release announcement and independent reporting. Versions, support dates and package details may change, so confirm them on the Trisquel website before you deploy.