Ubuntu 25.10, released on October 9, 2025, introduces numerous improvements and enhancements under its theme, ‘Questing Quokka’. This version features not just cosmetic tweaks but substantial foundational changes aimed at enhancing user experience and system performance.
GNOME 49 Desktop
The upgrade to GNOME 49 brings a variety of useful changes aimed at improving daily operations within Ubuntu.
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File Manager Enhancements: Nautilus, the file manager, has seen updates with a redesigned search interface and new features like a calendar widget for searching files. The cut file icon features a dashed border for easier identification, and hidden items now have a slight transparency for better visibility. New shortcuts like
Ctrl + .open the current folder in the terminal. -
Improved Lock & Login Controls: Media playback controls are now accessible directly from the lock screen, enhancing usability. An accessibility menu at the login screen also improves access to features like a screen reader and magnification tools.
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Notifications Management: The Do Not Disturb toggle has moved to the Quick Settings for better accessibility, and new brightness controls allow for individual adjustments for HDR monitors.
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Smoother Interface Animations: GNOME Shell 49 offers refined animation transitions making the OS feel more fluid.
New Default Applications
Ubuntu 25.10 introduces two key applications: Ptyxis, a modern terminal emulator, and Loupe, a new image viewer. Both applications enhance usability and performance.
Update Notifications Revamped
The update manager has been adjusted to deliver notifications less intrusively, providing a smoother user experience without stealing focus during work.
User Interface Improvements
Desktop icons have received keyboard navigation enhancements, making it easier for users to manage their workspace. The Yaru icon set has also been updated with new icons, including a refreshed trash can design.
Security and Performance Enhancements
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TPM-backed Full Disk Encryption: This new feature allows for secure disk unlocking using a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) or an additional passphrase, making encryption processes smoother.
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Dracut Adoption: The switch to Dracut for generating the initial RAM filesystem enhances boot safety and reliability.
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Rust Integration: The introduction of
sudo-rs, a Rust-based implementation of the commonly usedsudo, enhances memory safety. Additionally, core utilities have transitioned to Rust, providing performance improvements.
Networking and Time Synchronization
Chrony has been adopted as the default time synchronization daemon with enhanced security features, addressing vulnerabilities in traditional NTP protocols.
System Upgrades
Ubuntu 25.10 ships with the latest Linux kernel (6.17), featuring better hardware support and significant performance optimizations. Mesa 25.2 is also included, enhancing graphics performance, particularly for gaming.
RISC-V Support Update
The requirements for RISC-V installations have changed, with the new RVA23 profile becoming the standard. Existing RISC-V users on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS will maintain support for the foreseeable future.
Download and Upgrade Availability
Ubuntu 25.10 is available for download starting October 9, 2025, with various images for different architectures. Users on Ubuntu 25.04 can upgrade directly, while those on earlier versions will need to transition through intermediate upgrades.
For those currently using Ubuntu 25.04, the new features in 25.10 offer significant improvements worth considering. However, users on LTS versions like 24.04 may prefer to wait for the next LTS release in 2026, which will incorporate many updates from 25.10.
For more information, you can check the official Ubuntu releases page.