The Devuan project has released version 6.1 of their systemd-free Linux distribution, marking the first point release in the Excalibur series. Coming just two months after the major Devuan 6 release, this update demonstrates the project’s commitment to providing a stable, maintained alternative for users who prefer to avoid systemd.
What’s New in Devuan 6.1?
Unlike major version releases, Devuan 6.1 focuses on refinement rather than revolution. The update aligns with Debian 13.2, incorporating the latest security fixes and stability improvements from its upstream base. All installation images now ship with refreshed packages from the Excalibur repositories, which means new installations start from a current software baseline without requiring extensive post-install updates.
The distribution continues to run on Linux kernel 6.12 LTS and includes the Xfce 4.20 desktop environment in its live ISO, providing users with a modern yet lightweight computing experience.
Key Improvements and Bug Fixes
Several important fixes make their way into this release. The speech-synthesis installation issue that previously prevented correct setup has been resolved, restoring expected accessibility functionality for users who depend on these features. This is particularly significant for users with visual impairments or those who rely on text-to-speech capabilities.
Multiple bugs affecting the SLiM login manager have also been addressed. These long-standing problems could impact desktop logins on fresh systems, and their resolution should provide a smoother experience for new Devuan users choosing SLiM as their display manager.
Raspberry Pi Support Arrives (Unofficially)
One of the more interesting developments is the arrival of unofficial Excalibur builds for Raspberry Pi devices. These community-maintained images extend Devuan’s reach to ARM-based hardware, offering users a ready-made option for running the distribution on popular single-board computers. While these builds aren’t officially supported by the core team, they represent the strength of the Devuan community and expand the distribution’s hardware compatibility.
Installation and Firmware Handling
Installation images for Devuan 6.1 are available from files.devuan.org. The distribution takes a pragmatic approach to firmware: all installation media include non-free firmware, but it’s automatically installed only when required by the system’s hardware. Users who prefer a completely free setup can opt out through the “Expert install” option or remove the firmware afterward using a provided script.
Who Should Upgrade?
Devuan 6.1 is primarily intended for new installations and reinstallations. If you’re an existing Devuan user who keeps your system up to date with regular package updates, you likely already have these fixes installed. The point release simply bundles these improvements into the installation media for convenience.
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Looking Ahead: Devuan 7 “Freia”
The Devuan development team hasn’t stopped with version 6.1. Work has already begun on Devuan 7, codenamed “Freia,” which is expected to arrive in the second half of 2027, following the release of Debian 14 “Forky.” Repositories for the next version are already open for early testing, allowing adventurous users and developers to preview what’s coming next.
Installation images for Devuan 6.1 are available at files.devuan.org. The live ISO comes with the latest Xfce 4.20 desktop environment out of the box. All installation media include non-free firmware, automatically installed only when required by the system’s hardware. Users who prefer a fully free setup can opt out through the “Expert install” option or remove the firmware afterward using a provided script.
Finally, to note that the Devuan developers have begun work on Devuan 7, codenamed “Freia,” which we can expect to see in the second half of 2027, a few months after Debian 14 “Forky” is released. Repositories for the next version are already open for early testing.
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