DietPi v9.13 enforces mandatory password changes & automates compression tool installation

DietPi lastest version 9.13 now requires all users to change default system and software passwords during setup or updates, unless a non-default password is already set via configuration. This shift aims to enhance out-of-the-box security for new and existing installations. Supporting this security focus, DietPi will prompt for password changes during updates unless a custom password is in place—even if automated updates are off.

With this release, DietPi no longer pre-installs common compression utilities such as unzip, 7-Zip, and bzip2, as these tools are now automatically installed only when actually needed. Looking ahead, virtual machine images will transition from tiny-initramfs to initramfs-tools, improving boot compatibility across hypervisors and facilitating Clonezilla backup operations.

Meanwhile, the platform retires the Google AIY Voice Kit and Mycroft AI software options owing to their discontinuation and lack of ongoing support. Hardware enhancements include mainline kernel PWM fan support for Orange Pi 3B, a Linux 6.1 vendor kernel with HDMI audio for Radxa ZERO 3, and consistent MAC addresses on reboot for ASUS Tinker Board 2 running Linux 6.12. Additional bug fixes target issues with specific Orange Pi models, system utilities, and integration bugs with Redis and Home Assistant.