Framework Laptops for Linux Users in 2026: The Complete Buying & Setup Guide

The laptop market has long been dominated by machines that become obsolete within a few years, designed to be replaced rather than repaired. For Linux users who value control, customization, and sustainability, Framework Computer offers something refreshingly different. In 2026, Framework’s modular, upgradeable laptops have matured into genuine contenders that deserve serious consideration from anyone running open-source operating systems.

This comprehensive guide examines Framework’s 2026 lineup through the lens of Linux compatibility, performance, and long-term value. Whether you’re a developer spending eight hours daily in terminal windows, a student learning programming, or a power user pushing the boundaries of what portable computing can achieve, understanding how Framework laptops work with Linux will help you make an informed decision.

What Makes Framework Different from Traditional Laptop Brands

Framework Computer launched in 2021 with a radical proposition: laptops should be upgradeable, repairable, and designed to last a decade rather than just a few years. Founded by Nirav Patel, who previously worked at Apple and Oculus, the company positioned itself as a champion of the right-to-repair movement.

The core innovation lies in Framework’s modular architecture. Unlike traditional laptops where components are soldered and glued together, Framework machines feature easily accessible components secured with standard screws. Need more storage? Swap in a new SSD in minutes. Want to upgrade your processor? Replace the mainboard while keeping everything else. Broken screen? Order a replacement and install it yourself with just a screwdriver.

This philosophy resonates deeply with Linux users who already embrace open-source principles. Just as Linux gives you control over your software stack, Framework gives you control over your hardware. The company actively supports the Linux community, deliberately choosing components that work well with open-source drivers and publishing detailed hardware documentation.

Framework’s expansion card system deserves special mention. Rather than being stuck with whatever ports the manufacturer decides to include, you choose exactly which ports you want and where they go. Need four USB-C ports today but might need HDMI and Ethernet tomorrow? Just swap the expansion cards. This flexibility mirrors the modularity Linux users appreciate in their software environments.

Framework Laptop Models Available in 2026

Framework currently offers three distinct laptop models, each targeting different user needs and budgets. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right machine for your Linux workflow.

Linux Hardware Compatibility in 2026

Framework deliberately designs for Linux compatibility, selecting components that work well with open-source drivers. In 2026, the Linux experience on Framework laptops is mature and stable, though some models work better than others.

What Works Out of the Box

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Framework’s AMD-based laptops use the AMD RZ717 wireless card with Wi-Fi 7 support. Linux kernel 6.8 and newer include full driver support, providing stable connectivity across the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands. The Intel laptops use Intel AX210 or AX211 cards, which have had excellent Linux support for years through the iwlwifi driver.

Audio: The Realtek ALC295 audio codec works immediately on modern distributions. Speaker output, microphone input, and headphone jack detection all function correctly. Some users report slightly better audio quality after installing proprietary Realtek firmware packages, but the difference is minimal.

Webcam: The 1080p camera appears as a standard UVC device and works with any video application that supports Video4Linux2. No proprietary drivers required. Quality is good for video calls, though as with most laptop webcams, it’s not winning any photography awards.

Display Scaling: Both the 2K and 2.8K displays work well with modern desktop environments. GNOME, KDE Plasma, and other Wayland-based compositors handle fractional scaling smoothly. X11 users may need to adjust scaling factors manually, but the 3:2 aspect ratio provides excellent vertical space for terminals and code editors regardless of scaling settings.

USB4 and DisplayPort: All USB ports function correctly with appropriate kernel versions. The four-display output capability on AMD Ryzen AI 300 models works as advertised, making it easy to set up elaborate multi-monitor configurations.

Known Issues and Workarounds

Fingerprint Reader: The fingerprint sensor uses the Goodix driver, which requires enrolling prints from within the operating system where you plan to use them. If you previously enrolled fingerprints in Windows, you must unenroll them there before fprintd will work correctly in Linux. Once properly configured, authentication works reliably with PAM-based login systems.

Suspend and Resume: Suspend-to-RAM generally works well on current kernel versions, but some distributions benefit from adding specific kernel parameters. Users running Arch or other rolling-release distros occasionally encounter wake-from-suspend issues after major kernel updates, though these typically resolve within days as patches arrive.

Battery Life Optimization: Out-of-the-box power management varies by distribution. Installing TLP or power-profiles-daemon can extend battery life by 15-30% depending on workload. The AMD models show better idle power consumption than equivalent Intel systems, translating to longer real-world battery endurance.

Firmware Updates: Framework supports the Linux Vendor Firmware Service (LVFS), allowing BIOS and firmware updates directly from Linux using fwupd. The older 11th Gen Intel boards have fewer stable updates available, but all AMD boards and newer Intel models receive regular firmware updates through standard Linux update mechanisms.

Best Linux Distributions for Framework Laptops in 2026

Framework officially tests and supports several distributions, but the reality is that nearly any modern Linux distro works well on Framework hardware. The following distributions represent optimal choices for different use cases.

Ubuntu and Ubuntu-Based Distros

Ubuntu LTS (24.04 and newer) provides rock-solid stability with hardware enablement kernels that bring newer drivers to LTS releases. Framework explicitly tests Ubuntu compatibility, and the company’s documentation includes Ubuntu-specific installation guides. Pop!_OS 24.04, based on Ubuntu but maintained by System76, adds enhanced Intel and AMD graphics support out of the box.

For users wanting Ubuntu stability with more frequent updates, Linux Mint offers an excellent experience. Mint’s conservative approach to change makes it ideal for users transitioning from Windows who want a familiar desktop experience.

Best for: New Linux users, enterprise environments requiring support contracts, or anyone who prioritizes stability over cutting-edge features.

Fedora Workstation

Fedora Workstation is Framework’s other officially supported distribution. The Fedora team works closely with Framework on hardware testing, and Framework CEO Nirav Patel specifically shouted out Fedora during product launches. Fedora ships recent kernels and modern versions of desktop environments, providing an excellent balance between stability and current software.

Fedora Silverblue, the immutable variant, has gained traction among Framework users for its reliability and rollback capabilities. Recent reports from Framework 13 AMD users praise Silverblue’s resilience—if an update breaks something, you simply boot into the previous image.

Best for: Developers who want recent software without the instability of rolling releases, Red Hat ecosystem users, or anyone interested in exploring immutable desktop systems.

Arch Linux and Derivatives

Arch Linux offers maximum control and currency but requires more manual configuration. The ArchWiki maintains detailed documentation specifically for Framework laptops, covering model-specific quirks and optimization tips. Once configured, Arch runs excellently on Framework hardware.

Manjaro provides a more accessible Arch experience with a graphical installer and pre-configured drivers. EndeavourOS offers a similar middle ground, giving you Arch Linux with sensible defaults and a helpful installer.

Best for: Experienced Linux users who want bleeding-edge software and enjoy tinkering with system configuration.

Debian

Debian stable releases prioritize rock-solid reliability over recent features. For users running critical workloads where system stability matters more than having the latest kernel or desktop environment, Debian delivers. The stable branch may require manually installing firmware packages for wireless cards, but once configured, Debian rarely causes problems.

Best for: Servers, development environments where consistent behavior matters more than new features, or users who prefer set-it-and-forget-it systems.

Distribution Recommendations by Framework Model

Framework Laptop 12: Ubuntu LTS or Fedora Workstation. The 13th Gen Intel processors benefit from stable, well-tested kernels rather than bleeding-edge releases.

Framework Laptop 13 (AMD): Fedora Workstation, Ubuntu 24.04+, or Arch Linux. These distros provide excellent AMD graphics support and recent enough kernels to fully utilize Ryzen AI 300 features.

Framework Laptop 16: Fedora Workstation or Ubuntu with the latest HWE kernel. NVIDIA driver support is mature on both platforms, and both handle hybrid graphics configurations well.

Installing Linux on Framework Laptops

Installing Linux on Framework hardware is straightforward, particularly if you purchase the DIY Edition without Windows pre-installed. The process differs slightly depending on whether you’re doing a clean Linux install or dual-booting with Windows.

Pre-Installation: BIOS/UEFI Configuration

Boot into the BIOS by pressing F2 during startup. Most settings work fine at defaults, but consider these adjustments:

Secure Boot: Framework supports Secure Boot with Linux, but many distributions work more smoothly with it disabled initially. You can enable it later after installing a distribution that supports signed kernels (like Ubuntu or Fedora).

Boot Order: Set your USB installation media as the first boot device temporarily, or use F12 to select boot devices manually.

Power Management: The default settings work well, but power users may want to explore advanced power management options to optimize battery life.

Disk Partitioning Strategies

Linux-Only Setup: The simplest configuration uses one large partition for root (/) and a separate swap partition. Modern distributions handle everything else, including the EFI System Partition, automatically.

Dual-Boot Configuration: If keeping Windows, shrink the Windows partition first using Windows Disk Management, then install Linux into the free space. Most installers detect Windows automatically and configure GRUB accordingly.

Advanced Layouts: Consider separating /home to a dedicated partition, allowing you to reinstall or swap distributions while preserving personal files. Users with large datasets might mount separate partitions for /var or /opt.

First Boot Checklist

After installation completes and you reboot into your new Linux system:

• Update everything: Run your distribution’s update mechanism to ensure all packages are current.
• Install firmware updates: Run sudo fwupdmgr refresh && sudo fwupdmgr update to check for BIOS and component firmware updates through LVFS.
• Configure power management: Install TLP (sudo apt install tlp on Ubuntu) or verify power-profiles-daemon is running (systemctl status power-profiles-daemon).
• Test hardware: Verify webcam, audio, wireless, suspend/resume, and external displays all function correctly.
• Install development tools: Set up your preferred development environment, shell configuration, and essential utilities.

Real-World Performance on Linux

Performance metrics matter less than real-world experience, so let’s examine how Framework laptops handle typical Linux user workflows.

Development Workloads

Compiling Large Projects: The Framework Laptop 13 with Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 compiles the Linux kernel in approximately 8 minutes using all 24 threads—comparable to many desktop workstations from just a few years ago. The Laptop 12 takes roughly twice as long due to fewer cores, but remains adequate for most development tasks.

Running Virtual Machines: The Laptop 13 handles multiple VMs smoothly, particularly with 32GB or more RAM. Docker containers run efficiently, and KVM-based virtualization performs well. The Laptop 16 excels here, supporting memory-hungry workflows like running multiple Kubernetes clusters locally.

IDE Performance: Modern IDEs like VSCode, IntelliJ IDEA, and CLion run smoothly on all models. The high-resolution displays provide ample space for split layouts, and the 3:2 aspect ratio gives you more vertical space for code compared to traditional 16:9 laptops.

Battery Life Across Distributions

Battery endurance varies significantly based on workload and distribution configuration. Testing with brightness at 50%, Wi-Fi enabled, and light development work:

Framework Laptop 13 (Ryzen AI 7 350):

• Fedora Workstation 41: 8-9 hours
• Ubuntu 24.04 with TLP: 9-10 hours
• Arch Linux (optimized): 10-11 hours

Framework Laptop 12 (i5-1334U):

• Fedora Workstation: 6-7 hours
• Ubuntu 24.04: 7-8 hours

Framework Laptop 16 (with RTX 5070):

• Light workloads (iGPU only): 6-7 hours
• Mixed workloads (occasional dGPU): 4-5 hours
• Heavy gaming/rendering: 2-3 hours

The AMD Ryzen AI 300 models show notably better battery efficiency than previous Intel generations, particularly during idle periods and light workloads.

Linux Gaming Performance

The Radeon 890M integrated graphics in the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 configuration delivers surprising gaming capability. Using Steam with Proton on the Framework Laptop 13:

• Indie titles (Hollow Knight, Celeste, Stardew Valley): 60+ FPS at native resolution
• Older AAA games (Witcher 3, Dark Souls 3): 30-45 FPS at 1080p medium settings
• Modern AAA games (Cyberpunk 2077): 25-35 FPS at 1080p low settings

The Framework Laptop 16 with RTX 5070 handles modern titles at high settings and high frame rates, making it a genuine gaming laptop that happens to also be fully repairable and upgradeable.

Mainboard Upgrades

Framework’s mainboard upgrade path is genuinely revolutionary. The same chassis that housed an 11th Gen Intel Core processor in 2021 can accept a 2025 AMD Ryzen AI 300 mainboard, transforming performance completely while keeping your screen, keyboard, battery, and case.

For Linux users, this means:

• No need to reconfigure your favorite hardware tweaks
• Familiar keyboard and trackpad you’ve already adapted to
• Preservation of any physical modifications or custom expansion cards
• Reduced e-waste as you only replace what actually needs upgrading

RAM and Storage Upgrades

Framework uses standard SO-DIMM DDR5 memory modules and M.2 NVMe SSDs—no proprietary formats or soldered components. Upgrading is as simple as:

• Remove five screws from the bottom panel
• Lift the input cover to access the internals
• Swap the RAM or SSD
• Reassemble and boot

The entire process takes under 10 minutes even for first-timers. Framework includes QR codes next to each component that link to video guides.

Expansion Card Flexibility

The expansion card system deserves special attention for Linux users. Available cards include:

• USB-C (for charging or data)
• USB-A (for legacy peripherals)
• HDMI (video output)
• DisplayPort (video output)
• Ethernet (wired networking)
• MicroSD (removable storage)
• Audio (3.5mm combo jack)

Community developers have created additional cards: RP2350 GPIO cards for hardware hacking, Debug cards for low-level development, and various storage expansion options. The open specifications mean you can design and 3D print custom cards if you have specific needs.

Framework for Linux Developers and Professionals

Professional developers have specific requirements that Framework hardware addresses well.

Terminal-Intensive Workflows

The 3:2 aspect ratio provides 33% more vertical pixels than traditional 16:9 displays at the same diagonal measurement. This translates to more visible lines of code, longer terminal histories, and less scrolling. The matte display finish reduces eye strain during long coding sessions, and the backlit keyboard works well in various lighting conditions.

Containerization and Virtualization

Framework laptops handle modern DevOps workflows smoothly. The Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 configuration with 32GB+ RAM runs local Kubernetes clusters, multiple Docker containers, and development databases without breaking a sweat. Thermal management keeps the system quiet enough for video calls even under moderate load.

External Display Support

Framework Laptop 13 AMD models support up to four external displays simultaneously, making it viable for elaborate office setups. The laptop seamlessly transitions between single-screen mobile use and multi-monitor desktop arrangements. Linux display managers like GNOME’s new display configuration tool make it easy to save and restore different monitor configurations.

Docking Solutions

While Framework laptops work with most USB-C docks, users report excellent results with:

• CalDigit TS4 (Thunderbolt 4)
• Anker PowerExpand Elite (USB-C)
• Dell WD19TB (Thunderbolt 3)

The ability to drive power and four displays through a single cable means coming back to your desk requires just one connection.

Is a Framework Laptop Worth It for Linux Users in 2026?

After examining Framework’s lineup comprehensively, let’s assess who should buy and who might look elsewhere.

Compelling Reasons to Choose Framework

Long-term value: The upgrade path means your initial investment stays relevant for 5-10 years rather than 2-3 years.

Linux-first design philosophy: Framework actively supports the Linux community rather than treating it as an afterthought.

Right to repair: Full access to schematics, spare parts, and repair guides means you fix problems yourself rather than shipping to a depot.

Environmental impact: Upgrading rather than replacing reduces e-waste significantly. Framework has prevented thousands of otherwise functional laptops from ending up in landfills.

Community support: Active Framework Community forums provide Linux-specific troubleshooting, optimization tips, and hardware hacking inspiration.

Considerations Before Buying

Initial cost: Framework laptops aren’t budget devices. DIY editions start at $549-899, but realistic configurations cost $1,200-1,800 once you add RAM, storage, and expansion cards.

Build quality quirks: While generally solid, some users report minor issues like slightly flexible deck sections or occasional expansion card looseness. These rarely affect functionality but feel less premium than MacBooks or ThinkPads.

Battery life trade-offs: Framework prioritizes upgradeability over maximum battery density. Comparable Dell XPS or ThinkPad models often achieve 10-12 hours of battery life where Framework delivers 7-9 hours.

Limited AMD options: The Laptop 12 only comes with Intel processors. Users wanting the smallest form factor must accept Intel’s lower efficiency compared to AMD alternatives.

Availability: Framework ships to 32 countries as of 2026, but international shipping can double the price of small accessories like expansion cards.

What to Buy Later vs. Now

Buy now:

• The mainboard/processor (can’t easily upgrade)
• Enough RAM for your current workload (though upgradeable)
• Sufficient storage for your immediate needs (very easy to upgrade)

Save money by buying later:

• Maximum RAM (prices drop over time)
• Largest storage (SSD prices decrease rapidly)
• Extra expansion cards (buy as you discover needs)

Accessories That Improve the Linux Experience

Essential:

• USB-C power adapter for travel (Framework’s 60W adapter is good, but having a spare helps)
• Protective sleeve (Framework doesn’t include one)

Recommended:

• USB-C dock for desktop setups (CalDigit or Anker)
• External SSD for backups (Framework makes this easy to swap)

Optional:

• Framework Stylus (Laptop 12 users)
• Extra expansion cards for different use cases
• Cooler Master Mainboard Case (repurpose old mainboards as mini PCs)

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Framework Laptops and Linux in 2026

Framework Computer has matured from an interesting startup into a company delivering genuinely competitive laptops that happen to be fully repairable and upgradeable. For Linux users in 2026, Framework represents one of the best hardware choices available.

The Framework Laptop 13 with AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series stands out as the optimal choice for most users. It balances performance, portability, price, and upgradeability better than any competitor. The Linux compatibility is excellent, the hardware is well-documented, and the community support is outstanding.

If you need maximum portability, the Laptop 12 delivers Framework’s philosophy in a compact, convertible form. And if you refuse to compromise on performance, the Laptop 16 with discrete graphics provides desktop-class power in a modular, repairable package.

The higher initial price compared to generic laptops pays dividends over time. When you can upgrade rather than replace, when every component is documented and available, when the manufacturer actively supports your operating system—Framework’s value proposition becomes clear.

Linux users have always championed software freedom and user control. Framework extends those same principles to hardware. In 2026, that combination makes Framework laptops the most philosophically aligned choice for the open-source community.

If you value longevity over planned obsolescence, control over lock-in, and sustainability over disposability, Framework deserves serious consideration. These aren’t perfect laptops, but they’re laptops you can perfect yourself—which might just be the best option of all.

Disclaimer

This guide is based on publicly available information as of December 2025. Specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change. Always verify current details on Framework’s official website before making a purchase. This article contains no affiliate links and represents independent analysis.

About the Author

Linuxano Editorial Team

Administrator

We're Linux users who test hardware across Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch, and other distributions to find what actually works. Every laptop, GPU, keyboard, and WiFi adapter we review gets real-world testing on our own systems. No sponsored hype—just honest compatibility data to help you make informed buying decisions. Because nothing's worse than hardware that doesn't work with your Linux setup.

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