The Arch Linux-based CachyOS distribution has released a new ISO image for January 2026, featuring a large array of updates and enhancements. Among the highlights is the inclusion of the latest KDE Plasma 6.5.5 desktop environment. The new version comes with the Wayland session enabled by default and introduces the new Plasma Login Manager, which will replace the SDDM on new installations.
This ISO release includes both stable and long-term support (LTS) kernels, ensuring better compatibility with newer hardware. An updated service now shows the syncing status for CachyOS mirrors, and there’s also an improved NVIDIA module designed to reduce interrupt time for low-latency displays.
In addition, the CachyOS ISO supports older NVIDIA GPUs by installing the nouveau-fw for VA-API support for Kepler-family cards and broadens support for newer AMD GPUs. It introduces support for FSR4 ML Frame Generation on both AMD RDNA3 and RDNA4 cards in Proton-CachyOS. Furthermore, it improves integration with Framework laptops using AMD Zen 5 CPUs.
Proton-CachyOS benefits from updates including d7vk module support, enhancements for DualSense haptic feedback, and improvements for keyboard layouts and DLSS preset selections. The installation experience is smoother as well, with the Calamares installer now featuring a bootloader selection page and options for LUKS2 encryption alongside enhancements to Btrfs installations.
Noteworthy adjustments in the GNOME installation include the creation of a dedicated subgroup for GNOME apps, while the Niri installation now utilizes the Noctalia Shell with revamped settings, and handheld device detection has switched to a more efficient management system.
Users can refer to the release notes for a comprehensive overview of the changes in this release, which is readily available for download from the official website. Current users are encouraged to update their systems using the sudo pacman -Syu command or through Plasma Discover.