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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Not all Linux distributions will eventually include AI.
- Developers’ ethos often runs counter to AI technology.
- Jack Wallen expects these six distros will continue to shun AI.
AI is everywhere, and the technology’s tendrils continue finding their way into more and more places. Will we soon see AI in shopping carts, waffle makers, heated blankets — rocks?
OK, maybe AI in rocks is a stretch, but you get the point.
Microsoft and Apple are embedding their respective AIs into the heart of their operating systems, and some Linux distributions, such as Omarchy, have followed suit.
Also: I tested one of the first Linux distros to go all in on AI – and I didn’t hate it
Fortunately, not every Linux distribution has plans to add AI into the mix. In fact, several distros have either explicitly taken a stance against AI — or have a general ethos that ensures AI will not become part of the OS.
One thing to know: Just because an OS refuses to ship (or use) AI, it doesn’t mean that users can’t install it for themselves. That’s up to the end user. Also, not every one of these distro developers has made public statements about not including AI, but their foundations and ethos stand against such things. To that end, I’ve had to draw conclusions based on my long-term experience and understanding of how these distributions work and evolve.
Here are the best of those distros.
1. Debian
Debian has made it clear that AI will never be included in the OS. For Debian, part of the issue is the openness of LLMs. The developers made that perfectly clear when they stated, “AI models released under DFSG-compatible license without original training data or program are not seen as DFSG-compliant.” DFSG stands for Debian Free Software Guidelines, and the developers and community take the standard seriously. Because of this, I cannot see any point at which Debian will include AI with the operating system.
Also: 7 things every Linux beginner should know before downloading their first distro
Keep in mind that Debian is the “mother of distributions,” because so many distributions (including Ubuntu) use it as a base. This means that all of those distributions beneath it will not have to deal with preinstalled AI.
2. Void Linux
Although the Void developers haven’t taken an official public stance on AI in the OS, it’s safe to assume we’ll never see it ship with AI. One reason for this is the very nature of Void Linux as a “DIY” Linux distribution.
Void Linux starts with just the basics and leaves the rest up to the user. That ethos alone should ensure that AI is never a part of the base. On top of all that, Void is considered a minimalist distro, which means it aims to be as small as possible. (AI would increase the ISO size.)
Also: 4 Linux distros that can’t be upgraded on autopilot – and why they’re still worth trying
I’m fairly confident that Void Linux will never include AI out of the box.
3. MXLinux
MXLinux is based on AntiX, a distribution designed for older, slower hardware. That alone ensures that MXLinux will not include AI (especially locally installed AI). In all MXLinux blog posts and news announcements, there has never been any mention of preinstalled artificial intelligence.
A comment on the MXLinux About Us page, “For some it’s a hobby, for some it’s paying it forward to the free software community that has given us so much, for some it’s a labor of love,” makes it clear how the developers honor FSF.
Also: I tried the latest MX Linux version on my PC, and it made the system look and feel like new
It’s a safe bet that MXLinux will not ever include AI.
4. Arch
The closest thing you’ll find regarding AI and Arch Linux is ArchLinux AI in the Arch User Repository (AUR). Beyond that, there’s been no mention of Arch ever including AI in the OS. Also, Arch Linux takes security very seriously, and the inclusion of AI could compromise that (especially given how LLMs have lately shown the ability to escape guardrails with ease). Consider how Arch has decided to suspend the AUR out of concern for the distro’s (and users’) safety.
Also: I tried ArchEZ to see if it really makes Arch Linux easy for beginners – and it delivered
Although Arch is a rolling distribution, it’s always seemed to be a Linux take that evolves very slowly. The idea that Arch would jump onto the pre-installed AI bandwagon is counter to what the distribution has stood for all of these years.
No, I cannot imagine that Arch will ever ship with AI pre-installed. Want to install it yourself? Go right ahead.
5. Slackware
No. No way. Nope.
Slackware has always been dedicated to being the “most UNIX-like Linux distro available.” Given that, there’s no chance it will ever ship with preinstalled AI.
Also: This Linux distro makes Slackware easier than ever
6. AerynOS
The AerynOS developers have issued a statement on using AI for both development and design, stating, “AerynOS takes a default position that we do not accept the use of LLMs in/around AerynOS.” That stance is based on ethical concerns about data gathering, disproportionate use of electricity and water, potential negative influence, and potential copyright violations.
Yeah, AerynOS will never include AI in the OS.
Also: This Linux distro I recommend to power users takes a unique approach to OS design
Not every Linux distribution has come out with a strong public stance against AI. However, based on my decades of following the Linux and open- not be shipping with the Linux equivalent of Copilot or Apple Intelligence any time soon
Open Source
- How AI has suddenly become much more useful to open-source developers
- Google’s Gemma 4 model goes fully open-source and unlocks powerful local AI – even on phones
- Why AI is both a curse and a blessing to open-source software – according to developers
- I tried a Claude Code rival that’s local, open source, and completely free – how it went
