PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesA free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.
Run a Free PC Scan →Free scan · Windows 10 & 11
ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
LightBurn has not remotely disabled Linux installations or taken away access to software users already licensed. It stopped developing and officially supporting native Linux builds after the 1.7.x series. The final Linux build listed in LightBurn’s release archive is 1.7.08; version 1.8 and later have no Linux build. Linux users can keep using a compatible, licensed 1.7.x installation, but they will not receive LightBurn’s later features or fixes.
What changed—and what did not
The distinction is between continued use and continued development. LightBurn ended its Linux release track, not the ability to run an existing Linux-compatible version. Its current licensing documentation calls version 1.7 the last Linux-compatible release and recommends 1.7.08 as the final Linux version. The vendor’s archive lists Linux packages for 1.7.08 dated March 26, 2025: LightBurn licensing documentation and the 1.7.08 release archive.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Ultra-Precision Engraving】Equipped with a high-precision 10W laser module and 0.01mm ultra-fine accuracy, the BlazeX laser engraver delivers exceptional detail across over 300 different materials, including wood, leather, glass, and coated metal. Specifically optimized for desktop DIY, personalized jewelry, and small-batch production, its wide-ranging compatibility makes it the ideal portable laser engraver for creators.
- 【Versatile 2-in-1 Laser Cutter & Engraver】This laser cutter and engraver integrates professional engraving and powerful cutting capabilities. With ultra-fine precision of 0.01mm and a high-density laser beam, you can easily engrave complex patterns on metal and glass, or achieve clean cuts on wood and acrylic, making it the ideal tool for all your DIY projects.
- 【All-in-One Starter Kit】Start your creative journey in minutes! This comprehensive bundle includes a protective enclosure, tool kit, 13 engraving materials, and an essential honeycomb laser bed. The honeycomb bed is integral for providing stable support, enhancing airflow for cleaner cuts, and protecting your work surface from laser damage. With a straightforward setup, you can achieve impressive DIY results right from the first use—ideal for beginners and hobbyists alike.
- 【Class 1 Safety & Intelligent Protection】Engineered with a Class 1 Safety rating, this engraver filters harmful radiation for eye protection. The integrated fan exhausts smoke and odors while reducing noise for a quiet workspace. Smart sensors trigger an automatic stop if the machine tilts or the lid opens. Safe and low-noise, it is ideal for homes, creative studios, and educational use.
- 【Wide Compatibility & Reliable Support】Fully compatible with LightBurn, LaserGRBL, and CutLabX across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Even beginners can master it in no time! We provide professional after-sales support and step-by-step tutorial videos on YouTube. Join our "BlazeX Laser Official" on Facebook for continuous technical assistance and creative inspiration to ensure a seamless experience.
- Linux builds: ended after 1.7.x.
- Existing software: a validly licensed, compatible 1.7.x installation can continue to be used.
- Future LightBurn releases: version 1.8 is the first branch without a Linux build, so Linux users do not get its features or subsequent fixes.
That makes the practical result version lock-in, not an overnight shutdown. A working setup can remain useful, but it becomes a frozen branch whose continued reliability depends on the computer, operating system, laser hardware and workflow around it.
How LightBurn reached the cutoff
- July 22, 2024: LightBurn announced that Linux support would end after the upcoming 1.7 release. The company said Linux represented about 1% of its user base and that Linux-compatible builds took as much or more development time as its Windows and macOS builds. Those are LightBurn’s stated figures and explanation, not an independently audited accounting. LightBurn’s announcement
- July 30, 2024: LightBurn clarified that Linux support would continue through all 1.7.x releases, including later bug-fix releases, and that 1.8.0 would be the first version without a Linux build. Clarification on the 1.7.x boundary
- September 25, 2024: LightBurn 1.7.00 was released. LightBurn said its Linux runner had moved to Ubuntu 22.04, raising the minimum Linux target for 1.7. 1.7.00 release announcement
- September 26, 2024: LightBurn said it had extended Linux license keys so users could access the final 1.7.x releases. Linux key extension announcement
- March 26, 2025: The vendor’s archive lists the final located Linux build, 1.7.08.
The distinction between 1.7.00 and 1.7.x matters: the initial announcement did not mean Linux stopped at 1.7.00. The maintenance releases in the 1.7 series remained Linux-compatible; the cutoff was the move to 1.8.
Why LightBurn gave up Linux builds
LightBurn cited the small share of users and the disproportionate time spent building and supporting Linux releases. It pointed to the need to package software for multiple distributions and formats, and to compatibility problems across the supported distributions and related systems. The company’s announcement does not provide an audited cost breakdown, detailed bug statistics or a full accounting of support hours, so its explanation should be understood as the company’s stated rationale rather than independently verified economics.
There is a practical reason this work can be broader than packaging a drawing program. A laser workflow can depend on USB or serial communication with a controller, graphics rendering, device permissions, camera capture and calibration, libraries, and the Linux distribution’s desktop environment. LightBurn specifically identified packaging and distribution fragmentation; the other examples describe general compatibility considerations, not a list of failures LightBurn attributed to its Linux builds.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #2
- Fr*e Acmerstudio Engraving Software Included: The engraver is fully optimized for Acmerstudio, our self-developed engraving software, which is free to use and ready right out of the box. It also supports other popular engraving software for users who prefer alternative workflows.
- High-Precision Laser Engraving and Cutting: Acmer S1 laser engraver machine with 2500mW diode laser power, 24W machine output, 455±5nm wavelength, and 2mm focal length for ultra-fine accuracy. Achieve up to 10,000mm/min engraving speed and 0.01mm repeatable positioning accuracy—perfect for detailed, vivid engraving and cutting on various materials.
- 2-in-1 Engraving & Cutting Versatility: Dual-function laser cutter and engraver supports engraving on wood, bamboo, leather, plastic, PCB, aluminum oxide, ceramics, and more. Easily cuts through thin plywood, MDF, and acrylic—ideal for DIY, crafts, professional projects, and small business needs.
- Preassembled & Beginner-Friendly: Arrives 99% preassembled with just 1-minute laser head installation—no complex setup required. A user-friendly laser engraving machine perfect for beginners, hobbyists, and professionals seeking fast, easy operation without the learning curve.
- Lightweight, Durable & Portable Design: Built from industrial-grade aluminum alloy, the 2kg compact engraver is easy to carry and store. With a 130x130mm working area and machine size of 250×250×162mm, it's optimized for home use without sacrificing pro-level performance.
What Linux users can do now
Keep a stable 1.7.08 workstation
This is the least disruptive option when the laser and workflow already work and newer LightBurn features are not essential. LightBurn’s 1.7.00 announcement identifies Ubuntu 22.04 as the new minimum for the 1.7 Linux target. Its 1.7 installation page also lists Ubuntu 20.04 and 22.04 as supported or tested targets, but the release announcement’s stated minimum for the 1.7 series is Ubuntu 22.04. For a new or recovered installation, check the package instructions against the actual system rather than assuming every current distribution is compatible. LightBurn 1.7 Linux installation instructions
Before changing a working laser computer, preserve the installer and the parts of the setup that are difficult to recreate:
- Record the LightBurn version and save the license key and account details.
- Download and archive the official 1.7.08 Linux package.
- Export or back up device profiles, camera calibration and alignment data, material libraries and custom presets.
- Save representative LightBurn project files, and record the laser controller, firmware version, USB device path and connection settings.
- Make a disk image or system snapshot of the working computer, then test that recovery procedure before relying on it for paid work.
These are operational precautions, not a guarantee that a frozen installation will remain compatible with future operating-system or hardware changes. For production use, a dedicated computer that is not casually upgraded can reduce disruption; an offline workstation is one way to limit unexpected changes, but it also needs a deliberate backup and security plan.
Install or reinstall the Linux build
LightBurn’s Linux instructions include these commands for device access and the Ubuntu 22.04 AppImage path:
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Rank #3
- 【Upgraded Laser Power with Air Assist Support】The TTS-55 PRO features a powerful 5500 mW (5.5W) laser (Class II) and includes a newly added metal air-assisted nozzle and red laser shield. These upgrades provide enhanced cutting performance and safety while making it easier to integrate an air assist system for cleaner, deeper cuts.
- 【High Precision Engraving & Cutting Across Multiple Materials】0.08*0.46mm super fine spot focus,Capable of engraving and cutting a wide range of materials including wood, leather, acrylic, paper, stainless steel, and more. Cut through 5mm plywood, 3mm acrylic, and 0.7mm leather with precision.Working area 300x300mm. Ideal for hobbyists, makers, and small business projects.
- 【Advanced Compression Laser Technology】Equipped with LD+FAC+C-Lens compression technology, the short 23mm focal length delivers stronger cutting power and sharper engraving detail. Achieve ultra-fine results with up to 0.1mm engraving accuracy.
- 【High-Speed, Smart 32-Bit Control Board】Runs on a fast dual-core 32-bit MCU, enabling engraving speeds up to 30,000mm/min. Supports both online and TF card offline engraving, plus built-in Wi-Fi for mobile app or computer web control—wireless engraving made easy.
- 【Software & System Compatibility】Fully compatible with LaserGRBL (Windows XP/7/8/10) and LightBurn (Windows, macOS, and Linux). Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced creator, you’ll find intuitive controls and powerful tools to bring your ideas to life.
sudo adduser $USER dialout && sudo adduser $USER tty
sudo apt install libfuse2
chmod u+x <AppImage File>Log out and back in after adding the user to the dialout and tty groups. Then launch the AppImage. The documented libfuse2 requirement applies to the Ubuntu 22.04 AppImage route; a missing FUSE library can prevent the AppImage from launching and may be mistaken for a damaged download. LightBurn also documents launching its .run package with:
bash ./LightBurn-Linux64-v*.runThe archive offers Linux .7z, AppImage and .run packages. These are installation options for the final Linux release, not a promise of compatibility across every distribution. For older workshop computers, LightBurn’s installation documentation says version 1.2.01 was the last compatible with Ubuntu 18.04; that older release is not a substitute for the final 1.7.x series.
Move LightBurn to Windows or macOS
For users who need newer LightBurn features or support for a newly purchased machine, moving the LightBurn workflow to a supported operating system is the straightforward path. Windows or macOS migration still requires testing the laser connection, USB adapters, profiles and camera calibration; moving the application does not automatically reproduce a working Linux setup. Check the desired LightBurn release’s operating-system requirements before choosing a computer. LightBurn’s licensing documentation also says version 1.7 is the last version compatible with macOS releases older than 11, a separate limitation for users considering an older Mac.
Try a compatibility layer only as an experiment
Running a Windows build through Wine, Proton or a virtual machine is not equivalent to a supported Linux release. The interface might launch while USB passthrough, serial communication, camera access, graphics acceleration or reliable machine control does not. Results depend on the exact computer and laser, and LightBurn support for a native Linux release should not be assumed. Test the full workflow—including safe communication with the controller and camera—before considering it for production. The available evidence does not establish a reliable, universal setup for any of these methods.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #4
- NOTE: CMYK Inkjet module and RA3 Lite Rotary are not included in this M2 standalone, available separately as add-ons.
- Ultimate Versatility in One Machine: Innovative dual-mode architecture lets the M2 laser engraver add a CMYK Inkjet module((sold separately) to work with the laser. Transform 300+ materials—cardstock, felt, leather, wood, etc.—into masterpieces. Enjoy full-color printing (module required), precision cutting, and custom engraving with a seamless print-to-cut workflow in one setup.
- Smart Crafting with Dual-Camera: Built-in dual cameras, this M2 laser engraving machine offers a real-time preview of your workspace. Backed by ACS, it fuses this vision with motion control for a "Place & Go" experience-ensuring high accuracy while eliminating guesswork and wasted material.
- Effortless Software with Customizable Templates: Beginner-friendly xTool Studio offers hundreds of ready-to-use templates and an integrated AI image generator. Go from creative text ideas to finished personalized gifts and home decor in just minutes. No steep learning curve—just design, click, and create.
- Power Options for Every Creative Goal: Comes standard with 10W diode lasers. You can add the CMYK Inkjet module or 3W IR laser (both sold separately) to unlock full-color printing or fine engraving on metal/plastic. The M2 adapts to every project you imagine, from delicate engravings and high-speed batch cutting to full-color printing.
License keys, updates and refunds
LightBurn describes its license as perpetual, with one year of updates included in a new license. Renewing extends the period during which the user can receive updates; if that period expires without renewal, the user can keep using the newest version released while the update entitlement was valid. A perpetual license therefore does not mean perpetual updates, and it does not make a newer version compatible with Linux. LightBurn’s current licensing documentation identifies 1.7 as the last Linux-compatible version.
In May 2026, LightBurn announced that adding one year of updates would rise from $30 to $40 USD. That is the announced renewal price change, not a claim that Linux users need to pay it to keep using a licensed 1.7 version. A new update period does not restore native Linux support for releases after 1.7. LightBurn’s May 2026 renewal announcement
LightBurn’s 2024 announcement said a Linux-only user who had recently bought a license or renewal valid for releases after 1.7 could request a refund and rescind that license or renewal. That was a conditional offer, not a blanket refund entitlement for every Linux user or every past purchase. Users with a question about a particular transaction should refer to the original terms and contact LightBurn.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When a Linux-native alternative makes sense
“Alternative” does not mean drop-in replacement. Before changing software, identify the laser model and controller, whether the workflow depends on a camera, and which design, material-test and production tools are essential. Verify compatibility with that exact setup and run a representative job safely before retiring the working LightBurn installation.
Best Value
- [Unbeatable Power & Productivity] With a powerful 40W (40,000mW) laser, this advanced laser cutter and engraver machine slices through 18mm cherry wood as easily as butter in a single pass. Engrave at blazing speeds up to 600mm/s on a spacious 23.93" x 15.16" bed—perfect for large projects like door signs or up to 119 dog tags in one go.
- [Exclusive xTool Patented Technologies] Achieve next-level precision on your precious items with the xTool S1 laser engraver, thanks to xTool’s patented Pin-point Positioning technology. Enjoy stunning 3D engravings on curved surfaces like spoons and plates. Effortlessly tackle projects up to 118 inches (3000mm) with AutoPassthrough Technology.
- [Your First Laser Engraver, Easier Than Ever] Ready to use right out of the box. Auto-focus and powerful, intuitive software—xTool Creative Space (XCS)—make it simple for anyone to start creating. We’ve pre-tested over 400 materials with optimal parameter settings; just preview, click, and engrave. No design skills? No problem—input a few words, and the AI-powered software will create a unique design for you. Plus, there are over 1,000 step-by-step project tutorials to guide you.
- [Class 1 Safety, Safe with Kids and Pets Around] The protective cover filters 99% of laser light, safeguarding your eyes without the need for goggles. The enclosed design blocks smoke and noise, ensuring a comfortable and secure workspace. Built-in 5 flame sensors automatically halt operation if a flame is detected. With an emergency stop button and a lid-open stop feature, you’re fully protected for peace of mind.
- [Premium Quality, Built to Last] This laser engraving machine has a 3mm aerospace-grade aluminum frame for exceptional stability and durability. xTool prioritizes quality with over 71,830 hours of rigorous testing, including laser tube aging, power stability, and extreme conditions. Every S1 unit undergoes 7 strict pre-shipment inspections and 100% scenario testing to ensure flawless performance.
| Option | Potential fit | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| MeerK40t | Linux-oriented, open-source control, particularly for K40 and related workflows. | Exact controller support, workflow maturity, camera tools and whether its design-to-machine process meets your needs. |
| LaserWeb 4 | Technically comfortable users seeking an open-source laser/CNC workflow. | Current maintenance, installation requirements and compatibility with the specific controller; its architecture and workflow may differ from LightBurn. |
| K40 Whisperer | Owners of compatible K40 machines looking for a focused tool. | Whether the machine is among those it supports; it is not a general replacement for every LightBurn laser or workflow. See also the project site. |
| Manufacturer-provided software | Owners whose exact laser model has a suitable vendor tool. | Operating-system support, controller compatibility, file formats, camera and material-test workflows, and whether offline operation is possible. |
These projects and vendor tools differ in controller coverage, features, usability and maintenance. Open source alone does not establish that a tool is suitable for a production shop, and an alternative should not be chosen without testing the exact machine and required workflow.
The long-term trade-off for Linux users
Staying on 1.7.08 can preserve a familiar setup and avoid an immediate operating-system or software migration. The cost is that the Linux branch will not gain post-1.7 features, future fixes or support for hardware that depends on later releases. An operating-system upgrade, replacement computer, new controller or camera change can also expose problems that the frozen version cannot address.
LightBurn 1.7.00 added features including BSL/SeaCAD support, native support for selected xTool machines, Trim Shapes, camera-alignment improvements and material-test presets. Linux users who stay on the final branch can use features included in that branch, but not later additions in 1.8 and beyond. Whether that matters depends on the exact machine and work; check support for a prospective laser before buying it.
The choice is therefore between preserving a known-good Linux workflow, moving LightBurn to a supported operating system, or validating a different tool against the actual laser. For a hobbyist with stable hardware, freezing and imaging the current workstation may be reasonable. A shop that needs current controller support and vendor-backed updates has a stronger reason to plan a supported-platform migration and maintain a tested fallback.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
