Free GNU/Linux distributions

These distros are ready-to-use full systems whose developers have madea commitment to follow theFree System Distribution Guidelines. This means they willinclude, and propose, exclusively free software. They will rejectnonfree applications, nonfree programming platforms, nonfree drivers,nonfree firmware “blobs,” nonfree games, and any othernonfree software, as well as nonfree manuals or documentation.

If one of these distros ever does include or propose anything nonfree,that must have happened by mistake, and the developers are committed toremoving it. If you find nonfree software or documentation in one ofthese distributions, you canreport the problem, and earn GNU Bucks, while we inform the developers so they can fix the problem.

Fixing freedom bugs is an ethical requirement for listing a distrohere; therefore, we list only distros with a development team that hastold us it will remove any nonfree software that might be found inthem. Usually the team consists of volunteers, and they don't makelegally binding commitments to users; but if we find out a distro isnot properly maintained, we will de-list it.

We hope the other existing GNU/Linux distributions will becomeentirely free software so that we can list them here. If you wish toimprove the state of free distros, helping to develop an existing freedistro contributes more than starting a new one.

Please note that not all hardware works in the free world; eachdistro's site should say which hardware it supports. We suggest that,after reading the short descriptions below, you consult these sites aswell as other available information, to judge which distro is mostconvenient for you.

GNU/Linux distros for PCs andworkstations

The distributions that follow are installable to a computer's harddrive and/or can be run live.

Distribution	Brief Description
	Dragora GNU/Linux-Libre, an independent GNU/Linux distributionbased on concepts of simplicity.
	Dyne:bolic, a GNU/Linux distribution with special emphasis on audio and video editing. This is a “static” distro, normallyrun from a live CD. Since it will not receive security updates, itshould be used offline.
	Guix System, an advanced GNU/Linux distro builton top of GNU Guix (pronounced “geeks”), a purelyfunctional package manager for the GNU system.
	Hyperbola GNU/Linux-libre, an independent long-term supportsimplicity-focused system-distribution.
	Parabola GNU/Linux-libre, a distribution based on Arch thatprioritizes simple package and system management.
	PureOS, a GNU/Linux distribution based on Debian with a focus onprivacy, security, and convenience.
	Trisquel, a GNU/Linux distribution based on Ubuntu that's oriented toward small enterprises, domestic users and educational centers.
	Ututo S, a GNU/Linux 100% free distribution. It was the firstfully free GNU/Linux system recognized by the GNU Project.

Small GNU/Linux distros

Below is a list of small system distributions. These distributions are meant for devices with limited resources, like a wireless router for example. A free small system distribution is not self-hosting, but it must be developable and buildable on top of one of the free complete systems listed above, perhaps with the aid of free tools distributed alongside the small system distribution itself.

Distribution	Brief Description
	libreCMCis an embedded GNU/Linux distro for devices withvery limited resources. While primarily targeting routers, itoffers support for a wide range of devices and use cases. In2015, LibreWRT merged with libreCMC.
	ProteanOSis a new, small, and fast distribution for embeddeddevices. Its platform configuration feature allows binarypackages to be configured at build-time and run-time fordifferent hardware and use cases.

How to get free GNU/Linux distros

In addition to their own sites, many of these distributions areavailable frommirror.fsf.org.Feel free to download or mirror the distributions from there,preferably using rsync. Free distribution maintainers can request amirror for their project by mailing theFSF sysadmins.

Individual GNUpackages(most of which are included in the free distributions here) are described separately.

We listcompanies that sell hardwarepreinstalled with a free GNU/Linux distributionseparately.

See something we missed?

Do you know about a distribution that you expected to find on ourlist, but didn't? First, check our pageaboutwhy we don't endorse somecommon distributions. That page explains the reasons why severalwell-known distributions don'tmeetourguidelines. If the distribution isn't listed there either, andyou think it qualifies for a listing under our guidelines, then pleaselet the distribution's maintainers know about this page and encouragethem to get in touch—we'd like to hear from them.

If you maintain a distribution that follows theFree SystemDistribution Guidelinesand would like to be listed here, pleasewrite to<webmasters@gnu.org>withan introduction and a link to the project Web site. When you do,we'll explain more about our evaluation process to you, and getstarted on it quickly. We look forward to hearing from you!

Historical

The distributions that follow were previously listed above, but are nolonger recommended.

Distribution	Brief Description	Retirement Info
	BLAG Linux and GNU, a GNU/Linux distribution based on Fedora.	Removed June 2018at the request of themaintainers, as they had stopped maintaining it.
	gNewSense, a GNU/Linux distribution based on Debian, withsponsorship from the FSF.	Removed April 2021.
	Musix, a GNU+Linux distribution based on Knoppix, with specialemphasis on audio production. This is a “static”distro, normally run from a live CD. Since it will not receivesecurity updates, it should be used offline.	Removed March 2019at the request of themaintainer, as they had stopped maintaining it.