Ubuntu 25.10 Beta launches with Linux 6.17, GNOME 49, Wayland-only session

Canonical has released the Ubuntu 25.10 “Questing Quokka” Beta, the final test build before the stable release on October 9, 2025. It ships with Linux kernel 6.17, improving hardware support across Intel, AMD, ARM, and RISC-V, alongside updates to Btrfs, F2FS, and EXT4. RISC-V desktop support advances as Firefox and Thunderbird now run natively on the architecture.

On the desktop, Ubuntu adopts GNOME 49, adding per-monitor brightness controls in quick settings, media controls on the lock screen, and a refreshed Yaru theme with new icons and smoother boot animations. Accessibility options are now on the login screen. Wayland is the sole session available, with Xorg support removed, though legacy X11 apps continue to function through XWayland. Loupe replaces Eye of GNOME as the default image viewer, and Ptyxis takes over from GNOME Terminal.

Security improvements include TPM-backed full-disk encryption with entropy and PIN support, better recovery key handling, and reminders during firmware updates. Dracut replaces initramfs-tools, Chrony provides more secure network time, and Rust-based sudo and coreutils strengthen reliability. Updated toolchains (GCC 15.2, glibc 2.42, Python 3.13.7, Rust 1.85, OpenJDK 25, and systemd 257.9) and enterprise integration with Microsoft Entra ID and Landscape position the release as a foundation for the upcoming Ubuntu 26.04 LTS.