The Tool Desk
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What “available on Linux” means
Budgie is not tied to a single Linux distribution. Its developers describe it as available across a wide range of Linux-based and Unix-like operating systems and say there is no reference operating system that everyone must use. Instead, users can choose the operating system that suits them.
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That broad availability is not a promise that every distribution packages, tests, or supports Budgie. The project’s FAQ says experienced users can install it on most major distributions, while noting that many listed packages are community-maintained. Check the package repository and release information for the specific distribution you use.
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Which Linux distribution should you use to try Budgie?
If you want Budgie ready to use, start with a distribution that maintains a Budgie edition. If you prefer to keep your current distribution, check its repositories and confirm the version and session requirements before installing.
| Priority | Starting point | Why it may fit | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ready-made Budgie with a near-stock experience | Fedora Budgie Spin | The Budgie project describes it as a near-stock Budgie experience on Fedora. | Check the current Fedora release and Budgie version on the official Get Budgie page. |
| Ubuntu base with a curated Budgie setup | Ubuntu Budgie | The project describes it as highly curated, with Ubuntu at its core. | Confirm which Budgie version is available for your Ubuntu release; package and version status can change. |
| Curated Budgie on its original home distribution | Solus | The project describes Solus as a curated Budgie experience. | Solus uses its own package system, and its build requirements are distribution-specific. |
| Keep your preferred distribution | Your distribution’s repository or the official Get Budgie page | Budgie has community packages for a range of distributions, and experienced users may be able to install it on others. | Verify the package for your exact release and confirm the Budgie version’s Wayland and compositor requirements. |
The official Get Budgie page also lists options such as Fedora Budgie Atomic, EndeavourOS, NixOS, and Ultramarine Linux. Its entries can be marked “Latest Release,” “Upcoming Release,” or “Outdated”; those labels and shipped versions change, so check the page when choosing.
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When comparing options, consider whether you want a ready-made edition or manual package installation, how the distribution maintains updates, how current its Budgie version is, how much it customizes the desktop, and whether its Wayland compositor setup is compatible. Fedora’s package information illustrates why checking the specific release matters: Budgie versions can differ between Fedora releases (Fedora package information).
Budgie 10.10 requires a Wayland-capable setup
For Budgie 10.10, the display protocol is a key compatibility check: the Budgie 10 stable series is Wayland-only, and Budgie 10.10 does not support X11. The developer documentation recommends labwc version 0.9.2 or later and describes Wayland protocols and additional components Budgie relies on (Budgie developer documentation).
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Do not apply this X11 limitation automatically to older Budgie releases; check the documentation for the exact version you plan to install. For Budgie 10.10, confirm that your distribution provides the necessary Wayland session and compatible compositor components. A package being available does not, by itself, establish that your intended session is ready.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Installation work depends on the distribution
Budgie’s build instructions give different dependency package names for Arch, Debian and Ubuntu, Fedora, and Solus. That variation makes generic build commands risky: a command written for one distribution may not map to another’s package names or release.
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For most users, the safer route is to use the distribution’s repository or its official Budgie installation instructions. If you are building from source, follow the instructions for your distribution and check that they match your Budgie version.
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Can Budgie coexist with another desktop environment?
Often, yes. The Budgie FAQ says many distributions let you choose the desktop session from the login screen, and that Budgie 10.10 can coexist with other desktop environments. However, GTK desktops may share theme and GTK settings. Installing Budgie alongside another desktop does not necessarily keep their appearance settings isolated.
Hardware guidance and limits
The Budgie FAQ recommends 4 GB or more of RAM for a smooth experience, particularly when using heavier applications. This is guidance, not a guaranteed minimum. The project describes x86_64 as fully supported, says ARM works on Raspberry Pi 4B or newer, and notes that RISC-V is not officially supported. These statements are not an exhaustive compatibility list for every device.
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