The Manjaro development team has officially released Manjaro Linux 26.0, code-named “Anh-Linh,” on January 4, 2026. This major update brings significant improvements to the Arch-based distribution, including cutting-edge desktop environments, the latest Linux kernel, and important changes that users should understand before upgrading.
What’s New in Manjaro 26.0
Linux Kernel 6.18 LTS: Enhanced Hardware Support
At the heart of Manjaro 26.0 is Linux kernel 6.18 LTS, providing users with the most recent hardware support and performance optimizations. For those requiring extended compatibility, the distribution also supports kernels 6.12 LTS and 6.6 LTS, giving users flexibility based on their hardware requirements.
The LTS (Long-Term Support) designation means this kernel will receive security updates and bug fixes for an extended period, making it an ideal choice for production environments and systems requiring stability.
Desktop Environment Updates
Manjaro 26.0 delivers major updates across all three official editions:
KDE Plasma 6.5 Edition The KDE edition features Plasma 6.5, KDE Gear 25.12, and KDE Frameworks 6.21, bringing a refined and modern desktop experience with enhanced performance and new features.
GNOME 49 Edition The GNOME edition ships with GNOME 49, offering the latest innovations from the GNOME project with improved usability and visual polish.
Xfce 4.20 Edition (Flagship) Manjaro’s flagship Xfce edition has been updated to version 4.20, which includes new file highlighting in Thunar and updated panel preferences, maintaining its reputation for being lightweight yet feature-rich.
Critical Change: Wayland Now Default for KDE and GNOME
One of the most significant changes in this release is that both the KDE Plasma 6.5 and GNOME 49 flavors use Wayland by default. This shift to Wayland brings improved graphics performance and enhanced security but has important implications for users.
What This Means for Upgraders: Users upgrading from previous versions may lose their X11 sessions. The Manjaro team has published documentation covering known issues and solutions, which should be reviewed before upgrading. For users who need to continue using X11 due to specific hardware requirements or software compatibility, the Manjaro XFCE edition is suggested as the preferred option.
Graphics Driver Updates
Manjaro 26.0 includes important graphics driver updates:
- NVIDIA 590.48: This version drops support for older Pascal and Maxwell GPUs, with only Turing-class hardware and newer supported by the 590xx series
- Mesa 25.3: Provides the latest open-source graphics support for AMD and Intel GPUs
Users with older NVIDIA hardware should verify compatibility before upgrading to avoid potential issues.
Software Updates
The release includes updated versions of essential applications:
- Mozilla Firefox 146, LibreOffice 25.8.4, GStreamer 1.26.10, WirePlumber 0.5.13, and ALSA 1.2.15.1
- First stable release of the COSMIC desktop environment included
Additional Desktop Environments
Beyond the three main editions, Manjaro 26.0 also provides updated packages for alternative desktop environments, including Budgie, Cinnamon, LXQt, and the newly stable COSMIC desktop.
How to Get Manjaro 26.0
For New Installations
Fresh installation ISOs are available in three variants (Xfce, KDE Plasma, and GNOME), each offered in both Full and Minimal editions. All editions come with kernel options including Linux 6.18 LTS, 6.12 LTS, and 6.6 LTS.
Download the official ISOs from the Manjaro download page.
For Existing Users
Since Manjaro follows a rolling release model, existing users don’t need to download new ISOs. Simply update your system using:
sudo pacman -Syu
Or use your preferred graphical package manager. Your system will be upgraded to Manjaro 26.0 with all the latest packages.
Important Considerations Before Upgrading
Review Known Issues
The development team has documented known issues and their solutions. Review this documentation carefully, especially if you:
- Rely on X11 sessions for specific applications
- Use older NVIDIA hardware (pre-Turing GPUs)
- Have custom configurations that might be affected by the Wayland transition
Arch User Repository (AUR) Packages
Users who install packages from the AUR should be aware that some packages may need rebuilding due to system library changes, particularly those compiled against older Python libraries.
Backup Your System
As with any major system update, creating a backup of your important data and configuration files before upgrading is strongly recommended.
Why Manjaro 26.0 Matters
This release represents Manjaro’s continued commitment to providing a user-friendly Arch Linux experience with cutting-edge technology. The transition to Wayland by default on KDE and GNOME editions signals the distribution’s forward-looking approach, while maintaining X11 support through the Xfce edition ensures compatibility for users who need it.
The inclusion of Linux kernel 6.18 LTS provides excellent hardware support for modern systems while maintaining stability through long-term support. Combined with the latest desktop environment updates and improved graphics drivers, Manjaro 26.0 offers a compelling option for both new users exploring Linux and experienced users seeking a well-maintained rolling release distribution.
Final Thoughts
Manjaro 26.0 “Anh-Linh” represents a significant milestone in the distribution’s evolution. The shift to Wayland as the default display server for KDE and GNOME editions aligns with broader industry trends toward modern display technologies, while the continued support for X11 through the Xfce edition demonstrates thoughtful consideration for users with different needs.
Whether you’re a long-time Manjaro user or considering making the switch, version 26.0 offers a polished, feature-rich Linux experience backed by the power and flexibility of Arch Linux. Just remember to review the known issues documentation and ensure your hardware is compatible with the new driver versions before upgrading.
- Design
