EndeavourOS Mercury Neo Released – Features, Improvements, and Installation Guide
The highly anticipated EndeavourOS Mercury Neo has officially arrived, bringing a range of enhancements, bug fixes, and optimizations to elevate the Arch-based Linux experience. This latest release reinforces EndeavourOS’s commitment to delivering a powerful yet user-friendly rolling-release distribution, integrating the latest advancements from Arch Linux while addressing crucial system stability and performance aspects.
Introduction
EndeavourOS has always been a go-to choice for Linux enthusiasts who want the power of Arch Linux without the complexity of setting it up manually. With EndeavourOS Mercury Neo, the development team has refined the system, making it smoother and more stable while ensuring it stays true to its rolling-release nature.
This latest release focuses on improving installation, enhancing hardware support, and fixing critical bugs, including issues with Arch mirror ranking. Let’s take a deep dive into everything new in EndeavourOS Mercury Neo.
Key Highlights of “Mercury Neo”
1. Updated Core Components
Linux Kernel 6.13.7
The most significant update is the inclusion of the Linux 6.13.7 kernel, which offers better hardware support, improved security patches, and enhanced system performance. Users will benefit from:
- Optimized CPU scheduling for improved responsiveness.
- Enhanced support for modern hardware, including Intel and AMD processors.
- Better energy efficiency, making it more suitable for laptops and low-power devices.
Mesa Graphics 25.0.1
Graphics performance has been a priority in this release. The updated Mesa 25.0.1 drivers offer:
- Better support for AMD and Intel GPUs.
- Performance optimizations for gaming and graphical applications.
- Enhanced Wayland support, ensuring a smoother experience for users transitioning away from X11.
Firefox 136 Pre-Installed
EndeavourOS “Mercury Neo” ships with Firefox 136, ensuring users get the latest security updates, performance enhancements, and new features, such as:
- Improved tab management and memory efficiency.
- Better privacy controls and tracking protection.
- Enhanced video playback with support for newer codecs.
2. Enhanced Installation Experience with Calamares
One of the most significant areas of improvement in “Mercury Neo” is the Calamares installer, which has received several enhancements to make the installation process even more user-friendly.
Partitioning Enhancements
- The automatic installation mode now prefers a 2GB EFI partition, an increase from the previous 1GB. This change ensures better support for dual-boot systems and complex boot configurations.
- Improved support for Btrfs and LUKS encryption, making it easier for users who prioritize security.
Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements
- Several installation-handling issues have been resolved, making the setup process smoother.
- Optimized package selection during installation, reducing bloat and ensuring a leaner system.
3. Improved NVIDIA Support
For users with NVIDIA graphics cards, “Mercury Neo” has brought several improvements:
- The NVIDIA 570 graphics driver has been updated, offering better compatibility with newer GPUs.
- Enhanced hybrid GPU support, making it easier for laptop users to switch between integrated and dedicated graphics.
- Improved support for Wayland sessions, which was a major pain point in previous versions.
4. Fixes for Arch Mirror Ranking Bug
A significant fix in “Mercury Neo” is the resolution of a long-standing bug affecting Arch mirror ranking. This issue previously caused slow package downloads and installation problems. With the fix, users will experience:
- Faster package downloads and updates.
- Improved stability when updating the system.
- More reliable mirror selection during installation.
5. Better Desktop Environments and Window Managers
EndeavourOS offers a variety of desktop environments, and with “Mercury Neo,” each of them has received major updates:
- KDE Plasma 6.0 – Brings a refreshed system tray, enhanced Wayland support, and smoother animations.
- GNOME 46 – Features a more adaptive UI, better file manager (Nautilus) performance, and system settings improvements.
- Xfce 4.18 – Includes various stability fixes and refinements for lightweight desktop users.
- i3, BSPWM, Sway, and other tiling window managers – Updated default configurations and minor refinements for better usability.
6. Performance and Stability Enhancements
EndeavourOS “Mercury Neo” is designed to run efficiently across different hardware configurations. The development team has focused on:
- Faster boot times with systemd optimizations.
- Reduced memory footprint, ensuring better performance on lower-end machines.
- Improved firmware support for a broader range of devices, including newer laptops and desktop hardware.
7. Community-Driven Improvements
EndeavourOS thrives on its community, and “Mercury Neo” incorporates multiple user-requested features and bug fixes. The development team has actively addressed issues raised on the forums and Discord, making sure the new release offers a more polished experience.
How to Download and Install EndeavourOS “Mercury Neo”
Installing EndeavourOS “Mercury Neo” is straightforward. Here’s how you can get started:
System Requirements
- Processor: 64-bit x86_64 (Intel or AMD)
- RAM: Minimum 2GB (4GB recommended for better performance)
- Storage: At least 20GB of free space
- Graphics: Integrated or dedicated GPU with OpenGL support
- Internet Connection: Required for updates and online package installations
Step 1: Download the ISO
Visit the official EndeavourOS website and download the latest “Mercury Neo” ISO.
Step 2: Create a Bootable USB
- Windows Users: Use Rufus to create a bootable USB drive.
- Linux Users: Use the dd command or Balena Etcher.
Example command for Linux:
sudo dd if=endeavouros-*.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress && sync
(Replace /dev/sdX with your actual USB drive identifier.)
Step 3: Boot from USB
- Insert the bootable USB and restart your computer.
- Enter BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, F12, DEL, or ESC at startup).
- Select the USB drive as the boot device.
- Choose “Start EndeavourOS Live” from the boot menu.
Step 4: Install EndeavourOS
- Once inside the live environment, launch the Calamares installer from the desktop.
- Follow the on-screen steps to:
- Select your language and keyboard layout.
- Choose the installation mode (automatic or manual partitioning).
- Select a file system (recommended: Btrfs for snapshots or ext4 for stability).
- Set up your user account and password.
Step 5: Complete Installation
- Click “Install” and wait for the process to complete.
- Remove the USB drive and reboot your system.
- Log in to your fresh EndeavourOS “Mercury Neo” installation!
Post-Installation Tips
- Update your system: Run sudo pacman -Syu to ensure all packages are up to date.
- Install additional software: Use yay to install AUR packages (yay -S package-name).
- Enable NVIDIA drivers (if needed): sudo pacman -S nvidia nvidia-utils
Final Thoughts
EndeavourOS “Mercury Neo” continues to solidify its reputation as one of the best Arch-based distributions. With significant updates to the Linux kernel, enhanced installer support, improved NVIDIA drivers, and the critical Arch mirror ranking bug fix, this release provides a refined and seamless experience.
Whether you’re a newcomer looking for an easy way to experience Arch Linux or an experienced user wanting a reliable and efficient rolling-release distro, “Mercury Neo” is an excellent choice.
🚀 Have you tried the latest EndeavourOS “Mercury Neo” release? Share your experience in the comments below!
Disclaimer
This blog post is for informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure accuracy, software updates and features may change over time. Readers are encouraged to visit the official EndeavourOS website for the latest details. We are not affiliated with EndeavourOS, Arch Linux, or any related projects. Installation and system modifications are done at your own risk. Always back up your data before making major system changes.
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