Linux Mint has launched Debian Edition 7, codenamed Gigi, as its latest alternative to the Ubuntu-based version. Built on Debian 13 Trixie, it incorporates refinements from Linux Mint 22.2 Zara and focuses on stability with the Cinnamon desktop. The release supports upgrades from previous versions but drops 32-bit compatibility.
The Linux Mint team released LMDE 7 Gigi earlier this week, providing users with a Debian-based distribution that maintains the familiar Cinnamon desktop environment. As a contingency plan against potential disruptions in Ubuntu's development, LMDE ensures Linux Mint's tools function independently of Canonical's ecosystem. This version is built on Debian 13 Trixie, following Debian 13.1's early September release, and includes updates aligned with Linux Mint 22.2 Zara.
Key features include the Linux kernel 6.12, an LTS version supported until 2026, which offers out-of-the-box hardware support for newer Intel Arrow Lake and Lunar Lake chips, AMD RDNA 4 graphics, and Raspberry Pi 5. Laptop users with ASUS Vivobooks, ThinkPads, or recent Dell systems can now manage fan profiles and battery settings directly in the OS, alongside real-time PREEMPT_RT support for timing-sensitive applications.
Debian 13's influence appears in the new /tmp behavior, where temporary files are stored in RAM for faster access, particularly benefiting compilers and video editors. The system auto-cleans /tmp files after 10 days and /var/tmp after 30 days. User interface enhancements mirror those in Mint 22.2, adding blur effects to the login screen, panels, and dialogs, plus support for user avatars. The libAdwaita library now respects Mint themes (Mint-Y, Mint-X, Mint-L) and accent colors for GNOME apps like Calendar and Document Scanner. Gray interface elements feature a blue tint for a modern look.
Package management upgrades to APT 3.0 with the Solver3 algorithm, improving dependency resolution and adding colored terminal output—green for installations, red for removals. Core applications see refinements: Software Manager includes tooltips distinguishing Flatpak from system packages; Hypnotix adds theater and borderless viewing modes for IPTV; Sticky notes support Wayland with rounded corners; and Fingwit enables fingerprint authentication for unlocking and sudo commands.
LMDE 7 is 64-bit only, with no 32-bit version available, unlike its predecessor. Upgrades from LMDE 6 are supported via the mintupgrade tool after backing up data: run sudo apt update, install mintupgrade, launch it, and reboot. Debian 12 Bookworm receives updates until June 2026. Downloads are available from the official website with worldwide mirrors.