How to install and configure MX Linux
System Requirements
Minimum Requirements
| Component | Minimum |
|---|---|
| CPU | x86_64 processor |
| RAM | 2 GB |
| Storage | 20 GB |
| Boot | USB/DVD |
| Internet | Recommended |
Recommended
| Component | Recommended |
|---|---|
| RAM | 4–8 GB |
| Storage | SSD with 40+ GB |
| CPU | Dual-core or better |
2. Downloading MX Linux
Visit the official website:
Choose an Edition
XFCE Edition
Best overall choice:
- Lightweight
- Stable
- Beginner-friendly
KDE Edition
- More modern appearance
- Heavier resource usage
- Better customization
Fluxbox Edition
- Extremely lightweight
- Advanced users
For most users, choose:
- MX Linux XFCE 64-bit
3. Creating a Bootable USB
Windows Tools
Recommended:
Linux Tools
You can use:
dd- GNOME Disks
- Etcher
Creating USB with Rufus
- Insert USB drive
- Open Rufus
- Select:
- Device: your USB
- Boot Selection: MX Linux ISO
- Partition Scheme:
- GPT → UEFI systems
- MBR → Legacy BIOS
- Click Start
4. Booting Into MX Linux Installer
Enter BIOS/UEFI
Common keys:
- F2
- F10
- F12
- DEL
- ESC
Change Boot Order
Set USB as first boot device.
Save and reboot.
5. Live Environment Overview
MX Linux boots into a live desktop environment.
You can:
- Test hardware
- Test Wi-Fi
- Browse internet
- Verify graphics/audio
- Install from desktop shortcut
This is useful before committing to installation.
6. Installing MX Linux
Double-click:
Install MX Linux
Step 1 — Language and Keyboard
Select:
- Language
- Region
- Keyboard layout
Step 2 — Disk Partitioning
Option A — Automatic Install
Best for beginners.
Installer:
- Creates partitions automatically
- Formats disk
- Installs bootloader
Option B — Manual Partitioning
Recommended layout:
| Mount Point | Size | Filesystem |
|---|---|---|
/ |
30–50 GB | ext4 |
/home |
Remaining | ext4 |
swap |
2–8 GB | swap |
UEFI Partition
If using UEFI:
| Partition | Size | Type |
|---|---|---|
| EFI System | 300–500 MB | FAT32 |
Mount point:
/boot/efi
7. User Setup
Create:
- Username
- Computer hostname
- Password
Root Password
MX Linux still supports a separate root password.
You may:
- Use same password
- Create separate secure root password
8. Bootloader Installation
MX Linux uses:
GRUB Bootloader
Usually automatic.
If dual booting:
- Ensure GRUB installs to main drive
- Example:
/dev/sda/dev/nvme0n1
9. First Boot
Remove USB after installation.
Reboot.
You should now see:
- GRUB menu
- MX Linux desktop
10. First System Update
Open terminal:
sudo apt update
sudo apt full-upgrade -yOr use:
- MX Updater GUI
11. Understanding MX Tools
One of MX Linux’s strongest features is:
MX Tools
Open:
- Menu → MX Tools
Includes:
- Package Installer
- Snapshot utility
- Boot repair
- Driver installer
- Network tools
- USB tools
12. Installing Software
APT Package Manager
Example:
sudo apt install vlc git curl htopGUI package manager:
- Easier than terminal
- Includes popular apps
- Supports Flatpak
Installing Flatpak Support
sudo apt install flatpakAdd Flathub:
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub \
https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepoOfficial site:
13. Installing NVIDIA Drivers
Open:
MX Tools → NVIDIA Driver Installer
Or terminal:
sudo apt install nvidia-driverReboot afterward.
14. Configuring Wi-Fi
Most adapters work automatically.
If not:
Identify Adapter
lspcior
lsusbsudo apt install firmware-linux firmware-linux-nonfree15. Audio Configuration
MX Linux uses:
- PulseAudio or PipeWire (depending on version)
Install audio tools:
sudo apt install pavucontrolRun:
pavucontrol
16. Firewall Setup
Install UFW:
sudo apt install ufwEnable firewall:
sudo ufw enableCheck status:
sudo ufw status17. SSH Server Setup
Install OpenSSH:
sudo apt install openssh-serverEnable service:
sudo systemctl enable ssh
sudo systemctl start sshCheck IP:
ip aConnect remotely:
ssh username@ip-address18. Installing Development Tools
Basic Development Packages
sudo apt install build-essential git curl wgetsudo apt install python3 python3-pip python3-venvCreate virtual environment:
python3 -m venv env
source env/bin/activateNode.js
Recommended via NodeSource or NVM.
Official website:
19. Snapshots and Backup
MX Linux includes an excellent snapshot tool.
Open:
- MX Tools → MX Snapshot
This creates:
- Bootable ISO backups
- Full system recovery images
Very useful before upgrades.
20. Dual Boot With Windows
Important Tips
Disable Fast Startup in Windows
Windows Fast Startup can corrupt Linux partitions.
Use UEFI for Both OSes
Do not mix:
- Legacy BIOS
- UEFI
Install Windows First
Then install MX Linux.
GRUB should detect Windows automatically.
21. Performance Optimization
Reduce Startup Services
View services:
systemctl list-unit-files --type=serviceDisable unused services:
sudo systemctl disable service-nameEnable TRIM:
sudo systemctl enable fstrim.timerSwappiness Tuning
Check current value:
cat /proc/sys/vm/swappinessSet lower value:
sudo sysctl vm.swappiness=10Persistent setting:
Edit:
/etc/sysctl.confAdd:
vm.swappiness=10