Manjaro Linux has released its 26.1 Preview, featuring improved desktop environments that focus on enhancing user workflows rather than adding unnecessary features. The update includes GNOME 50 with hardware-accelerated remote sessions and functional parental controls, alongside Plasma 6.6 which offers customizable themes and enhanced accessibility options. The build utilizes Kernel 7.0 for modern hardware while still providing LTS versions for older machines, making it advisable for users to test it on secondary devices before upgrading their main systems. Overall, the release aims to address long-standing issues and improve usability across different desktop environments

Manjaro Linux 26.1 Bian-May Preview 4 released

Manjaro 26.1 Preview finally delivers polished desktop environments that fix real workflow headaches instead of chasing empty gimmicks. GNOME 50 brings hardware-accelerated remote sessions, smoother variable refresh rate support, and parental controls that actually work without terminal tweaks. Plasma 6.6 rounds out the update with custom day-night themes, built-in screenshot text extraction, and a cleaner installation process that separates disk partitioning from account setup. The build ships with Kernel 7.0 for modern hardware but still offers LTS variants for older machines, so testing it on a spare drive before touching your main rig is the smart move.

Manjaro Linux 26.1 Bian-May Preview 4 released @ Linux Compatible