The six-month wait is over. As predictably as the changing seasons, Canonical has pulled back the curtain on its latest interim release: Ubuntu 25.10, charmingly codenamed “Questing Quokka.” While the spotlight often shines brightest on the Long-Term Support (LTS) releases, these interim builds are where the real innovation happens. This is the testbed, the preview, and the proving ground for features that will define the next LTS. So, the question on every enthusiast’s mind is, Ubuntu 25.10 Questing Quokka what's new?
The answer is: a lot more than you might think. This isn’t just a simple package refresh. The Quokka brings with it the brand new GNOME 49 desktop, swaps out some of Ubuntu’s most iconic core applications for modern replacements, and continues the trend of integrating Rust-based components for a more secure and stable system.
This release, which arrived on October 9, 2025, serves as the final major stepping stone before we arrive at the next LTS, Ubuntu 26.04, in April 2026. If you want a glimpse into the future of Ubuntu, the Questing Quokka is your crystal ball. Let’s dive deep and explore everything new.
The Star of the Show: Exploring the new GNOME 49 features
The most immediate and impactful change in Ubuntu 25.10 is the inclusion of the brand new GNOME 49 features. This latest version of the GNOME desktop environment continues its path of refinement, focusing on usability, performance, and accessibility.
While GNOME 49 brings hundreds of small tweaks, here are the major changes you will feel immediately:
- Revamped Lock Screen: The lock screen is no longer just a static image. It now features integrated media controls, allowing you to pause, play, or skip tracks without fully logging in. Power controls have also been added, making it easier to restart or shut down from the lock screen.
- Accessibility Overhaul: Canonical and the GNOME team have put a significant emphasis on accessibility, driven in part by the European Accessibility Act (EAA). This release features vastly improved support for high-contrast mode, better keyboard navigation across all default apps (including the App Center and Settings), and more reliable screen reader integration.
- HDR Brightness Settings: For those with compatible hardware, GNOME 49 introduces new settings for managing HDR brightness, giving you more granular control over your display’s output.
- System Settings Refinements: As with every new GNOME release, the Settings panel has received numerous small improvements. Panels have been reorganized for a more logical flow, and descriptions have been clarified, making it easier for new users to find what they’re looking for.
This update makes the entire desktop experience feel more cohesive, modern, and, crucially, more accessible to all users.
A New Default App Lineup: Meet Ptyxis and Loupe
Perhaps the most controversial and exciting change in Ubuntu 25.10 is the decision to replace two long-standing default applications. This is a clear move by Canonical to modernize the default Ubuntu experience.
Ptyxis: A Modern, New Terminal Emulator
Goodbye, GNOME Terminal. Hello, Ptyxis.
Ubuntu 25.10 is shipping Ptyxis as the new default terminal emulator. This is a significant move, as the terminal is a cornerstone of the workflow for many developers and power users. Ptyxis is a new, modern terminal built from the ground up, designed to be fast, feature-rich, and integrate seamlessly with the modern GNOME desktop.
While it will take time for long-time users to adapt, the goal of Ptyxis is to provide a more powerful and flexible command-line experience out of the box, setting a new foundation for years to come.
Loupe: Replacing the “Eye of GNOME”
The second major application swap is “Loupe,” which takes over from the venerable “Eye of GNOME” (eog) as the default image viewer. Loupe is a much more modern, GTK4/libadwaita-native application.
It’s designed to be:
- Fast: It handles large images and directories with better performance.
- Touch-Friendly: The design is responsive and works well on convertible laptops or touch-screen devices.
- Visually Integrated: It looks and feels like it belongs in the modern GNOME 49 ecosystem, unlike eog which was beginning to show its age.
This change is a clear signal that Ubuntu is moving forward with the latest generation of GNOME applications, prioritizing a unified and sleek user experience.
Key System-Level and Quality-of-Life Improvements
Beyond the flashy desktop changes, the Ubuntu 25.10 Questing Quokka what's new list goes deep into the system’s core. These are the updates that improve stability, hardware support, and the overall “out-of-the-box” experience.
Linux Kernel 6.17
At the heart of Ubuntu 25.10 is the Linux Kernel 6.17. This new kernel brings a massive list of updates, but the most important for the average user is hardware support. Kernel 6.17 includes:
- Better support for the latest Intel and AMD CPUs.
- Improved drivers for new Wi-Fi cards and peripherals.
- Performance and power-saving optimizations, especially for newer laptops.
- Countless security fixes at the kernel level.
This ensures that Ubuntu 25.10 will run smoothly on the absolute newest hardware available on the market.
Better Media Codecs and Recording
This is a huge quality-of-life win. When you now check the “Install restricted extras” box during installation, Ubuntu will automatically enable support for more Bluetooth codecs, including AAC. This means a much higher-quality audio experience on compatible wireless headphones.
Furthermore, this option now enables hardware-accelerated screen recording in GNOME by default, resulting in smoother, higher-performance screen captures without taxing your CPU.
Technical Tweaks: APT 3.1 and Fractional Scaling
For the power users, Ubuntu 25.10 includes APT 3.1. The latest version of the package manager introduces a handy history feature, making it easier to track package installations, removals, and upgrades.
For users with HiDPI monitors (like 4K displays), the fractional scaling options have been improved. The system now uses “exact quotient” calculations, which should result in a sharper, cleaner display when using non-integer scaling values (like 125% or 150%). Finally, the Software Updater has been tweaked to be less “in-your-face,” only nagging you about updates when it’s truly necessary.
The Big Picture: Why This 9-Month Release Matters
It’s important to remember that Ubuntu 25.10 “Questing Quokka” is an interim release, not a Long-Term Support (LTS) version. This means it only comes with 9 months of support, ending in July 2026.
So, who is this for?
- Enthusiasts and Developers: Users who want the absolute latest packages, kernel, and features.
- Hardware Owners: Anyone who has purchased a brand-new PC or laptop that requires the new 6.17 kernel to function properly.
- The Curious: Users who want to see the future of Ubuntu 26.04 LTS today.
The features being tested in 25.10—like Ptyxis, Loupe, and the deeper integration of Rust—are all candidates for the 26.04 LTS. By using the Quokka, you are actively participating in the stabilization and testing of Ubuntu’s next five-year release. If you are currently on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and value stability above all, we recommend you stay put.
How to Get Ubuntu 25.10 download and install
Convinced and want to give the Questing Quokka a try? You have two primary paths to get the Ubuntu 25.10 download and install process started.
Warning: Before attempting any upgrade or installation, please back up all your important data.
Option 1: Fresh Installation (Recommended)
For the cleanest experience, a fresh installation is always the best path.
- Navigate to the OFFICIAL UBUNTU 25.10 DOWNLOAD PAGE.
- Download the ISO file.
- Use a tool like BALENA ETCHER or Rufus to create a bootable USB drive.
- Boot from the USB drive and follow the on-screen installer. The entire process is very straightforward and can be completed in under 15 minutes.
Option 2: Upgrade from Ubuntu 25.04
If you are already running the previous interim release, Ubuntu 25.04 “Plucky Puffin,” upgrading is simple.
- Ensure your system is fully up-to-date by running
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade. - Once all updates are applied, run the official release upgrader tool:
sudo do-release-upgrade - Follow the prompts. The tool will handle the entire process of downloading and upgrading your packages.
Our Verdict on the Questing Quokka
Ubuntu 25.10 “Questing Quokka” is one of the most exciting interim releases in recent memory. It’s not just a minor bump in version numbers; it’s a meaningful step forward. The central theme is modernization. By embracing GNOME 49, adopting new core apps like Ptyxis and Loupe, and improving the out-of-the-box media experience, Canonical is showing it’s not afraid to make bold changes to improve the user experience.
The answer to Ubuntu 25.10 Questing Quokka what's new is clear: it’s a preview of a faster, sleeker, and more user-friendly future for the entire Ubuntu ecosystem.
What are your thoughts on the new Questing Quokka? Have you already installed Ubuntu 25.10? What has your experience been with the new Ptyxis terminal and Loupe image viewer? Are you excited about these changes, or do you prefer the classic GNOME apps?
Let us know your opinions, tips, and experiences in the comments section below.