SparkyLinux 8.1 Release Candidate 1 has been made available for ARM64 architecture, featuring notable changes such as Openbox as the primary window manager and CLI or Openbox-based configurations instead of ARMHF images. This version is built upon Debian GNU/Linux 13 (Trixie), ensuring compatibility with the latest Debian release and support for various hardware configurations, including Raspberry Pi 3+ models. However, users may encounter issues during testing, particularly with Wi-Fi functionality being disabled occasionally; such issues can be resolved by running two terminal commands to unlock and enable Wi-Fi capabilities.
SparkyLinux 2025.09 Special Editions have been released, offering three distinct versions: GameOver for gamers, Multimedia for web developers and multimedia enthusiasts, and Rescue for system rescue operations. Built on Debian 14 testing, this release includes Linux kernel 6.16 and updated packages from Debian and Sparky testing repositories. SparkyLinux is a lightweight and customizable operating system that supports multiple desktop environments and window managers, making it suitable for various user groups and needs. With its stable or rolling (testing) flavor options, users can choose between a stable experience or access to the latest software offerings.
A new version of SparkyLinux, codenamed "Tiamat," has been released with updated packages from Debian and Sparky testing repositories. This release features an upgraded Linux kernel (6.16.7) and an updated Calamares installer that supports encrypted disk installations. The latest version includes newer versions of Firefox and GCC, as well as replaced news aggregators for KDE and LXQt users. SparkyLinux 2025.09 is available in six variants, including LXQt, KDE Plasma, MATE, Xfce, MinimalGUI, and MinimalCLI.
SparkyLinux has released version 8.0.1 with minor updates to its live/install ISO images. The new ISO images fix an issue in the Calamares installer that prevented it from properly setting up a system on an encrypted disk. Users who already have Sparky installed do not need to reinstall, as they can simply keep their system up to date. The updated ISO images are available for download on the SparkyLinux stable page.
SparkyLinux 8.0, codenamed "The Seven Sisters," has been released, built on Debian 13.0 "Trixie". The latest version features updates to various packages, introduces a new package called 'sparky-package-tool', and includes enhancements to GIMP packages. The CLI system installer now includes the capability to encrypt the home partition and perform auto-partitioning. Concerns involve disk encryption implementation during the installation process with Calamares, as well as the utilization of outdated KDE Plasma 6 themes. Images for Raspberry Pi will be developed at a subsequent date.
Sparky Linux 7.8 has been released. The update includes updates to all packages from Debian and Sparky stable repos, fixes for issues with installed packages, and new ISO images for the stable version. Sparky 7 is available in various versions, including amd64 BIOS/UEFI+Secure Boot, i686 non-pae BIOS/UEFI (Legacy), and ARMHF & ARM64. Users can keep their Sparky 7 installed and download new ISO images from the stable page.
SparkyLinux 7.7 has been released as the seventh update of Sparky 7 "Orion Belt" and is built upon Debian 12 "Bookworm". The update cover all packages from the stable repositories of Debian and Sparky, featuring the Linux kernel for both PC and ARM architectures, LibreOffice version 7.4.7, KDE Plasma 5.27.5, LXQt 1.2.0, MATE 1.26, Xfce 4.18, Openbox 3.6.1, as well as Firefox 128.9.0esr and Thunderbird 128.9.0esr. The update is available in multiple versions, including amd64 BIOS/UEFI with Secure Boot, i686 non-pae BIOS/UEFI, and ARMHF & ARM64.
SparkyLinux 2025.03 has been released and marks the first update to the Sparky semi-rolling ISO images for the year 2025. The update encompasses package enhancements from Debian and Sparky testing repositories, the introduction of new Linux kernel versions, and revisions to the repositories. There are several issues to address, including the installation process through Calamares, the inability to install the temporary UKUI desktop, and modifications within the KDE Plasma environment.
SparkyLinux 7.6 has been released and is a quarterly updated point release of Sparky 7 "Orion Belt" within the stable line. This version is compatible with Debian 12 "Bookworm" and incorporates updates for all packages from both Debian and Sparky stable repositories. Sparky 7 is offered in multiple versions, including AMD64 BIOS/UEFI with Secure Boot, i686 non-PAE BIOS/UEFI (Legacy), and ARMHF & ARM64 with Openbox and CLI options.
SparkyLinux 2024.12 is an unplanned update to Sparky semi-rolling ISO images, addressing a GPG key issue in the Debian testing line. This issue affects Sparky repos and requires manual fix. All packages have been upgraded from Debian and Sparky testing repos, and live ISO images work on Linux kernel 6.11.10.
New SparkyLinux GameOver, Multimedia, and Rescue ISO images based on Debian GNU/Linux 13 Trixie with Kernel 6.12.0 are now available.
Sparky Linux 2024.11 has been released, featuring package updates from both Debian and Sparky repositories. The package comprises Linux kernel 6.11.5, Midori web browser 11.4.2, Thunderbird 128.4.0esr, LibreOffice 24.8.2, VLC 3.0.21, and Exaile 4.1.3.
SparkyLinux 7.5, the sixth upgrade to Sparky 7, is now available. This quarterly update is compatible with Debian 12 "Bookworm" and provides updates to all packages, including the Linux kernel for PC and ARM. The update also contains LibreOffice 7.4.7, KDE Plasma 5.27.5, LXQt 1.2.0, MATE 1.26, Xfce 4.18, Openbox 3.6.1, Firefox 115.15.0esr, and Thunderbird 115.15.0.
New SparkyLinux GameOver, Multimedia, and Rescue ISO images based on Debian GNU/Linux 13 Trixie with Kernel 6.10.3 are now available.
New ISO images (LXQt, MATE, Xfce, KDE, MinimalGUI, and MinimalCLI) of SparkyLinux rolling edition based on Debian GNU/Linux 13 Trixie (testing) are now available.
The Debian testing line's Sparky semi-rolling ISO images have been updated with two notable changes. The first is the addition of a home partition encrypting option to the Sparky CLI Installer, which disables Plymouth and requires a password for decryption. The second change is the installation of the default web browser, Midori, with the AstianGO search engine, providing more privacy options and performance modes. This is the result of a collaboration between SparkyLinux and Astian Inc.
At the tail end of July 2024, SparkyLinux 5, also known as "Nibiru" (oldoldstable), will approach EOL.
SparkyLinux 7.4, a quarterly stable upgrade based on Debian 12 "Bookworm," has been released. It includes updates to the Linux kernel for PC and ARM, LibreOffice, KDE Plasma, LXQt, MATE, Xfce, Openbox, Firefox, and Thunderbird.
Sparky 7 "Orion Belt" ISO/IMG images can be downloaded from the download/stable page. The update is available in various versions, including amd64 BIOS/UEFI+Secure Boot, i686 non-pae BIOS/UEFI (Legacy), and ARMHF & ARM64 Openbox & CLI. To update Sparky 7, add the line GRUB_DISABLE_OS_PROBER=false and update grub.
There is a new mirror server for SparkyLinux located in India. More information about the mirror configurations can be found at their wiki.
New SparkyLinux GameOver, Multimedia, and Rescue ISO images based on Debian GNU/Linux 13 Trixie with Kernel 6.7.12 are now available.
