Artix Linux has shipped its first official release of 2026, and it brings two notable defaults changes: the project is moving from X.Org to XLibre as the default X server, and swapping PulseAudio out for PipeWire as the default audio system. XLibre is a community fork of the X.Org server that emerged as concerns grew over the original project's maintenance pace. X.Org remains available in Artix's repositories for users who prefer it.
Artix Linux 20260402 is built on the Linux 6.19.10 kernel and ships the latest software versions available at release time. The distribution stays true to its Arch-based roots as a rolling-release system, offering a choice of four init systems — Dinit, OpenRC, runit, and s6 — across six desktop environments: Cinnamon, KDE Plasma, LXDE, LXQt, MATE, and Xfce. ISO sizes range from roughly 1,990 MB to 2,184 MB depending on the desktop and init combination. Installation images are available from the Artix download page with SHA256 checksums provided.
