PeppermintOS has released a new systemd-free build based on Devuan 6 "Excalibur," giving users another choice alongside the project's regular Debian 13-based images. This new version is designed for users who like the lightweight and practical PeppermintOS desktop experience but prefer to avoid systemd. In other words, it offers the familiar PeppermintOS environment while staying aligned with the Devuan ecosystem, which is well known for supporting alternative init systems.

For many Linux users, this may sound like a small technical difference. However, for those who care deeply about how their system starts, manages services, and handles background processes, the choice of init system is an important part of the overall Linux experience.

A Familiar PeppermintOS Experience Without systemd

The new Devuan-based PeppermintOS build is meant to closely match the standard Debian-based PeppermintOS experience. Most of the usual PeppermintOS features are still available, with the main exception being software that depends strictly on systemd.

That makes this release especially useful for users who want PeppermintOS' simple, lightweight, and flexible desktop approach, but do not want systemd as part of their operating system.

PeppermintOS has long been appreciated for being clean, resource-friendly, and easy to customise. By offering a Devuan-based edition, the project is giving users more control over the foundation of their system without forcing them to give up the PeppermintOS style and workflow.

Why Devuan Matters

Devuan is a Debian-based Linux distribution created for users who prefer alternatives to systemd. It keeps much of the Debian base but removes systemd as the default init system, allowing users to run a system that follows a different service management philosophy.

This matters because systemd has been one of the most debated topics in the Linux world for years. Some users appreciate it because it provides a modern and integrated way to manage services, logs, startup processes, and system components. Others prefer smaller, simpler, or more traditional init systems that do less and follow a more modular approach.

Devuan exists mainly for the second group. It gives users the stability and package ecosystem associated with Debian, while preserving the option to run a system without systemd.

PeppermintOS' new Devuan build fits naturally into that space.

Based on Devuan 6 "Excalibur"

The new PeppermintOS build is based on Devuan 6 "Excalibur," which itself is based on Debian 13 "Trixie."

Devuan 6 brings several important updates under the hood. It includes Linux kernel 6.12 LTS, APT 3, a mandatory merged-/usr filesystem, and PipeWire as the recommended audio system.

These changes help modernise the base system while still keeping Devuan's systemd-free identity. For users, this means the new PeppermintOS Devuan build benefits from a newer Debian-generation foundation, updated packages, and long-term kernel support.

On the desktop side, Devuan 6 uses Xfce 4.20 as its default desktop environment. Other major desktops, including KDE Plasma 6.3.6 and GNOME 48, are also available from the stable repositories.

This gives users flexibility depending on whether they want a lightweight setup, a more feature-rich desktop, or a different workflow entirely.

The Main Difference Is the Init System

For regular PeppermintOS users, the biggest change in this release is the choice of init system.

During installation, users can choose between three init options:

SysVinit is the traditional Unix-style init system and has been around for a very long time. It is simple, familiar to many older Linux users, and follows a more classic boot process.

OpenRC is another popular alternative and is widely associated with distributions such as Alpine Linux and Gentoo. It offers dependency-based service management while remaining separate from systemd.

Runit takes a different approach by focusing on small, simple, and fast service supervision. It is often appreciated by users who want a minimal service management system that is easy to understand and control.

By offering all three options, PeppermintOS is not locking users into one specific systemd-free approach. Instead, it lets users decide which init system best fits their preferences.

Who Is This Build For?

This release is mainly aimed at Linux users who already understand why they want a systemd-free system.

It may appeal to users who:

For new Linux users, the standard Debian-based PeppermintOS image may still be the simpler choice. But for users who specifically want a systemd-free setup, this Devuan-based build is a welcome option.

It allows them to enjoy PeppermintOS without needing to manually remove or replace major system components after installation.

A Good Option for Lightweight Linux Setups

PeppermintOS has always had a reputation for being lightweight and practical. It is not trying to be a heavy desktop distribution packed with unnecessary extras. Instead, it focuses on giving users a clean base that can be shaped according to their needs.

That makes it a good match for Devuan. Both projects appeal to users who value simplicity, control, and a less bloated system design.

A Devuan-based PeppermintOS build could be especially useful on older machines, secondary laptops, testing systems, or desktops where users want a fast and straightforward environment without systemd.

Of course, the experience will still depend on the desktop environment, installed applications, and user configuration. But as a foundation, the combination of PeppermintOS and Devuan makes sense for those who prefer a leaner Linux setup.

Installation Process

PeppermintOS says users can download the latest Devuan build from the project's available download link.

After booting into the live system, users can start the installer from the menu. The process is simple: search for "install" and launch the Install Peppermint icon.

From there, users can proceed with the installation and select their preferred init system during setup.

The project also recommends checking the build log for more detailed information about recent updates and changes. This is especially useful for users who want to know exactly what has changed in the latest image before installing it on their system.

Why This Release Is Important

This release may not be for everyone, but it is important because it shows that PeppermintOS is continuing to support choice.

In the Linux world, choice is one of the biggest strengths. Some users want a polished default experience with minimal decisions. Others want to decide exactly how their system is built, including which init system it uses.

By offering a Devuan-based build, PeppermintOS is making room for both types of users. The standard Debian-based images remain available, while the new Devuan build gives systemd-free users a dedicated option.

That is a smart approach because it avoids forcing one technical preference on everyone.

Final Thoughts

The new PeppermintOS systemd-free build based on Devuan Excalibur gives Linux users another flexible option, especially those who prefer alternative init systems.

It keeps the familiar PeppermintOS experience while replacing the Debian systemd base with Devuan's systemd-free foundation. With support for SysVinit, OpenRC, and runit during installation, users have more freedom to choose how their system manages services and startup processes.

For most casual users, the standard PeppermintOS release may still be the easiest path. But for Linux users who specifically want a lightweight, Debian-style desktop without systemd, this Devuan-based PeppermintOS build is a meaningful and welcome release.