Major Platform and Security Enhancements
Canonical has announced the general availability of Ubuntu 25.10, codenamed “Questing Quokka,” as of October 9, 2025. This release marks a significant step toward the next Ubuntu LTS by introducing memory-safe implementations of core system utilities and improved security features. The update is available for download from the official Ubuntu website.
Ubuntu 25.10 is the first major Linux distribution to make sudo-rs—a Rust-based implementation of the sudo command—the default, while still offering the traditional version for compatibility. According to Erik Jonkers, Chair at Trifecta Tech Foundation, “Seeing sudo-rs landing in Ubuntu is a huge achievement we’re very excited about. We applaud Canonical for pushing for memory safety and thank them for the collaboration over the past months to get sudo-rs ready for the 25.10 release.” The release also adopts the uutils Rust implementation of coreutils, focusing on memory safety and compatibility.
Security advances include experimental support for TPM-backed Full Disk Encryption (FDE). This feature leverages Trusted Platform Modules to store cryptographic keys, enhancing data protection at rest. New options allow for passphrase management, recovery key regeneration, and improved firmware update integration. While the feature is available for testing, Canonical advises against production use at this stage.
Modernized User Experience and Accessibility
Ubuntu 25.10 ships with GNOME 49, introducing updated media and power controls on the lock screen, improved accessibility, and HDR brightness settings. Two new default applications debut: Loupe, a modern image viewer, and Ptyxis, a new terminal emulator. The installer now supports additional Bluetooth codecs and hardware-accelerated screen recording, further optimizing performance.
In line with the European Accessibility Act (EAA), Canonical has enhanced Ubuntu’s accessibility. The App Center and Settings now offer better support for high-contrast mode, keyboard navigation, and screen reading. A more prominent accessibility menu appears on the login screen, streamlining access to assistive technologies from the outset.
Expanded Developer Ecosystem
The release includes the latest upstream versions of key programming languages and tools: OpenJDK 25, Python 3.14 RC3, Golang 1.25, GCC 15, and Rust 1.85 (with 1.88 also available). A preview of the Zig compiler is offered for amd64 and arm64 architectures. Ubuntu 25.10 also features a preview of .NET 10, the forthcoming long-term support release from Microsoft, and delivers improvements to the .NET Snapcraft plugin for better monorepo and MSBuild support.
Additionally, Powershell tools are now accessible via Snap on arm64, ppc64el, and s390x platforms, broadening the developer experience on Ubuntu.
Network Security and Virtualization
Ubuntu 25.10 enables Network Time Security (NTS) by default, building on its initial inclusion in Ubuntu 25.04. NTS enhances the security of the Network Time Protocol by providing cryptographic authentication for time synchronization.
The release also expands support for confidential computing and introduces nested virtualization capabilities on Arm architectures, reflecting Canonical’s commitment to enterprise and cloud users.
Looking Ahead
Ubuntu 25.10 serves as a “statement of intent” for the upcoming Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, showcasing Canonical’s focus on security, accessibility, and developer productivity. The release coincides with a revamped Ubuntu Summit, offering a global platform for updates on Ubuntu and open source developments.