Bonsai Linux
Carefully cultivated computing. A lightweight Debian-based distribution designed with purpose, precision, and elegance.
Get Bonsai Linux
Bonsai Linux ISO
Version: v12
Size: 1GB (compressed squashfs)
Base: Debian Bookworm
Desktop: XFCE
Type: Live Boot
Bonsai WSL for Windows
Version: v12
Size: 1.6GB (compressed tar)
Base: Debian Bookworm
Platform: Windows Subsystem for Linux
Type: Bonsai CLI for Windows Terminal
Documentation
Getting Started
ISO boots into headless CLI environment by default, run startx to open XFCE desktop.
Default user is x with password 9880. Change root password with sudo passwd command.
Built for Efficiency
Philosophy in Action
Minimal by Design
Like a bonsai tree, every component is carefully selected and purposefully placed. No bloat, just essential tools that work beautifully together.
Lightning Fast
Boots quickly, runs smoothly. Custom tools like bonsaifetch and borderize are optimized for performance without sacrificing functionality.
Custom Toolkit
Includes our handcrafted utilities: borderize for beautiful terminal output, bonsaifetch for system information, and more.
Purpose-Built
Smart browser installation on-demand keeps the ISO small while ensuring you have access to Firefox, Thorium, and Tor when needed.
Debian Foundation
Built on Debian Bookworm with full access to apt repositories. Stable, secure, and compatible with the vast Debian ecosystem.
Live & Persistent
Run live from USB or install permanently. Advanced boot detection automatically adapts the experience to your usage mode.
