> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://itsfoss.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # LMDE 7 "Gigi" Released: Linux Mint's Debian-Based Alternative Gets Major Upgrade - URL: https://itsfoss.com/news/lmde-7-release/ - Published: 2025-10-15T12:54:30.000Z - Updated: 2025-10-17T04:01:29.000Z - Description: A stable Debian base meets a polished Linux Mint desktop experience. - Author: Sourav Rudra - Tags: Distribution Releases, News, #Import 2025-11-08 21:15 Linux Mint Debian Edition (*LMDE*) offers **an alternative for users who prefer what Debian offers over Ubuntu**. This variant strips away Canonical's Ubuntu-specific modifications while keeping the familiar Cinnamon desktop experience around. The project exists as a contingency plan. If Ubuntu's development were to stop, Linux Mint could pivot to LMDE without disruption. It also acts as proof that Linux Mint's tools work beyond Ubuntu's ecosystem. The developers recently released [LMDE 7 "Gigi"](https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=4924&ref=itsfoss.com), which is built on [Debian 13](https://itsfoss.com/debian-13-release/) and packed with refinements from the recent [Linux Mint 22.2 "Zara"](https://itsfoss.com/linux-mint-22-2-release/) release. ## 1\. Linux Kernel 6.12 ![the cat /proc/version command output is shown here inside a terminal window on a lmde 7 system](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2025/10/lmde-7-cat-proc-version-command.png) LMDE 7 ships with [Linux kernel 6.12](https://itsfoss.com/linux-kernel-6-12/), **an LTS release supported until 2026** that packs in some notable hardware support. If you have a newer Intel-powered computer with Arrow Lake or Lunar Lake chips, AMD-powered graphics with RDNA 4, LMDE 7 works out of the box without driver headaches. Laptop owners with ASUS Vivobooks, ThinkPads, or recent Dell systems can now control fan profiles and battery settings directly from within LMDE. No more jumping into BIOS menus to adjust these configurations. Real-time PREEMPT\_RT support is also included for systems requiring precise timing. ## 2\. New /tmp Behavior Following [what Debian 13 does](https://itsfoss.com/debian-13-tmp-mounting/), LMDE 7 **stores temporary files in the RAM** instead of the disk. This means applications that use `/tmp` frequently, like compilers or video editors, run noticeably faster since RAM is quicker than storage. Plus, the system automatically cleans up after itself now. Files sitting unused in `/tmp` for 10 days get deleted, and `/var/tmp` clears after 30 days. [Debian 13 is Changing the /tmp BehaviorDebian 13 has decided on a new way to mount the /tmp directory.![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/icon/android-chrome-192x192-294.png)It's FOSS NewsSourav Rudra![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/thumbnail/debian-13-to-switch-rambased-temp.png)](https://itsfoss.com/debian-13-tmp-mounting/) ## 3\. User Interface Refinements ![four app windows are open, three of which are gnome apps, on the left is calendar and disk usage analyzer, on the right is the themes app of linux mint and a document scanner from gnome](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2025/10/lmde-7-user-interface-upgrades.png) There are many user interface buffs with LMDE 7, and these are basically the same ones from the Linux Mint 22.2 release. We have the **blur effects on the login screen**, applied to both the panel and dialog box, and support for user avatars. The *libAdwaita* library now works properly with Mint themes instead of ignoring them. This means GNOME apps like *Calendar* and *Document Scanner* actually follow your chosen theme (*Mint-Y, Mint-X, or Mint-L*) and accent color instead of looking out of place. Moreover, **gray-colored interface elements throughout LMDE 7 now have a blue tint** mixed in. This gives the desktop a cooler, more upscale feel similar to what you see in modern apps like Firefox and Trello. ## 4\. Inclusion of APT 3.0 ![the outputs for apt --version and sudo apt update commands are shown inside a terminal window](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2025/10/lmde-7-apt-3-0.png) Package management in LMDE 7 is now handled by [APT 3.0](https://itsfoss.com/apt-3-release/) with the *Solver3* algorithm. When you install software with dependencies, the system figures out what's needed more intelligently and handles conflicts better than before. And the terminal output now uses colors. Packages being installed show up in green, removals appear in red, and progress bars are much clearer than before. [A Colorful APT 3.0 Release Impresses with its New FeaturesThe latest APT release features a new solver, alongside several user experience enhancements.![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/icon/android-chrome-192x192-295.png)It's FOSS NewsSourav Rudra![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/thumbnail/apt-3-0-released-1.png)](https://itsfoss.com/apt-3-release/) ## 5\. Core Application Upgrades ![on the left, you will find the new fingwit app and the updated hypnotix iptv viewer apps, on the right you will find the notes (sticky) app with two floating notes open, the contents of which are, "this note looks so *minty*." and "sometimes, regimes say one thing, do the other."](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2025/10/lmde-7-updated-core-apps.png) **Software Manager** explains package types better now. A question mark tooltip appears when browsing apps, clarifying whether you're looking at a Flatpak or system package before installing. **Hypnotix** gets two viewing modes for watching IPTV streams. Theater mode removes all controls for full-window video, while Borderless strips window frames for distraction-free viewing. Similarly, **Sticky** (notes) now works on Wayland sessions and features rounded corners, and **Fingwit** has been brought in for fingerprint authentication across LMDE 7\. If your laptop has a fingerprint scanner, you can unlock the screen, authorize sudo commands, and approve system changes without typing passwords. ## 📥 Get LMDE 7 This **64-bit-only release** is available on the [official website](https://linuxmint.com/download%5Flmde.php?ref=itsfoss.com), with direct downloads and torrent options hosted on mirrors worldwide. [LMDE 7](https://linuxmint.com/download%5Flmde.php?ref=itsfoss.com) **For existing users**, the upgrade path is straightforward. After backing up your data, start the upgrade process by running `sudo apt update` to refresh your package lists, then install the upgrade tool with `sudo apt install mintupgrade`. Afterwards, launch it using `sudo mintupgrade` and follow the on-screen instructions. When the upgrade is done, reboot your system with `sudo reboot`. This is a major upgrade, so expect it to take some time. If you are using [LMDE 7 Beta](https://itsfoss.com/lmde-7-beta/), you don't need to upgrade. Just apply any available updates via the *Update Manager*. 📝 ****Addendum**: An earlier version of this article mentioned Raspberry Pi while discussing the new kernel feature. This gave an impression that LMDE 7 can be used on Raspberry Pi which is not correct. We apologize for the unnecessary confusion we created. **Suggested Reads** 📖 [Debian 13 “Trixie” Released: What’s New in the Latest Version?A packed release you can’t miss!![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/icon/android-chrome-192x192-293.png)It's FOSS NewsSourav Rudra![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/thumbnail/debian-13-release-banner-3.png)](https://itsfoss.com/debian-13-release/) [The Wait is Over! Linux Mint 22.2 “Zara” is HereA fresh Linux Mint release with many refinements.![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/icon/android-chrome-192x192-292.png)It's FOSS NewsSourav Rudra![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/thumbnail/linux-mint-22-2-release-banner-1.png)](https://itsfoss.com/linux-mint-22-2-release/)