Nix OS just launched Your 25.05 version, a long-awaited update for the community that introduces significant technical changes along with improvements to the user experience. The development team, comprised of thousands of contributors, has presented a more robust, modern, and flexible distribution, committed to stability and innovation in the GNU/Linux world.
With this new version, NixOS reaffirms its focus on declarative and reproducible configuration, allowing users to deploy their systems consistently. This release comes six months after the previous major release, integrating recent technologies and updating a large number of key components.
NixOS 25.05 introduces revamped Linux kernels and updated desktops
One of the great protagonists of NixOS 25.05 is the inclusion of the latest Linux 6.12 LTS kernels y 6.14, ensuring compatibility with both current hardware and new technologies. On the desktop, users can enjoy the GNOME 48 “Bengaluru”, which brings significant improvements such as HDR support, an improved notification system, and a new music player, among other new features. It also introduces support for System76's COSMIC desktop, developed in Rust, paving the way for future integrations.
Along with GNOME, other environments receive relevant updates: Xfce 4.20, Cinnamon 6.4 y Pantheon 8, allowing users to choose from several modern and complete options. Graphical installation images are available with both GNOME and KDE Plasma, designed for Intel/AMD (x86_64) and ARM64 (AArch64) architectures, as well as a Minimal version aimed at advanced users.
Packaging and modules, a deep cleaning
In this development cycle, they have been incorporated almost 8.000 new packages and updated more than 28.000 existing ones. The commitment to stability is reflected in the Removal of more than 1.600 packages considered unsafe or obsoleteIn addition, the system introduces 137 additional system modules and nearly 2.000 new configuration options, expanding the distribution's customization and adaptability.
In parallel, modules and utilities that were no longer maintained or had become obsolete have been removed, thus cleaning up the system's foundation to ensure its future maintainability and reliability.
New management tools and internal improvements
NixOS 25.05 not only renews its packages and desktops, It also launches significant tools:
- The command nixos-rebuild build-image allows users to generate disk images tailored to different platforms, facilitating system customization and deployment.
- El nixos-rebuild-ng is a complete rewrite of the systems build utility, now in Python, improving the tool's efficiency and maintainability.
- It is also updated nixos-option, now based on a Nix expression called from a simple bash script.
- The Mesa graphics drivers They have seen their packaging restructured, which improves management and performance on systems with modern GPUs.
- virtualization.containers With the “podman” backend, it now supports rootless containers, expanding virtualization and security options.
Updates to essential tools and services
The NixOS toolkit also receives recent releases: OpenSSH 10.0p2, LLVM 19 y GCC 14, among others. Support for the Lockable HTTP Tarball protocol has been added to channels.nixos.org, expanding the possibilities for channel distribution and updates.
In terms of virtualization services and options, compatibility and functionality have expanded. Supported desktops offer a modern experience, while system services and utilities have been revised and improved to offer improved performance and security.
NixOS 25.05 Availability and Download
Nix OS 25.05 can now be downloaded from the Official Site in several versions adapted to different needs: graphic images with GNOME and KDE Plasma for x86_64 and ARM64 architectures, or a Minimal version designed for those who prefer a highly customizable, clean installation.
This release demonstrates a commitment to innovation while maintaining system stability and consistency. The community Nix OS continues to push the boundaries of GNU/Linux system configuration and management, adapting to the demands of both experienced and new users.