MX Linux 25.1 marks an important milestone for the project. With this release, the distribution restores dual init system support, a feature that once set MX Linux apart from most mainstream Linux distributions.
Unlike the initial MX Linux 25 release, version 25.1 once again allows users to choose their init system at boot time. This change reintroduces flexibility that long-time MX users value, especially those who prefer alternatives to systemd.
Why Dual Init Support Matters
When MX Linux 25 launched in November last year, users had to choose their init system before installation. In addition, the KDE Plasma edition shipped only with systemd. As a result, the distribution lost one of its most distinctive traits.
Moreover, this shift led to a growing number of ISO variants. At one point, MX Linux offered seven different editions, which increased complexity for both developers and users. At the same time, avoiding systemd became harder, particularly for users of MX-based distributions such as AV Linux.
Init-Diversity Replaces systemd-shim
Instead of reviving the older systemd-shim tool, MX Linux 25.1 introduces a new init-switching mechanism called init-diversity. This system originates from antiX Linux, one of MX Linux’s parent distributions.
The antiX init-diversity project already supports a wide range of init systems. These include sysvinit, OpenRC, runit, dinit, and multiple s6 variants. However, MX Linux 25.1 keeps things simple for now. Users can choose between sysvinit and systemd, ensuring stability while restoring flexibility.
Safe Upgrade Path for Existing Users
Upgrading MX Linux remains more complex than a typical point release. While MX Linux 23 systems can upgrade to version 25 successfully, some tools may stop functioning correctly. Because init systems affect core system behavior, the developers have taken a cautious approach.
Therefore, upgrading from MX Linux 25 to 25.1 does not enable init-diversity by default. Users who want dual init support must enable it manually using the official project instructions. Fortunately, the documentation also explains how to remove the feature if needed.
A Welcome Return to MX Linux’s Roots
Overall, MX Linux 25.1 restores a feature that many users considered essential. By combining both systemd and sysvinit on a single ISO, the project reduces build complexity while giving users real choice again.
More importantly, this release shows that MX Linux continues to prioritize user control and flexibility, even as the broader Linux ecosystem moves toward standardization.