PeppermintOS Launches Systemd-Free Edition Based on Devuan 6 Excalibur
The new Devuan-based build brings the familiar Peppermint desktop experience without systemd, letting users choose SysVinit, OpenRC, or runit during installation.
PeppermintOS has released a new systemd-free build based on Devuan 6 “Excalibur”. The edition is designed for users who want the Peppermint desktop experience while preferring an init system other than systemd. It joins the project’s standard Debian-based images as an alternative build.
The main difference is at the system initialization and service-management layer. During installation, users can select SysVinit, OpenRC, or runit. According to the project, the Devuan edition otherwise aims to match the regular Peppermint experience, with the exception of applications that strictly require systemd.
Key Takeaways
- PeppermintOS Devuan is based on Devuan 6, codenamed Excalibur, which follows the Debian 13 “Trixie” base.
- The build does not use systemd and offers three init choices: SysVinit, OpenRC, and runit.
- The project says the standard Peppermint features are retained except for applications that strictly depend on systemd.
- The live environment includes an installer that can be launched from the desktop menu by searching for install.
- Users should test hardware compatibility and verify the downloaded ISO before installing it on a production or primary computer.
What Is New in the PeppermintOS Devuan Release?
The June 12, 2026 announcement introduces the project’s Devuan-based Excalibur build as a released edition rather than only a testing image. Its purpose is straightforward: provide the familiar Peppermint environment on a base that does not use systemd.
Peppermint describes the edition as matching its standard Debian-based experience. Most regular Peppermint features are intended to remain available, but software that strictly depends on systemd is excluded. This distinction matters because system services and application dependencies can affect whether a particular application works on a systemd-free distribution.
Why Is It Based on Devuan 6 Excalibur?
Devuan is a Debian-derived GNU/Linux distribution that provides an alternative to systemd. Its sixth stable release, Devuan 6 “Excalibur”, is based on Debian 13 “Trixie”. It continues Devuan’s approach of allowing users to work with alternative init systems.
Using Devuan gives Peppermint a Debian-family package ecosystem while following Devuan’s system initialization model. For administrators and Linux enthusiasts who prefer traditional init and service-management arrangements, that is the central attraction of this edition.
Devuan 6 at a glance
| Release | Devuan 6 “Excalibur” |
|---|---|
| Upstream base | Debian 13 “Trixie” |
| Release date | November 2, 2025 |
| Kernel series | Linux 6.12 |
| Init choices | SysVinit, OpenRC, and runit |
| Package management | APT and dpkg |
| Default desktop in Devuan | Xfce |
Note: This table summarizes Devuan 6 platform information. It should not be read as a complete package manifest for the PeppermintOS ISO.
Understanding the Three Init Systems
The most important installation choice is the init system. An init system is responsible for bringing the operating system into its running state, starting and supervising system services, and coordinating parts of the boot process. PeppermintOS Devuan offers three options.
1. SysVinit
SysVinit is a traditional Unix-style init system. It uses runlevels and startup scripts to control services. Administrators familiar with classic Linux server environments may find its structure recognizable.
2. OpenRC
OpenRC is a service manager and init system used by distributions including Gentoo and Alpine Linux. It provides dependency-aware service startup while remaining independent of systemd.
3. runit
runit is a small, modular init and service-supervision system. It is designed around a relatively simple service model and continuous supervision of configured services.
| Option | General approach | Consider it if… |
|---|---|---|
| SysVinit | Traditional init scripts and runlevels | You prefer a classic, familiar service startup model. |
| OpenRC | Dependency-aware service management | You want an alternative init with structured service dependencies. |
| runit | Lightweight service supervision | You prefer a compact and straightforward supervision model. |
These systems are not interchangeable in every operational detail. Service commands, configuration locations, troubleshooting methods, and package integration can differ. Choose one deliberately, and consult the relevant documentation before applying administration instructions written for another init system.
What Should Existing PeppermintOS Users Expect?
For users already familiar with Peppermint, the project’s goal is to keep the desktop experience consistent. The difference is the underlying Devuan base and the absence of systemd. The project explicitly notes that applications strictly dependent on systemd are not included in this edition.
Compatibility is the key consideration
Some desktop applications, management utilities, and third-party installation instructions assume systemd components are available. A systemd-free system may not support those applications or their documented service-management steps without changes. Before switching, list the software you depend on and check whether it supports Devuan and your chosen init system.
Hardware support should be tested on your own device
Hardware compatibility can vary by computer model, firmware, graphics chipset, and wireless adapter. The project’s announcement thanks testers for identifying and resolving bugs, while its community discussion also contains reports of hardware-specific issues during early use. Those reports are not proof that every device is affected, but they are a useful reminder to test the live environment before installing.
How to Install PeppermintOS Devuan
The official announcement directs users to download the latest Devuan build, boot the live system, and launch the installer from the menu. The project’s instructions are simple, but a careful installation process is still important.
- Visit the official release announcement. Open the PeppermintOS Devuan Excalibur release page.
- Download the current ISO. Use the download link provided by PeppermintOS. Check the project’s build log or download page for the latest image and any updated installation notes.
- Verify the image. If the project provides a checksum or signature for the image, verify it before writing the ISO to a USB drive. Do not assume a checksum from an older testing image applies to a newer release.
- Create bootable installation media. Use a trusted USB imaging utility and select the downloaded ISO. Writing an image normally erases the selected USB drive, so confirm the target device carefully.
- Boot the computer from USB. Use the computer’s boot menu or firmware settings to start the live environment.
- Test the live session. Check display resolution, graphics, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, audio, keyboard, touchpad, and any essential peripherals before proceeding.
- Start the installer. Open the desktop menu, type
install, and select the Install Peppermint icon, as described in the official announcement. - Select your init system. Choose SysVinit, OpenRC, or runit during installation. Make sure you understand the operational differences before selecting one.
- Complete installation and reboot. Follow the installer prompts, remove the USB drive when instructed, and boot into the installed system.
- Update and validate. After first boot, review the project documentation and update instructions. Confirm that networking, graphics, sound, and required applications work as expected.
Pre-Installation Checklist
- Back up personal files and any important system configuration.
- Confirm that the downloaded ISO is the current PeppermintOS Devuan image.
- Verify its published checksum or signature when provided.
- Test the live environment on the target computer before installation.
- Check whether your essential applications require systemd.
- Decide which init system best fits your administration preferences.
- Confirm that you understand the target disk and partition layout.
- Keep another bootable recovery or installation medium available.
Who Should Consider PeppermintOS Devuan?
This edition is particularly relevant to Linux users who want a Debian-family desktop but do not want systemd as their init system. It may also interest experienced administrators, open-source enthusiasts, and users who want to learn how alternative init systems work in a desktop environment.
It may be less suitable for users who rely on software that explicitly requires systemd, or who prefer a distribution where every third-party guide and application assumes systemd is present. Users who do not have a specific reason to avoid systemd may find the standard PeppermintOS Debian-based edition a simpler fit.
Final Thoughts
PeppermintOS Devuan Excalibur gives users another way to run the Peppermint desktop while choosing an init system other than systemd. Its three installer options—SysVinit, OpenRC, and runit—make the release especially interesting for people who value choice in the Linux base system.
The strongest reason to try this build is not simply that it is different. It is that the project aims to combine a familiar Peppermint desktop with Devuan’s systemd-free foundation. Before installing it on a daily-use computer, test the live image, confirm hardware support, and check application compatibility. Those steps will help determine whether this edition is the right fit for your environment.
Official Downloads and Further Reading
- PeppermintOS: Devuan Release (Excalibur) — official release announcement and installation instructions.
- Devuan GNU+Linux: Operating System Overview — Devuan 6 platform details, supported init systems, and package management.
- Devuan Excalibur Download Zone — Devuan release archive and release notes.
- Linuxiac: PeppermintOS Releases New Systemd-Free Build Based on Devuan Excalibur — secondary coverage of the announcement.