Manjaro 22.1 Talos, the latest Arch-based Linux distribution, is finally here after its predecessor, Manjaro Sikaris. With new updates, bug fixes, and polished desktop variations, the newest Manjaro will make your life flavorful with its colorful, vibrant desktops.

If you are an avid Manjaro fan, you can choose from three different desktop flavors for your machine. Each desktop environment differs; however, since the distro is powered by Arch under the hood, you can always expect top-notch performance from Manjaro.

Here are the top features to look out for in Manjaro 22.1 Talos.

1. The All New Linux Kernel 6.1

Manjaro Talos ships with Linux Kernel 6.1 and many upgrades exclusively for Manjaro users. Linux 6.1 is the latest, long-term stable kernel version and it's here to stay for a while.

Settings window to change kernel on KDE Plasma

Each desktop environment within Manjaro Talos's suite has its native enhancements, which allow you to choose the one you think will benefit you the most.

Download: Manjaro 22.1 (GNOME | KDE Plasma | Xfce)

2. Changes to Manjaro Talos GNOME

Talos's GNOME edition comes with subtle updates to GNOME 43. Some notable changes include:

  1. A redefined system status menu that you can use to tweak some frequently used settings. This tweak saves a lot of time and effort since you don't have to keep digging into the settings menus to toggle between different options.
  2. GNOME offers you flexibility on a platter, literally. If you want to unleash your creative side, you can design your wallpapers and enhance your desktop's look and feel immediately. You can use the Gradience tool to customize your themes and create dynamic wallpapers.
    Gradience Manjaro Talos theme developer
  3. Finally, Talos brings back the native green Manjaro branding, which includes the availability of the ever-famous GNOME packages and the Maia shell theme. You will feel right at home with the familiar accent colors, folder colors, and Qt theming.
    Manjaro Talos desktop wallpaper with a system dock

3. Improvements in Manjaro Talos KDE Plasma

An open menu bar on KDE Plasma desktop

Manjaro Talos's KDE Plasma edition has been overhauled, including the latest Plasma 5.27 LTS series and KDE Gear 22.12. With such inclusions, you can always expect a slew of new improvements to spice up your desktop experience.

Some exciting changes include:

  1. A tiling window system with a stylish theme, tools, and widgets to make your life easier.
    Open windows in KDE Plasma desktop
  2. The System Settings utility page is more compact, and now includes app animations and the Highlight Changed Settings button since the developers are gunning for an overall cleaner look.
    Settings page on Manjaro Talos KDE Plasma desktop
  3. Plasma 5.27's enhanced Wayland support includes plenty of bug fixes, reliable improvements, and a better server hosting experience.

4. New Additions in Manjaro 22.1 Xfce

Manjaro Talos's Xfce 4.18 works its charm for old, aging computers with its latest drivers and unending configurations of 5.15 LTS and 5.10 LTS kernels.

If you are running an old computer that does not have the necessary hardware, you can install and use a lower kernel version.

Xfce kernel settings box on Manjaro Talos desktop

Some additional changes to the XFCE edition include:

  1. You can change the file highlighting feature from the Thunar file manager. This feature is helpful when you want to highlight specific files by changing the file's background and foreground. Thunar also provides a recursive search option.
    List of folders within Thunar file manager
  2. You can measure the panel length changes in pixels instead of percentages. Another setting includes the Keep Panel Above Windows, which you can use to maximize app windows and fill the surrounding areas.
    Keep Panel Above Windows settings within settings box

Manjaro Talos Isn’t the Only Arch-Based Linux Distro Out There

Arch Linux powers a lot of different Linux distros, and Manjaro Talos is only one of the many distributions in this list. Despite being on a huge list of contenders, Manjaro is undoubtedly one of the best Arch Linux-based OSes.

Endeavor OS, another Arch-powered Linux distribution, is just a little behind, especially when offering top-notch, noticeable features to the end users.

If you are torn between choosing one of these two Linux distributions, you can always compare their features and make a well-calculated decision based on your requirements.