Debian Installer Trixie RC2 Released: Key Upgrades & Fixes

 

Debian Installer Trixie RC2 brings major fixes: USB/ISO APT fixes, Linux 6.12 LTS, Secure Boot support, and Apple Silicon keyboard compatibility. Essential for sysadmins & Linux users!

The Debian Project has launched Trixie RC2, the second release candidate for the upcoming Debian 13.0 installer. 

This update introduces critical fixes, hardware support improvements, and optimizations for modern systems—making it a must-know for Linux administrators, DevOps engineers, and open-source enthusiasts.

What’s New in Debian Installer Trixie RC2?

1. APT-Setup Now Handles Non-CD Media Properly

A long-standing annoyance for users installing Debian from USB drives, SD cards, or ISO files has been resolved. Previously, APT would incorrectly enable CD-ROM sources, requiring manual removal post-installation. Now:

• Automatically disables CD-ROM sources if the installation medium isn’t a physical CD.

• Eliminates manual edits to sources.list, streamlining the setup process.

2. Linux 6.12 LTS Kernel & Secure Boot Enhancements

The installer now integrates:

• Linux 6.12 LTS (latest stable kernel with improved hardware compatibility).

• Secure Boot support via shim-signed for AMD64 & ARM64 systems.

• Systemd-cryptsetup alongside cryptsetup-initramfs for better encrypted disk handling.

3. Apple Silicon Keyboard Support

With growing adoption of Apple M1/M2 MacBooks, Debian now includes:

• Updated console-setup for newer Apple keyboards.

• Better compatibility with MacBook Pro (M1) and MacBook Air (M2) during installation.

4. Btrfs Rescue Mode & BusyBox Optimization

• Btrfs system recovery is now possible via Debian Live images (useful for installations via Calamares).

• Wget removed from BusyBox (reducing bloat, improving efficiency).

Why Does This Update Matter?

Debian remains a cornerstone of Linux distributions, powering servers, embedded systems, and enterprise environments. This RC2 release addresses real-world usability issues while enhancing security and hardware support—key for:

• Sysadmins managing Debian-based deployments.

• Developers needing reliable Linux environments.

• Privacy-focused users leveraging encryption and Secure Boot.

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

For detailed technical insights, check the debian-boot mailing list. If you’re testing Debian 13.0, this RC2 build is a significant step toward stability.

Will these changes improve your Debian workflow? Let us know in the comments!