Xfce 4.20 has arrived as one of the most anticipated updates for desktop environment lovers light y efficient. This release, which follows the version 4.18 two years ago, introduces a number of features that aim to further modernize and optimize this environment for GNU/Linux systems. From experimental support for Wayland to improvements in the Thunar file manager, this update is packed with new features.
El Moving Towards Wayland Support is one of the highlights of this release. Although still experimental, it is now possible to start Wayland sessions with the command startxfce4 --wayland, as long as compatible compositors such as Labwc and Wayfire are used. However, it is important to note that some key components such as Xfwm4, Xfdashboard or the Xfce4 screensaver are not yet functional under Wayland.
Xfce 4.20: A more versatile and customizable desktop
In aesthetic and functional terms, Xfce 4.20 now allows you to customize label colors of icons and backgrounds, and supports wallpapers in SVG format, ideal for high-resolution screens. An option has also been added to place new files or folders near the cursor, significantly improving usability in certain cases.
Furthermore, the Context menus have been revamped to offer clearer and more relevant options, while keyboard shortcuts for managing the desktop are fully configurable. Additionally, folders can be sorted before files when listing items, a request that users have long been waiting for.
Thunar takes the cake
The file manager Thunar receives a major facelift in this release. It now includes support for remote IPv6 addresses, creation of symbolic links to remote locations, and a improved behavior when searching for files. It also incorporates additional buttons in the toolbar, as well as new colored icons that improve the visual navigation.
A particularly interesting feature is the ability to automatically open folders when hovering over them while dragging files, streamlining directory management tasks. The status bar now also displays the current folder name. number of hidden files, and trusted launchers display their names instead of their filenames, greatly improving clarity.
Smarter panels and settings
The Xfce Panel is not far behind with improvements in border width settings, accurate detection of plugins in XDG directories, and new customization options for both analog and digital clocks. Additionally, support has been added for displaying idle segments and for configuring different power profiles, ideal for laptop users using 'hybrid hibernation' or advanced settings.
As for general adjustments, they have been made Major improvements to dark themes, display scaling, and support for high-resolution scrolling. Managing mouse acceleration profiles between adaptive and flat is also easier, as is handling of icon themes.
Accessibility and application improvements in Xfce 4.20
The app finder now includes options like auto-closing when focus is lost and the ability to launch apps with a single click. These features, along with more efficient keyboard navigation, will delight those who prioritize accessibility in their settings.
On the other hand, Additional information is added to the About Xfce dialog, such as details of the window system used and the graphics processor, which is useful for both support and technical diagnosis.
As this release starts to appear in stable repositories of various distributions, there is no doubt that Xfce 4.20 will become the reference option for those looking for a Lightweight but full of possibilities desktopWith features like Wayland support, Thunar optimizations, and improved accessibility, this release demonstrates the development team's continued commitment to keeping Xfce up to date without losing its core of simplicity and efficiency.