Linux Lite 7.8, a lightweight Ubuntu-based distribution, has been released with significant updates to its in-house applications. The new version ports twelve tools to Python and GTK4 while adding support for more software packages. It maintains the Xfce desktop environment and supports a range of Linux kernels for broader hardware compatibility.
The Linux Lite project announced version 7.8 on January 31, 2026, five months after the 7.6 release. Built on Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS, known as Noble Numbat, it uses Linux kernel 6.8 and the Xfce 4.18 desktop environment. The distribution emphasizes ease of use for users transitioning to Linux, with modest hardware requirements: a dual-core CPU at 1.5 GHz, 4 GB of RAM, and 40 GB of disk space.
A key highlight is the rewrite of twelve in-house applications to Python and GTK4, marking a shift toward modern toolkit standards. These include Lite Welcome, Lite Software, Lite Sources, Lite Updates, Lite Auto Login, Lite User Manager, Lite Desktop, Lite Sounds, Lite System Report, Lite Firewall, Lite Network Shares, Lite DPI, and Lite Theme Manager. The Lite Software app now supports over 20 additional packages, such as BleachBit, Darktable, KDE Connect, Kdenlive, and Stacer, allowing easier installation of popular tools.
Other enhancements include an updated System Monitoring Center, which provides more detailed information in its System tab for better hardware and runtime insights. Linux Lite 7.8 supports kernels from 3.13 to the latest 6.18 LTS, available via the project repository for newer devices. Default applications feature Google Chrome 144.0, Mozilla Thunderbird 140.7.0 ESR, LibreOffice 25.8.4, VLC 3.0.20, and GIMP 2.10.36.
Visually, it retains the Materia theme, Papirus icons, and Roboto Regular font. The 3 GB ISO image for 64-bit systems is available for download from SourceForge mirrors, with no upgrade path from release candidate builds. UEFI is supported, but Secure Boot is disabled by default. Developers track issues through project forums.
