Debian is one of the most stable and respected Linux distributions, serving as the foundation for numerous other distributions including Ubuntu. Whether you’re looking for the latest stable release or need to access debian legacy download options for compatibility reasons, this comprehensive guide will help you find and download the right Debian ISO image for your needs.
In this tutorial you will learn:
- How to download current Debian 13 “Trixie” stable release
- Access debian legacy download archives for previous versions
- Choose between NetInst, DVD, and Live installation images
- Verify downloads using checksums and signatures
- Create bootable installation media from downloaded ISOs
| Category | Requirements, Conventions or Software Version Used |
|---|---|
| System | Any system capable of running Debian (64-bit recommended) |
| Software | BitTorrent client (optional), USB creation tools |
| Other | Internet connection, USB drive (4GB+ recommended) |
| Conventions | # – requires given linux commands to be executed with root privileges either directly as a root user or by use of sudo command$ – requires given linux commands to be executed as a regular non-privileged user |
| Step | Command/Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Download NetInst ISO (recommended) | wget https://cdimage.debian.org/debian-cd/current/amd64/iso-cd/debian-13.2.0-amd64-netinst.iso |
| 2. Download checksums | wget https://cdimage.debian.org/debian-cd/current/amd64/iso-cd/SHA512SUMS |
| 3. Verify download integrity | sha512sum -c SHA512SUMS 2>&1 | grep OK |
| 4. Create bootable USB drive | sudo dd bs=4M if=debian-13.2.0-amd64-netinst.iso of=/dev/sdX status=progress oflag=sync |
Current Stable Release: Debian 13 “Trixie”
Debian 13.2.0 “Trixie” is the current stable release with Long Term Support (LTS). The initial release 13.0.0 was released on Saturday, August 9, 2025, and the latest point release 13.2.0 was released on November 15, 2025. This version includes updated packages, improved hardware support, and enhanced security features.
Download Options for Debian 13 “Trixie”
Install BitTorrent Client. Required for torrent downloads:
$ sudo apt install transmission-cli
This enables downloading via BitTorrent for faster and more reliable transfers.
- Network Installation (NetInst) – Recommended: The NetInst image is a small (~400MB) installer that downloads packages during installation.
$ wget https://cdimage.debian.org/debian-cd/current/amd64/iso-cd/debian-13.2.0-amd64-netinst.iso $ wget https://cdimage.debian.org/debian-cd/current/amd64/bt-cd/debian-13.2.0-amd64-netinst.iso.torrent $ transmission-cli debian-13.2.0-amd64-netinst.iso.torrent
Perfect if you have a reliable internet connection.
- Complete Installation Images (DVD): These larger images (~4.7GB) contain more packages and can install without an internet connection.
$ wget https://cdimage.debian.org/debian-cd/current/amd64/iso-dvd/debian-13.2.0-amd64-DVD-1.iso $ wget https://cdimage.debian.org/debian-cd/current/amd64/bt-dvd/debian-13.2.0-amd64-DVD-1.iso.torrent $ transmission-cli debian-13.2.0-amd64-DVD-1.iso.torrent
Ideal for offline installations or systems with limited internet connectivity.
- Live Images: Live images allow you to try Debian without installing it.
$ wget https://cdimage.debian.org/debian-cd/current-live/amd64/iso-hybrid/debian-live-13.2.0-amd64-gnome.iso $ wget https://cdimage.debian.org/debian-cd/current-live/amd64/bt-hybrid/debian-live-13.2.0-amd64-gnome.iso.torrent $ transmission-cli debian-live-13.2.0-amd64-gnome.iso.torrent
Available with GNOME, KDE Plasma, MATE, and XFCE desktop environments.
Quick Download Links for All Debian Releases
| Release | Codename | Released | NetInst (64-bit) | DVD-1 (64-bit) | Torrent | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Debian 13 | Trixie | Aug 2025 | NetInst ISO | DVD-1 ISO | Torrents | Current Stable |
| Debian 12 | Bookworm | Jun 2023 | NetInst ISO | DVD-1 ISO | Archive | LTS (until 2028) |
| Debian 11 | Bullseye | Aug 2021 | Archive Collection | Archive Collection | Archive | Legacy |
| Debian 10 | Buster | Jul 2019 | Archive Collection | Archive Collection | Archive | No Security Updates |
Verification Process
Always verify your debian download using the provided checksums:
$ cd /path/to/downloaded/iso $ wget https://cdimage.debian.org/debian-cd/current/amd64/iso-cd/SHA512SUMS $ sha512sum -c SHA512SUMS
Installation Media Creation
After completing your debian download, create bootable installation media:
- Create Bootable USB: Write the ISO to USB drive
$ sudo dd bs=4M if=debian-13.2.0-amd64-netinst.iso of=/dev/sdX status=progress oflag=sync
Replace
/dev/sdXwith your actual USB device path. For detailed instructions, see our guide: Create Bootable USB from ISO on Linux. - Alternative USB Creation with ddrescue: More reliable method for USB creation
$ sudo apt install gddrescue $ sudo ddrescue debian-13.2.0-amd64-netinst.iso /dev/sdX --force -d
The ddrescue method provides better error handling and recovery capabilities for creating bootable media.
Conclusion
Whether you need the latest Debian 13.2.0 “Trixie” or require debian legacy download access for older versions, this guide provides comprehensive download options. Use the quick download table above for immediate access to all Debian releases.
Always prioritize BitTorrent downloads when possible to reduce server load and ensure faster, more reliable transfers. Remember to verify all debian download files using the provided checksums and signatures before creating installation media.
Once your debian download is complete and verified, proceed with creating installation media. For complete step-by-step installation instructions, including BIOS configuration and boot options, refer to our detailed tutorial: Install Debian from USB: Step-by-Step Guide.
For the most current debian download links and additional architecture support, visit the official Debian website at https://www.debian.org/distrib/.
