Ubuntu 25.10 “Questing Quokka” is Here: A Deep Dive into the Latest Release
Ubuntu 25.10, codenamed “Questing Quokka,” is now available for download. This interim release brings a host of improvements focused on stability, performance, and a refined user experience. As a long-time Linux user and observer of the Ubuntu ecosystem, I’m here to break down what this update means for you, whether you’re a seasoned Linux enthusiast or considering making the switch.
Enhanced Stability and Performance
One of the core focuses of Ubuntu 25.10 is a smoother, more reliable experience. Several key changes contribute to this:
* Resume from Sleep Improvements: The system now defaults to resuming from sleep, minimizing the risk of freezes and data corruption – a common frustration for many users.
* Fractional Scaling Refinement: Blurriness with fractional scaling is reduced, providing a sharper visual experience on high-resolution displays.
* Font Consistency: Ubuntu’s default monospace font size has been adjusted to align with the UI font size in terminals and other applications, improving readability and visual harmony.
New Default Applications & Core Components
Ubuntu 25.10 introduces several new default applications and updates to core system components. these changes aim to modernize the experience and leverage newer technologies.
* Ptyxis Terminal: GNOME Terminal is replaced by Ptyxis, a modern terminal emulator offering enhanced features and performance.
* loupe Image Viewer: Eye of GNOME is superseded by Loupe, providing a streamlined image viewing experience.
* sudo-rs: Ubuntu now utilizes sudo-rs, a Rust-based implementation of the sudo tool, promising improved security and performance.
* Dracut & systemd: The initramfs-tool is replaced with Dracut, leveraging systemd for a more robust and feature-rich initial ramdisk infrastructure. This unlocks support for technologies like Bluetooth and NVMe-oF.
* Chrony Time Daemon: systemd-timesyncd is replaced by Chrony, utilizing Ubuntu’s Network Time Security (NTS) servers for more accurate and secure time synchronization.
Smarter Updates & Enhanced Security
Managing updates and securing your system are crucial. Ubuntu 25.10 delivers improvements in both areas.
* Non-Intrusive Updates: Say goodbye to disruptive update pop-ups! Ubuntu now uses notifications to inform you of available updates, allowing you to choose when and how to install them. An icon in your system tray will also remind you of pending updates.
* TPM-Backed Full Disk encryption (FDE): Experimental support for TPM-backed FDE adds an extra layer of security, protecting your data even if your device is lost or stolen.
Important Dates & System Requirements
Here’s what you need to know about support and getting started:
* Support Lifecycle: Ubuntu 25.10 will receive nine months of updates, until July 2026.
* System Requirements:
* 2 GHz dual-core processor or better
* 4 GB system memory
* 25 GB of free hard drive space
* USB port or DVD drive for installation media
You can download Ubuntu 25.10 directly from the official Ubuntu website. For a thorough list of changes and technical details, consult the Questing Quokka release notes on Ubuntu Discourse.
Looking Ahead: Ubuntu 26.04 LTS
canonical has already announced that the next Long Term Support (LTS) release, Ubuntu 26.04, will be codenamed “Resolute Raccoon.” LTS releases provide five years of support, making them ideal for users prioritizing long-term stability.
Considering a Switch?
If you’re currently using Windows 10, which reaches end of support in just five days, now is an excellent time to explore alternatives. Ubuntu, along with distributions like Linux Mint and Fedora, offer a secure, customizable, and often more performant operating system.
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