Arch-Based Artix Linux 2026.04 Released With XLibre as Default X Server

Artix Linux has rolled out its first official ISO of 2026, built on the Linux 6.19 kernel. For those unfamiliar, Artix is an Arch-based rolling-release distribution that deliberately avoids systemd, instead offering alternative init systems such as OpenRC, runit, s6, and dinit.

One of the major updates in this release is the switch to XLibre as the default X server, while Xorg is still available for installation. KDE Plasma users now have the option to run sessions on either Wayland or XLibre.

Another notable change is the move from PulseAudio to PipeWire, modernizing the default audio stack across both live and installation environments. The release also brings user service support for OpenRC and dinit, expanding flexibility for system management.

Artix continues to provide a variety of desktop environments, including KDE Plasma, Cinnamon, Xfce, MATE, LXDE, and LXQt, along with a minimal base option for advanced users.

Since it’s a rolling-release distribution, existing users don’t need to perform a version upgrade—keeping the system updated with sudo pacman -Syu is sufficient.

For now, keep in mind that the online installation option is still under development, so users are recommended to select the “Offline” mode during installation.