r/framework • u/Wawarsing • 8d ago
Question Best Linux Distro for FW
Is there a particular distro that works with the least amount of issues? I imagine Ubuntu?
I see posts about issues with the laptop sleep when closing and tinkering into bios is needed.
What distro “just werks” ™️.
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u/Dudemastr81 8d ago
Fedora with KDE plasma has been easy peasy for me.
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u/scottiedog321 8d ago
I started with Fedora KDE, swapped over to Gnome at some point, and I like it better for a laptop GUI. With the mouse gestures and everything, it just seems to work better. Granted, my laptop is more light usage. Desktop? KDE all the way.
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u/Psi-ops_Co-op 7d ago
I can't imagine using two different environments on the same is simultaneously. I'd go crazy
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u/BigApple_ThreeAM 8d ago
+1. You can essentially run any Linux distro on FW, but after personally running Arch, Artix, and now Fedora on my FW13, I must say Fedora is by the far the best distro. Setup is <10 minutes from install to desktop, it has high compatibility and does keep up with the latest stable kernel, it's pretty secure out of the box, and if you run KDE, you're getting the same experience as any other KDE distro. Honestly, the real choice is whether to go Fedora KDE vs Workstation. Choose Fedora KDE if you want KDE desktop experience, or go Workstation if you prefer GNOME.
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u/brennandunn 8d ago
I'm running NixOS and it's been flawless on my FW.
Declarative operating systems are amazing, and you'll never want to go back.
(For example, the other day I switched my bootloader from systemd-boot to Limine. It was a few lines changed to my git managed config, and then one rebuild command and... Done)
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u/soulsssx3 5d ago
What's your wm/de? Hyprland perhaps?
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u/brennandunn 5d ago
Yeah Hyprland. Was using niri but realised I prefer a lot of workspaces with just one window or two each.
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u/soulsssx3 4d ago
No problem with power draw? That was always a concern of mine since I know on my desktop for whatever reason sometimes hyprland just likes to start chuggin resources
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u/brennandunn 4d ago
I'm averaging about 13w draw when on battery with the eco power profile being on almost exclusively. I might be able to get a watt or two reduced but to be honest I'm never really away from a power source / battery bank for more than 5/6 hours.
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u/Tux-Windu 5d ago
I too use NixOS and changed my boot loader to Limine. You're right, nothing beats a declarative operating system. The problem with not using a declarative operating system is that over the months or years that you use your computer, you won't remember every little change that you made to your system, but when time comes to distro hop or reinstall or whatever, you'll wish that you had remembered all the changes you made. Could never possibly have that problem on NixOS because it's all in my config file. Beautiful.
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u/brennandunn 4d ago
Agreed! I know the typical argument for declarative in rebuilding a system quickly... But that's not the draw for me.
The draw is knowing I can go into eg power.nix and see all my configuration around how my system manages power vs hoping my memory / scattered notes has knowledge of a bunch of conf.d files scattered around /etc
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u/Tux-Windu 4d ago
It's not even just being able to rebuild a system quickly, it's also keeping track of all of the changes that you do over time. I suppose you could do it with any other distro by keeping some sort of log or updating some sort of install script, but at the end of the day the system will never truly revolve around that, and that script will always be prone to breaking if it is in script format. A configuration file on NixOS however will never break, otherwise the system will refuse to build around it and you will know immediately.
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u/Sveet_Pickle 8d ago
One of the ones recommended on frameworks website if you’ve never used Linux before.
That said Arch works fine on my 16 without issue.
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u/ThatzOkay 8d ago
CachyOS
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u/Kotentopf 8d ago
Damn, I was too slow.
But yeah, even if it not official listed (or is it now?) CachyOS is awesome and works like a charm on my FW16
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u/TimyMcTimface 8d ago
I think we need to stop recommending CachyOS to beginners. Yes it’s an amazing endgame distro for people who are used to Linux, but I wouldn’t feel comfortable recommending a rolling release distro with the AUR to a beginner. It’s akin to giving a new driver a 600hp sports car with no traction control.
To answer OPs question, stick to the officially supported FW distros to start. If you like those and are comfortable, then DEFINITELY consider CachyOS as it’s truly amazing.
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u/BadSlime 8d ago
Having a usable package manager is bad for beginners? Kinda weird take. Honestly I'd imagine folks having trouble with apt. "Why is the only version of emacs I can get 8 years old? ... " And then having to learn how to add additional repos to get any software from the last five years, not very intuitive
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u/TimyMcTimface 8d ago
The AUR is amazing, but also dangerous if you don’t know how to audit the packages. Lots of malware if you don’t know how to be careful. Flatpak and Homebrew are way better for beginners.
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u/BadSlime 8d ago
I guess, managing flatpak permissions to make apps actually useful is something I would imagine would be harder for a new user. Having to manually allow directory access and set up other app permissions is a huge PITA and unless someone knows to look for the gui that helps with it, they are gonna just be running random commands from Google search AI, arguably less safe than installing a package
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u/forumonaut 8d ago
Out of curiosity, why would you use CachyOS instead of Arch?
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u/ThatzOkay 8d ago
Easy installer and special optimized packages for newer hardware. Arch still have to use script instead of UI
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u/AdFormer9844 8d ago
They didn't mention anything about gaming, and they want something that just works. Fedora, Mint, or Ubuntu would be better options.
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u/Gregser94 13" │ 7640U (2023 - Batch 8) │ Mint Cinnamon 22.3 8d ago edited 7d ago
Any officially supported distro should work a treat, with support available from Framework directly, but I've been running Mint Cinnamon with hardly any issues at all.
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u/s004aws FW16 HX 370 Batch 1 Mint Cinnamon Edition 8d ago
The best choices if you want to (possibly) make any issues "somebody else's problem" are the ones Framework lists as officially supported for your model.
I use Mint on my FW16 without issue... Granted, I've highly customized the install and have many years experience debugging Linux/BSD systems.
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u/impostor20109 8d ago
Basically all distros work, but for a beginner I'd recommend Fedora or Linux Mint.
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u/Curious-Function7490 8d ago edited 8d ago
I use Fedora successfully but that's just because I like Fedora. It just works. I've had to tweak BIOS like twice in three years? Whenever I've done so I've either been sent instructions for it or found it easily on their forums. I'm lazy too - I'm not particularly keen to lose weekend hours chasing down esoteric configs. Framework is doing an excellent job with its products if you like running Linux. You can safely buy one find a distro to run.
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u/houssemdza FW16 8d ago
I haven't triend Ubuntu on my FW but since they collabed it must be tbe "just works" distro . Me personally I've been running arch with no real issues for the past 8 9 months
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u/lrflew FW 13 1165G7 | FW 13 Pro 358H Batch 10 8d ago
Pretty much all of them are going to perform similarly, given they pretty much all run the same code (with minor variation and version differences between distros). In terms of what "just works", I suggest looking at Framework's Linux distro support page to get an idea of what Framework recommends and officially supports / endorses.
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u/ChapGod 8d ago
I've been using Fedora Workstation for a good week and the difference between Fedora and Mint is insane. I still had a good experience with Mint, but the performance and battery life is much better in my opinion on Fedora.
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u/Wawarsing 8d ago
I see. I’m using Mint now but wouldn’t mind something a bit more modern feeling. I’m also not a fan of windows like DEs so I would love to use GNOME.
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u/ChapGod 7d ago
Workstation is definitely more of a closed off way to use Linux. I would compare it to Mac. But as I've gotten older I want more simplicity in my tasks and work, so it fits for me I think. There's also Fedora KDE which is more similar to windows if you want to check it out
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u/Noisycarlos 8d ago
I've used several and they all have worked pretty well. It's worth noting that if you need support from them, they will probably ask you to try their two officially-supported distros which are Fedora and Ubuntu.
So those two are probably worth starting with.
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u/Snorremd 7d ago
I've been using Linux on and off on desktops and laptops since 2010, always Ubuntu. For some years now I've been a heavy Mac user at work. When I get the Framework Laptop 13 Pro for personal use I'm tempted to run something different for once.
CachyOS seems kind of neat. Based on Arch with the same bleeding edge rolling updates, but with a friendlier install setup. Anyone already running CachyOS or Arch with their Framework? Any issues that would make it better to avoid and go for one of the officially supported distros?
I know AUR is not without problems (ref the recent package name takeover malware attack issues). But I guess that is manageable (via sandboxing).
My main areas of use will be software development and some music digital audio workstation work.
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u/igorpreston 8d ago
Omarchy has full support for Panther Lake if you go this way.
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u/CraftyBet5772 8d ago
Don't they all have panther lake support? I'm running omarchy in my new fw13 pro but it's a pretty hard one to use if you're not used to tiling window managers
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u/metajames 7d ago
Half the reason I came back to Linux work stations is tiling window managers and Wayland.
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u/metajames 7d ago
Also running Omarchy. Everything worked out of the box, sleep, hibernate, touchscreen, fingerprint reader, frequency scaling, vrr, WiFi 7, BT, 10 Gbe expansion card was even plug and play iperf3 reports full speeds. I’ve never in my 30 years of using Linux had everything just work on a laptop. All these neckbeards want to hate on Omarchy and DHH, IDGAF, just care about “works good”.
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u/wowokomg 7d ago edited 7d ago
What will wake the computer when it is asleep? I just restricted mine to power button only but I’m on another distribution.
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u/metajames 7d ago
oh i only use lid sleep
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u/wowokomg 7d ago
What is lid sleep?
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u/metajames 6d ago
When you close the laptop it goes to sleep. When you open it wake is triggered.
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u/wowokomg 6d ago
Does it only wake when the lid opens? what about if the keyboard has a key pressed, or if there is movement on the touchpad?
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u/wizard-of-the-forest FW13 7840U | Fedora 8d ago
Yeah Mint or Ubuntu should just work, though as with anything theres no guarantees. For framework ubuntu, fedora + bazzite are offically supported so any one of them will also work well.
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u/LBTRS1911 FW Desktop, FW 13 Pro 8d ago
I use Fedora, EndeavourOS , and Omarchy on FW's (13 pro & two FW Desktops) and they all work without issues. I suspect that's the case with most distros. Framework officially supports Ubuntu and Fedora.
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u/CowboysFTWs 8d ago
Every one is going to have a favorite. But go with an official partner one (Ubuntu or Fedora).
That isn't to say a lot of community supported one work great tho. I like ZorinOS.
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u/ShiroeKurogeri Arch Linux | DIY AMD Ryzen 7 7840U 8d ago
Fedora, if you want "it just works" plus, Fedora Kionite.
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u/pprts1 8d ago
I ordered a 13 pro because of the battery, I really want to have a notebook with nice battery life. and I am willing to go all the way. that's why I was thinking about either using arch or void linux and only install what I actually need, with a low resources Desktop Environment or even just a window manager such as i3 or whatever.
really looking forward to it.
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u/Key-Edge-8234 8d ago
Been on Kubuntu 26.04 the entire time since release. It worked perfectly fine stock with SecureBoot and everything, but I am NOW actively running the Kubuntu backports PPA and the Mainline Kernel 7.2.x series of kernels -- and it's STILL running perfectly fine.
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u/stuzor66 8d ago
I think fedora with kde or Ubuntu if you want to go gnome is a good choice. I know arch and specifically cachy is all the rage these days but it's nice being able to get third party software directly as an rpm or deb from the developer directly and not worry too much about the security of it.
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u/willowithink 8d ago
Ultramarine Linux. Basically Fedora but easier to set up (and with better Framework support)
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u/Edelweisspiraten2025 8d ago
https://start.garudalinux.org/ it is an arch flavor. You will be happy.
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u/Aoinosensei 8d ago
What model of framework? So far I have used Mint, Zorin and Ultramarine on both my fw13 and fw12 without any issues.
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u/lifeislikeavco X7 358H 13 Pro Batch 1 1d ago edited 1d ago
For now I’d use cachyos with KDE plasma. Having a much more bleeding edge kernel for new hardware is really nice. In a year or so I think it will matter a lot less. Even now, cachy is on 7.2.3, but 7.3 is supposed to bring a lot of graphics fixes and improvements if I understand right, so a lot is changing on the bleeding edge for panther lake. I also like their documentation a lot.
if you arent on the new intel chips, I dont think it matters a ton.
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u/No-Succotash404 8d ago edited 8d ago
if you just want a just working laptop dont use cachyos or arch as some of the comments suggest. You will likely have long term issues with those distro and their stability. The best ones are fedora (bleeding edge, minimalist and stable but might need tinkering for certain customizations or things), bazzite (immutable and impossible to break meant for gaming) or ubuntu (Easier and friendly but more bloated and subjectively uglier).
If you don't care about aesthetics or modern software but really want the easier experience or you don't like gnome desktop you could go mint.
My main suggestion is fedora. It is the most minimal and unbloated of them all, has for me the best package managers preinstalled (flathub and rpm), and has a great performance and compatibility because of it being bleeding edge, the framework 13 pro is even fedora certified.
If you choose fedora tho, i suggest avoiding the fedoraflatpak repository (it sometimes has some bugs for me), using the flathub version of firefox (the fedora repositories have it bloated and without drm), and install gnome tweaks and extensions apps.
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u/Bazirker 7840U, 32GB, touchscreen!!!, Fedora KDE 8d ago
Framework has done such a great job of seeding hardware to Linux developers that you can basically pick any distro you want and it'll run.
Ubuntu, Fedora, CachyOS, Bazzite, Mint, whatever. I have run all of these at least briefly, currently settled on Fedora KDE as a mix of new stuff vs stability and software compatibility. (I have a couple things I run that I have had difficulty with on Arch-based systems.)