The Linux From Scratch project has unveiled version 13.0, marking the first release exclusively using systemd as its init system. This update includes the Linux kernel 6.18.10 and upgrades to 36 packages. The change discontinues the longstanding SysVinit variant after version 12.4.
Linux From Scratch (LFS), a guide for building a custom Linux system from source code, originated in 1999 under Gerard Beekmans and has been primarily maintained by Bruce Dubbs in recent years. The project allows users to compile a minimal system tailored to their needs, without unnecessary components.
On March 5, 2026, the LFS team released version 13.0 following over 100 commits since the previous stable edition, 12.4, from September 2025. This version incorporates the Linux kernel 6.18.10, which features extended hardware support for architectures including x86_64, ARM, RISC-V, and MIPS, along with drivers for MediaTek SoCs like the Dimensity 9400 and experimental Rust drivers for ARM Mali GPUs.
Key updates include toolchain advancements to binutils 2.46 from 2.45 and glibc 2.42. Among the 36 updated packages are Python, vim, zlib, expat, openssl, coreutils, Perl, systemd, and xz. Security enhancements address vulnerabilities such as heap buffer overflows in expat, a timing side-channel attack in openssl affecting ECDSA signatures, and unauthorized code execution in Python's venv module. The developers advise users of older versions to check the project's security advisories.
A significant shift is the exclusive adoption of systemd, ending support for the SysVinit variant maintained until version 12.4. This decision aims to simplify maintenance amid growing reliance on systemd in modern software, though it departs from the project's tradition of offering multiple init options. Both systemd and SysV books for 13.0 are available online and in formats like PDF.
Accompanying the release, Beyond Linux From Scratch (BLFS) 13.0 provides instructions for expanding the base system with desktop environments like GNOME, KDE Plasma, XFCE, and LXQt, plus applications such as web browsers and office suites. Additional resources include Automated LFS (ALFS), Multilib LFS (MLFS), Gaming LFS (GLFS), and Supplemental LFS (SLFS).
