Freedom251 › Operating Systems
Xubuntu
What Xubuntu is
Xubuntu is a free, community-developed Linux operating system for desktop computers. It is designed as a lightweight, configurable system for daily use, with a consistent experience from startup through shutdown. Xubuntu 26.04 is an LTS release dated April 23, 2026, supported through April 26, 2029. It includes Xfce 4.20 updates, GNOME 49 apps, and MATE 1.28 apps, plus GIMP 3.2.2, LibreOffice 26.2, Mousepad 0.7.0, PipeWire 1.6.2, and GStreamer 1.28.2. Desktop and Minimal images are available through 64-bit torrents and direct downloads; a Minimal RISC-V 64-bit torrent is experimental. Minimum requirements are an Intel or AMD 64-bit processor, 1 GB memory, and 8.6 GB free disk space. Xubuntu can be tried from USB or DVD before installation. It includes Software Updater, Software & Updates settings, and Software Center, and supports APT/DEB, Snap, Flatpak, AppImage, and PPAs.
Who it suits
Xubuntu suits desktop users wanting a free, lightweight Linux system with configurable components. It is also suitable for people who want to try the operating system from removable media before installing.
What it does well
- Free operating system for desktop computers
- LTS support runs through April 26, 2029
- Offers Desktop and Minimal download images
- Can be tried from USB or DVD
- Supports APT, Snap, Flatpak, AppImage, and PPAs
What to know first
- Requires compatible Intel or AMD 64-bit hardware
- Minimal RISC-V torrent is experimental
- USB or DVD trial runs slower than installation
- Release reports graphical glitches in some apps
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Xubuntu | Free operating system; 64-bit desktop and minimal downloads; minimum 1 GB memory and 8.6 GB disk space | Free |
As xubuntu.org lists them, read 7 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
Xubuntu 26.04 provides a free, lightweight desktop system with long-term support and broad package compatibility. Check the hardware requirements and noted release issues before installation.
Facts from Xubuntu's own pages
- Community
- Xubuntu is created by volunteers, and the project invites community participation in support, development, artwork, documentation, quality assurance, and advocacy. · xubuntu.org, 7 Oct 2026
- Configurable
- Xubuntu is modular and configurable to suit different needs. · xubuntu.org, 7 Oct 2026
- Current release
- Xubuntu 26.04 is an LTS release dated April 23, 2026, with support through April 26, 2029. · xubuntu.org, 7 Oct 2026
- Desktop environment
- Xubuntu 26.04 includes Xfce 4.20 updates, GNOME 49 apps, and MATE 1.28 apps. · xubuntu.org, 7 Oct 2026
- Download options
- Xubuntu 26.04 is offered as Desktop and Minimal images, with 64-bit torrents and direct downloads; a Minimal RISC-V 64-bit torrent is marked experimental. · xubuntu.org, 7 Oct 2026
- Experience
- The project describes Xubuntu as delivering a smooth, unified user experience from boot to shutdown. · xubuntu.org, 7 Oct 2026
- Hardware requirements
- The stated minimum is an Intel or AMD 64-bit processor, 1 GB memory, and 8.6 GB free disk space; 2 GB memory and 20 GB disk space are recommended for multiple applications and added files. · xubuntu.org, 7 Oct 2026
- Included software
- The 26.04 release highlights GIMP 3.2.2, LibreOffice 26.2, Mousepad 0.7.0, PipeWire 1.6.2, and GStreamer 1.28.2. · xubuntu.org, 7 Oct 2026
- Known issues
- The 26.04 release page reports graphical glitches in some libadwaita apps due to missing icons and an unavailable graphical SSH agent. · xubuntu.org, 7 Oct 2026
- Lightweight
- Xubuntu is designed to help users make the most of their machines while providing features for daily use. · xubuntu.org, 7 Oct 2026
- Product
- Xubuntu is a community-developed operating system described as elegant and easy to use. · xubuntu.org, 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- Support options include shipped and online documentation, IRC, mailing lists, Ubuntu Discourse, forums, Q&A sites, Reddit, and Telegram groups. · xubuntu.org, 7 Oct 2026
- Try before installing
- The download page says users can try Xubuntu from a USB or DVD before installing, with slower performance than an installed system. · xubuntu.org, 7 Oct 2026
Where Xubuntu stands on Freedom251
- Operating Systems#39 of 42