Canonical has officially announced Ubuntu 25.10 “Questing Quokka”, the latest version of its flagship Linux distribution. This release marks a historic shift, as Xorg/X11 is completely replaced by Wayland, now the only display server available. Ubuntu 25.10 offers a smoother, more modern experience, alongside numerous technical upgrades for both performance and security.

Kernel, GPU Drivers, and Hardware Support

Ubuntu 25.10 runs on Linux kernel 6.17 (RC7) and includes Mesa 25.2.3 drivers, providing improved support for Intel Arc Xe3 integrated GPUs in Core Ultra processors and discrete Arc Pro B50 and B60 (Battlemage) GPUs. For NVIDIA users, the proprietary driver now enables Suspend-resume by default, reducing visual glitches and system freezes when waking from sleep mode.

Updated GNOME Environment and Interface Improvements

The desktop environment is powered by GNOME 49, with a smaller default monospace font for better interface consistency. Key application updates include:

  • Ptyxis replaces GNOME Terminal.
  • Loupe replaces GNOME Eye for image viewing.
  • sudo-rs, a Rust-based rewrite of sudo, enhances command security and reliability.

System Optimizations and Security Enhancements

Ubuntu 25.10 introduces several significant system-level improvements:

  • Initramfs is now managed by Dracut, with better support for systemd, Bluetooth, and NVMe over Fabrics (NVMe-oF).
  • Chrony replaces systemd-timesyncd as the default time daemon, using Ubuntu’s NTS (Network Time Security) servers for more secure time synchronization.
  • Update management is less intrusive, with non-disruptive notifications and one-click installation, plus a persistent system tray icon to track available updates.
  • Experimental full disk encryption (FDE) via TPM adds an extra layer of security for sensitive data.
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Requirements and Availability

Ubuntu 25.10 will be supported for nine months, until July 2026, and is available now on the official Ubuntu website. Minimum system requirements:

  • Dual-core processor at 2 GHz
  • 4 GB RAM
  • 25 GB disk space
  • USB port or DVD drive for installation

Canonical has also confirmed the next LTS release for April 2026: Ubuntu 26.04 “Resolute Raccoon”.

Conclusion

Ubuntu 25.10 “Questing Quokka” represents a major milestone for the distribution, with Wayland as the standard, GNOME 49 updates, improved GPU support, and enhanced security features. Users can enjoy a smoother, more reliable Linux experience while preparing for the next LTS release, which promises even more innovative features.

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