Overview

This guide assumes you already have a minimal Debian 13 installation without a desktop environment.

We’ll install XFCE manually instead of using Debian’s desktop task packages. Once the desktop is up and running, you can optionally install the XFCE extras to add more utilities and plugins.

Update the System

Update your package list and upgrade existing packages:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

Install XFCE

Install the XFCE desktop together with LightDM:

sudo apt install xfce4 lightdm

When prompted, select LightDM as the default display manager.

Enable LightDM:

sudo systemctl enable lightdm

Reboot the system:

sudo reboot

After logging in, you’ll be greeted with a clean XFCE desktop.

Install XFCE Goodies (Optional)

The base XFCE installation already includes everything needed for a functional desktop.

If you’d like additional applications, plugins, and utilities maintained by the XFCE project, install the xfce4-goodies package:

sudo apt install xfce4-goodies

This package includes useful components such as additional panel plugins, archive integration, sensors, media tools, and various desktop utilities.

Enable Bluetooth

Install Bluetooth support:

sudo apt install bluetooth bluez blueman

Enable the Bluetooth service:

sudo systemctl enable bluetooth
sudo systemctl start bluetooth

Blueman provides a simple graphical interface for pairing and managing Bluetooth devices.

Start Blueman Automatically

Blueman usually starts automatically after logging into XFCE.

If it doesn’t:

Settings → Session and Startup → Application Autostart

Create a new entry:

  • Name: Blueman Applet
  • Command: blueman-applet

Log out and back in.

Optional Packages

Depending on your workflow, you may also want to install a few additional packages.

NetworkManager

sudo apt install network-manager network-manager-gnome

Printing Support

sudo apt install system-config-printer

Final Result

You now have:

  • Debian 13
  • XFCE desktop
  • LightDM
  • Optional XFCE Goodies
  • BlueZ Bluetooth stack
  • Blueman Bluetooth manager

A clean, lightweight desktop that’s easy to customize and expand as needed.