Linux Lite 8.0 is released. The new version is based on Ubuntu 26.04 Resolute Raccoon and comes with Xfce 4.20 as the desktop environment.
Following its usual pattern, major updates to Linux Lite are tied to new Ubuntu LTS releases, with version 8 arriving almost two years after Linux Lite 7.
Key changes include rewritten helper applications that now use GTK4, Google Chrome replacing Firefox as the default browser, and Canonical’s Calamares installer replacing Ubiquity.
This update also supports in-place upgrade from Linux Lite 7.x to 8.x. The download size of the new release is approximately 410MB smaller than its predecessor.
Firefox replaces Chrome with optional local AI in Linux Lite 8.0
The default web browser has moved from Google Chrome to Mozilla Firefox. Linux Lite hasn’t given any official reason, but the switch appears to be related to Google quietly including a 4GB Gemini Nano model in Chrome and platform restrictions on uBlock Origin starting in 2024.
Despite the move away from Chrome, Firefox now includes AI features by default through a new MyAI function. This tool provides a selection of local language models.
Linux Lite emphasizes that AI is a controversial topic and presents the feature as offering user choice rather than imposing AI functionalities on users.
Those who do not want to use MyAI can remove it with a few simple commands: Open a terminal and run the necessary commands, then right-click the MyAI bookmark in Firefox’s toolbar and choose Delete Bookmark.
Helper apps rewritten in GTK4 and new Lite terminals/Lite software
Fifteen of Linux Lite’s custom helper applications have been rewritten using GTK4, including a new Lite terminal that replaces the XFCE terminal and a new Lite software that replaces Synaptic. Switching to GTK4 brings some interface changes.
Traditional menu bars are no longer supported, so new Assistant apps now feature hamburger menus and place primary actions in the title bar.
Lite Terminal offers features like predictive auto-complete and a title bar that turns light red when run with sudo. Lite Software has fewer sorting options than Synaptic, package lists can currently only be sorted by name.
Other notable changes in Linux Lite 8.0
- Calamares now replaces Canonical’s Ubiquity as the installer, although the release notes warn of potential problems on less powerful computers.
- An OEM installation mode is included, allowing users to create their own account on first boot.
- Version-to-version in-place upgrades are now supported, making it possible for Linux Lite 7.x users to upgrade directly to 8.x without doing a new install.
- One-click Lite Game Center now installs Steam, Lutris, Proton, Wine, and game controller support in a single action.
- A junk file cleaner has been added.
- System Monitor has been replaced with btop, and a new light System Monitor app with an improved applet has been included.
- The default search engine is now the project’s own instance of SearXNG.
- A low latency kernel option is available for those who need it.
- Starship is configured as a custom shell prompt for Bash. As a default,
In line with previous Linux Lite releases, Snap and Flatpak are excluded.
Secure Boot limitations, performance, and resource usage in Linux Lite 8.0
Linux Lite 8 does not support Secure Boot. Users must disable Secure Boot in their firmware before installing. The project explains this choice as a way to keep the system simple and reliable, thereby avoiding complications such as MOK enrollment and shim issues that can cause problems after a kernel update.
A full installation of Linux Lite 8 requires approximately 7.8GB of disk space and uses approximately 897MB of RAM when idle after the update.
Immediately after installation, about 160 updates are available, with about 40 more available after the first reboot.
Linux Lite 8.0 now available for free download From the official website of the project.
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