Ubuntu 25.10 “Questing Quokka”: A Technological Leap Forward with Linux Kernel 6.17
With Canonical’s official announcement, Ubuntu 25.10 “Questing Quokka” establishes itself as a major non-LTS release, driven in particular by the integration of Linux kernel 6.17. This recent kernel brings increased hardware compatibility and numerous system optimizations, improving both performance and stability for various architectures, including x86_64 and RISC-V.
Linux 6.17 introduces substantial improvements in processor management, support for new hardware generations, and network optimizations. For users and system administrators, this means the ability to take advantage of recent technologies without resorting to complex backports. For example, advanced support for ARM64 architectures continues to be refined, which is crucial for the expansion of embedded and mobile environments under Ubuntu. On the RISC-V platform, Ubuntu 25.10 now requires the RVA23 profile, a standard that ensures increased compatibility but temporarily limits the use of native hardware due to low availability. Practically speaking, this still forces some users to use QEMU to emulate RISC-V environments, but it strengthens the robustness of support in the medium term.
The integration of Linux kernel 6.17 is consistent with Canonical’s strategy to keep Ubuntu at the cutting edge of technology while ensuring a stable foundation for developers and businesses. This kernel version also benefits from improved file system management, which improves reliability and speed of data access, an important asset for demanding workloads.
Expanded support for x86_64, ARM64, and RISC-V architectures.
- Network optimizations for cloud and server environments.
- Improved file system performance.
- Guaranteed compatibility with recent hardware.
- Prepared for the accelerated adoption of RISC-V processors via QEMU.
- In this context, Linux infrastructure managers, whether familiar with Debian, Fedora, or other distributions like Kubuntu and Xubuntu, will find Ubuntu 25.10 a solid foundation for their deployments while benefiting from the advancements of the latest Linux kernel. Those who enjoy leveraging the increasingly popular Rust technology will also find modernized system tools integrated into this release.
Discover all the new features and functionality of Ubuntu 25.10. Information on the release date, improvements, and tips for a successful upgrade.
Ubuntu 25.10 comes with the GNOME 49 desktop by default, marking a major step in the evolution of the user interface. GNOME 49 brings a subtle yet effective visual refresh, with improved fluidity and greater integration of new features specific to the Linux ecosystem in 2025.
Among the new features, the Mutter window manager benefits from numerous optimizations offering better responsiveness and more refined graphics rendering. These improvements result in a fluid feel that reduces noticeable latency when using multiple simultaneous applications. GNOME 49 also introduces redesigned tools for managing system settings, making navigation easier for both novice users and experienced administrators.
The integration of redesigned native applications provides a more seamless experience. For example, the Loupe image viewer replaces Eye of GNOME, bringing better format support and a more modern interface. The new Ptyxis terminal, written with advanced technologies, replaces the old Gnome Terminal. This tool benefits from improved session management and seamless integration with modern shells.
Smoother user interface thanks to Mutter optimizations.
- Modernized native applications for better visual consistency.
- Loupe as the default image viewer, supporting a wide range of formats.
- Ptyxis: a new terminal offering stability and advanced features.
- Reorganized settings for more intuitive administration.
- Users familiar with environments like Fedora or Pop!_OS will find familiar elements in GNOME 49 on Ubuntu, but benefit from a modernized experience tailored to Canonical’s specific offerings. Advanced settings management is particularly appreciated for the quick configuration of Bluetooth and audio devices, as well as for native security options.
This development also reduces reliance on obsolete interfaces like X11, now completely abandoned in favor of Wayland, thus ensuring better security and optimized support for high-resolution displays. This transition is an important strategic step in the modernization of consumer and professional Linux distributions.
Discover all the new features and improvements in Ubuntu 25.10: features, security updates, and information on the release date. Get ready for an even more powerful Linux experience with this new release!
One of the first Ubuntu releases to integrate modern compiler and utility tools, Ubuntu 25.10 introduces GCC 15 and Rust 1.85, marking a real turning point in application building on Linux. The combination of these two languages reflects a strong trend toward high-performance yet secure development.
GCC 15 improves code generation optimized for 64-bit architectures, enabling significant gains in execution speed and reduced power consumption. This applies to both desktop applications and system components, essential in enterprise and cloud environments. Developers can therefore leverage a more refined compiler, with advanced options for diagnostics and profiling.
The Rust language, for its part, is increasingly establishing itself at the heart of Linux systems. Ubuntu 25.10 embraces this momentum with the integration of several system tools written in Rust, including
sudo-rs and Coreutils rewritten in this secure language. These replacements aim to reduce the risk of memory vulnerabilities while maintaining optimal performance. GCC 15 boosts code generation with advanced optimizations.
- Rust 1.85 promotes memory safety in system tools.
- Adoption of sudo-rs to strengthen privilege escalation security.
- Gradual rebuilding of Coreutils in Rust.
- Positive impact on the reliability and maintainability of Linux systems.
- This early integration of Rust into the Ubuntu core is not just a technical move, but a strong signal to the entire open source community. It promises a more robust Linux ecosystem less prone to vulnerabilities. Derivative distributions like Kubuntu, Xubuntu, and even competitors like Red Hat and Debian are also monitoring these developments to consider similar integrations in their branches.
For developers and administrators, this means an increased need to master these languages. Rust’s rise to prominence is also accompanied by an ecosystem of libraries and tools that facilitate the writing of complex system software with an excellent balance between performance and security. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGWxeeTFSWk
System Improvements and New Features in the Ubuntu 25.10 User Experience
For example, the new version offers optimized Bluetooth audio management, more seamlessly supporting advanced audio profiles for modern devices. This is particularly useful in today’s widespread teleworking or multimedia environments. Administrators have long relied on DKMS to manage third-party kernel modules, and Ubuntu 25.10 continues this trend with improvements to support for file systems like bcachefs, which is growing in popularity in professional environments for its advanced caching capabilities.
Refined Bluetooth audio handling for better compatibility.
DKMS update to support modern file systems such as bcachefs on Ubuntu.
Improvements to the Snap and Flatpak update system.
- New Dracut boot mechanism to replace initramfs-tools.
- Proven support for full disk encryption via TPM. The adoption of Dracut as the new initramfs generation tool simplifies complex boot configurations. This tool is renowned for its flexibility, especially on advanced or hybrid configurations, a significant advantage for system administrators seeking efficiency.Also included is experimental support for full disk encryption (FDE) with the Trusted Platform Module (TPM), which represents a significant improvement in data security. This feature ensures that stored data remains protected even in the event of physical theft of the hardware, a critical issue in business and educational environments. Find out everything about the launch of Ubuntu 25.10: new features, improvements, functionality, and tips for a successful upgrade to this innovative version of the popular Linux operating system.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEL476niuWs
- Ubuntu 25.10 vs. the Linux Ecosystem: Positioning and Outlook
- Ubuntu 25.10 is part of a highly competitive but complementary Linux ecosystem, where each distribution has its own unique positioning. Canonical, with its innovative approach while maintaining an excellent level of stability, continues to appeal to a broad base, from novice users to seasoned professionals.
With a solid Debian foundation, Ubuntu draws on this heritage to provide a wealth of software, while incorporating its own specific features to distinguish itself. Distributions like Fedora and Red Hat, more business- and server-oriented, offer robust alternatives but are less focused on the desktop user experience. Ubuntu, on the other hand, aims to democratize the use of multifaceted Linux on personal PCs, laptops, and workstations.
Furthermore, official variants like Kubuntu, Xubuntu, and the more recent Pop!_OS offer a diversity of desktop environments, each benefiting from the kernel advancements and system tools of the main release. This richness allows users to choose an environment perfectly suited to their needs, while benefiting from Canonical’s innovations.
Healthy competition with Fedora, Red Hat, and other distributions.
Official variants (Kubuntu, Xubuntu, Pop!_OS) for diverse user needs. Focusing on an accessible yet powerful desktop experience.
This release paves the way for the next LTS release, planned for 2026, with the stated goal of providing an increasingly secure, high-performance environment tailored to the needs of today’s users. This also translates into better support for emerging technologies, with recurring and easy-to-apply updates.
For those considering an upgrade, it may be wise to learn more about the changes to Linux kernel 6.17 in Ubuntu 25.10 or to study concrete installation scenarios using virtualized tools like VMware ( VMware Ubuntu Installation).