Today is November 9th, and Canonical has already released Ubuntu 25.10Although whenever "Ubuntu" is mentioned, we always think of an operating system, it's actually the basis for the main version with GNOME and the rest of the flavors, both official and unofficial (such as Linux Mint). This article discusses the release of the official versions, of which there are a total of eleven.
We've hit the publish button for this article as soon as the ISO image for the main release was available for download. Others, such as Edubuntu, Kubuntu, and Lubuntu, were already available hours before. This post will be updated with information as we learn, including any breaking news released by one of the official releases. Let's get to the details. most outstanding news of each version.
General news about the Questing Quokka family
As we mentioned, all official flavors are "Ubuntu" and share the same base, unless one of them decides not to adopt something, which isn't very common. The general list of new features would be as follows:
- Supported for 9 months, until July 2026.
- Linux 6.17I can't confirm if what's included right away is a Release Candidate, but it shouldn't be because the stable version has been available for 10 days now.
- Dracut replaces initramfs-tools as the default initramfs generator.
- Improvements to ARM64 boot support, with a minimal UEFI stub “stubble” added to improve boot compatibility.
- sudo is now sudo-rs, a default implementation of Rust. The traditional version remains available for compatibility.
- Libre Office 25.8.
- Is introduced Ubuntu Insights, which replaces Ubuntu Report to collect system metrics (without personal data) and requires explicit user consent.
- Packages updated to newer versions, including:
- GCC 15.2.
- glibc 2.42.
- Binutils 2.45.
- LLVM 20.
- Rust 1.85.
- Go 1.24.
- Open JDK 25.
- Python 3.13.7.
- Open SSL 3.5.
- Table 25.2.
- APT 3.1.
- systemd 257.9.
- PipeWire 1.4.7.
- Blue Z 5.83.
- Gstreamer 1.26.6.
- Power Profiles Daemon 0.30.
And here we go with the news and downloads (from the button) of each version.
Ubuntu 25.10: New Features Beyond the Desktop
In addition to the shared changes, Ubuntu 25.10 arrives with the most notable new feature of the desktop GNOME 49Highlights include an update to the file manager with a redesigned, more functional search window. File type icons now display a subtle dotted border that makes them easier to distinguish when interacting with. A new shortcut has also been added: Ctrl + ., which opens the current folder directly in the terminal.
The lock screen gains prominence by being compatible with the protocol MPRIS, displaying a widget with media controls when playing content. It also adds a accessibility menu, offering more options without having to log in.
El “Do not disturb” mode is moved to the quick settings in the system tray, while the application Configuration It sports a more polished and coherent interface. System animations have also been smoothed out, reinforcing the overall fluidity.
Among the application changes, Ptyxis becomes the new default terminal, and Magnifying glass takes over as the default image viewer. Finally, X11 disappears as main graphics server, consolidating the definitive transition to Wayland.
Kubuntu 25.10: Goodbye to X11 in a risky move
The Kubuntu team has been working hard to deliver version 25.10 with the latest in the KDE ecosystem: plasma 6.4, built entirely on Qt 6This is the fifth major release in the 6 series, a version that further refines the transition to the next generation of the KDE desktop.
By default, the system boots with Plasma Wayland, reaffirming the shift toward a modern and efficient environment. Those who prefer the classic X11 You can continue using it without any complications by simply installing the package. plasma-session-x11.
At its base, Kubuntu 25.10 comes with Qt 6.8 y KDE Framework 6.17.0, ensuring compatibility with the latest KDE environment technologies. However, support for older applications based on Qt5 and Frameworks 5 is maintained, with the versions Qt 5.15.17 y KF5.116.0 available in the repositories.
All applications in the suite kdegear included from the Ubuntu or Debian repositories have been updated to at least the version 25.08, ensuring consistency, stability, and access to the latest improvements to the KDE ecosystem.
Lubuntu 25.10, an update in the lightest environment
The most notable new feature of Lubuntu 25.10 is that it has switched to using LXQt 2.2, the desktop on which we wrote in April of this year. Otherwise, some packages have been updated, such as
- Qt 6.8.3
- LibreOffice 25.8
- VLC 3.0.21
- Feather Pad 1.6.2
- Discover Software Center 6.4.5
Xubuntu 25.10 stays on Xfce 4.20 while it catches up
The Xfce-based flavor of Ubuntu uses Xfce, of course, but also components from other desktops. In Questing Quokka, Xubuntu uses Xfce 4.20, a version with the latest updates, stability improvements, and more Wayland support. Furthermore, many applications come directly from GNOME 49 and MATE 1.26.
Ubuntu Budgie 25.10, last stop towards Wayland
The development of this version has focused on the transition to a more based on Wayland, a change that will be completed for version 26.04 with Budgie Desktop 10.10, which will be exclusively Wayland. For now, Budgie 25.10 still uses Xorg, although users can try Wayland through a PPA.
Among the notable improvements:
- It includes Budgie Desktop 10.9.3, compatible with GNOME 49 and with new specific keys in gsettings, which requires reconfiguring custom keys.
- El Budgie Control Center has been updated, maintaining compatibility with tablets Wacom, despite the GNOME changes.
- The new composer will be based on wlroots (labwc), lightweight and fast, with seamless integration of GNOME tweaks.
- They have also been tested Wayfire y Mir as experimental alternatives.
- The old one disappears gnome screensaver, replaced by swaylock (o gtklock for those who prefer the classic style).
- Several official and third-party applets already work under Wayland.
- The topics well y QogirBudgie have fully adapted to the Snaps, improving visual integration.
- The wallpaper and welcome app have been updated, now including specific settings for “Questing.”
Ubuntu MATE 25.10
Waiting to know the list of new features.
Ubuntu Studio 25.10 introduces macOS-style bar and updates its metapackage for content creators
Ubuntu Studio 25.10 comes packed with improvements that aim to make the experience more comfortable and powerful for both content creators and regular users. Among the most visible changes are a optional macOS-style layout, with a lower dock and global menu, designed for those who want a more familiar transition. Additionally, the audio settings have been expanded, offering new options for customizing the sound experience.
In the musical field, the incorporation of JackTrip, which allows you to connect audio between multiple devices graphically to collaborate remotely, and the return of IDJC (Internet DJ Console) after years of absence. Numerous additions have also been made plugins and audio synthesizers, and essential tools such as PipeWire 1.4.7, Audacity 3.7.5 y Carl 2.5.10, ensuring a more stable and modern workflow.
The graphic and photographic section is not far behind either. GIMP 3.0.4, Krita 5.2.11 e Inkscape 1.4.2 offer a powerful environment for image editing, while digikam 8.7.0 remains a benchmark in photo management. In addition, new applications are coming, such as Photocollage y PicPlanner, expanding the creative possibilities of users.
For video, KDEnlive 25.08.1 y Freeshow 1.4.9 ensure a more polished and efficient editing flow.
As to desktop environment, Ubuntu Studio 25.10 is based on KDE Plasma 6.4.5Together with KDE Framework 6.17, Qt 6.8.3 y KDE Gear 25.08.1, offering a modern, fast desktop consistent with the latest KDE technologies.
Among the most relevant multimedia packages are Blender 4.3.2, Krita 5.2.11, GIMP 3.0.4, Ardour 8.12.0, Scribus 1.6.3, Darktable 5.0.1, Inkscape 1.4.2, Carla 2.5.10, OBS Studio 30.2.3, MyPaint 2.0.1, Audacity 3.7.5 and KDEnlive 25.08.1, offering a complete suite for creators.
Edubuntu 25.10 updates the desktop and adds more games for learning.
There aren't many new features to highlight in Edubuntu 25.10, as it's basically the main version with the educational metapackages. The apps and desktop have been updated, using the same GNOME 49 as in the main version. Additionally, more learning games have been added, and Thunderbird is now the preferred email client, replacing Geany.
Ubuntu Unity 25.10… unavailable until further notice
According to information published on their Discourse, they encountered issues and decided not to release the stable version. We'll see what happens in the future.
Ubuntu Cinnamon 25.10 moves to Cinnamon 6.4
Ubuntu Cinnamon 25.10 arrives with the latest in the series Cinnamon 6.4, consolidating improvements and stability on the desktop. This release includes Cinnamon 6.4.12, Cinnamon Control Center 6.4.1, Screensaver 6.4.0, Cinnamon Session 6.4.1, CJS 128, mozjs 128, Settings Daemon 6.4.3, Muffin 6.4.1 y no 6.4.5, in addition to integration with XDG Desktop Portal (XApp) 1.1.2, offering a modern, consistent and reliable environment for Cinnamon users.
Other notable applications include: GNOME Calculator 48.0.2, GNOME Calendar 48.1, GNOME Screenshot 41, Evidence 48.0, gedit 48.1, gThumb 3.12.7, Rhythmbox 3.4.8, Deja Dup 49, File Roller 44.5, LibreOffice 25.8.1 y SimpleScan 48.1, forming a set of updated software ready for daily use.
The visual experience also receives attention: the theme Yaru-Cinnamon has been updated, offering a more polished and modern look, thanks to the work of the community and developers like Initu Castilhos.
Ubuntu Kylin 25.10 arrives with Ukui 4.0
Ubuntu Kylin 25.10 uses UKUI 4.0 as its graphical environment and has updated applications to bring them up to date. We're sorry we can't share more about this official version, but everything important is in Chinese. They have a website in English, but it doesn't update so soon.
Enjoy Ubuntu 25.10, whichever flavor you choose.
Now it's time to take advantage of everything new in Ubuntu 25.10, whatever flavor you're currently using. Enjoy!