Canonical has officially released the beta version of Ubuntu 25.10, codenamed Questing Quokka, for public testing. This release comes packed with several notable changes and improvements aimed at enhancing performance, security, and the overall user experience.
Key Features and Updates
Ubuntu 25.10 is powered by the upcoming Linux 6.17 kernel and features the recently released GNOME 49 desktop environment. Users can expect some significant changes under the hood:
Sudo-rs as Default: The Rust-based sudo implementation improves security and reliability.
Dracut as Default initramfs-tool: Replacing the traditional initramfs-tools for better system boot performance.
Chrony as NTP Client: Ensures accurate time synchronization.
NVIDIA Dynamic Boost Support: Optimized for gaming performance.
TPM-backed Full Disk Encryption (FDE) Recovery Key Management: Enhances system security.
Rust-based Coreutils: Modernizes essential command-line tools.
Wayland-only Session: Ubuntu Desktop now uses Wayland by default, improving graphical performance and security.
Updated Default Apps
Ubuntu 25.10 introduces two new apps that replace older ones:
Loupe replaces Eye of GNOME as the default image viewer.
Ptyxis replaces GNOME Terminal as the default terminal emulator.
All other default Ubuntu apps remain consistent with previous releases.
Ubuntu Insights: Enhanced System Metrics
Canonical replaces Ubuntu Report with Ubuntu Insights, giving users more control over the non-personally identifying metrics they choose to share. Metric collection is opt-in, and previous consents from Ubuntu Report will not carry over.
Updated Toolchain for Developers
Ubuntu 25.10 comes with an updated development environment, including:
GCC 15.2
GNU C Library 2.42
GNU Binutils 2.45
Python 3.13.7
LLVM 20
Boost 1.88
systemd 257.9
Rust 1.85
Go 1.24
OpenJDK 25
OpenSSL 3.5
Mesa 25.2 graphics stack
These updates make Ubuntu 25.10 a robust platform for development, gaming, and daily computing.
Try the Beta Release
Ubuntu 25.10 beta is available for Desktop, Server, Cloud, Edubuntu, Kubuntu, Xubuntu, Lubuntu, Ubuntu Studio, Ubuntu Unity, Ubuntu Cinnamon, Ubuntu Budgie, Ubuntu Kylin, and Ubuntu MATE.
Note: This is a pre-release version meant for testing. Avoid installing it on production systems. The final release is scheduled for October 9th, 2025.
Download the beta today from the official Ubuntu website and explore the exciting new features of Ubuntu 25.10 (Questing Quokka).
If you want, I can also create a shorter, punchy version optimized for maximum click-through on Google. It will be highly SEO-friendly and under 350 words.