The Linux Mint project has released LMDE 7, codenamed Gigi, as its latest Debian-based edition. This long-term support version builds directly on Debian 13 Trixie to ensure independence from Ubuntu. It includes updated software and refinements for a more comfortable desktop experience.
Linux Mint announced the release of LMDE 7 Gigi on October 14, 2025, positioning it as a stable, long-term support (LTS) edition derived from Debian 13 Trixie, which originally launched in August 2025. This edition serves as a fallback plan, allowing Linux Mint to continue operations independently if issues arise with Ubuntu, its usual upstream base. By building on Debian's testing branch, LMDE 7 preserves the familiar Mint desktop while aligning with Debian's stability.
The release incorporates all changes from Debian 13, alongside updates to the Cinnamon desktop environment drawn from Linux Mint 22.2. According to the official notes, "Linux Mint 7 comes with updated software and brings refinements and many new features to make your desktop experience more comfortable." It drops support for 32-bit systems, targeting modern hardware.
System requirements include a minimum of 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended), 20 GB disk space (100 GB recommended), and a 1024×768 screen resolution. For lower resolutions, users can reposition windows using Alt + drag. The live environment uses the default username 'mint' with a blank password, enabling immediate testing. Installation supports expert mode via 'sudo live-installer-expert-mode.' For LVM systems, partitions must be removed from volume groups beforehand; swap partitions are automatically mounted and added to /etc/fstab.
Security features lock the root account by default; administrators can set a password using 'sudo passwd root.' VirtualBox users can enable guest additions for shared folders, clipboard sharing, and display resizing by inserting the Guest Additions CD image. All distributed packages are open-source, with sources available from Linux Mint and Debian repositories. Certain multimedia codecs are excluded by default and must be installed post-setup.
LMDE 7 Gigi upholds Linux Mint's commitment to long-term continuity and stability on a Debian foundation, free from Ubuntu dependencies.