Ubuntu 26.10 Introduces Ubuntu Certified Checking Feature in Settings

Ubuntu 26.10 is set to introduce a feature that allows users to check if their devices are Ubuntu Certified directly from the Settings application. This new functionality can be accessed through Settings > System > About, where users will find an option that indicates whether their computer is certified for Ubuntu.

Previously, users could check their device’s certification status through a command-line tool called hwlib, but this new feature streamlines the process, enabling certification checks without entering terminal commands. The certification statuses that may appear include:

• Ubuntu certified
• Certified for a different Ubuntu version
• Not certified but similar to a model that is
• Not certified
• Unable to check
• Status unknown

This update also includes an option to enable regular checks, where hardware details are sent to Canonical to verify certification status. Importantly, Canonical assures that no personal data is transmitted with this information.

The certification check first retrieves cached data, reducing the need to contact Canonical’s servers every time the panel is accessed. If a device is not officially certified, the feature will help identify if it is similar to a certified model, aiding users in determining potential compatibility with Ubuntu.

For a device to wear the Ubuntu Certified badge, manufacturers (OEMs or ODMs) pay a licensing fee to Canonical, covering testing, maintenance, and custom firmware necessary for ensuring optimal performance with Ubuntu. It’s worth noting that while many users run Ubuntu on devices without this certification, the absence of a certificate does not necessarily imply inferior performance.

This feature was incorporated into the gnome-control-center earlier this week and will appear in upcoming daily builds of Ubuntu 26.10 ahead of the stable release expected in mid-October.

For more details, visit the Ubuntu Certified hardware page.