The third monthly snapshot of Ubuntu 25.10, code named Questing Quokka, has been released. This "Questing Snapshot 3" is basically a peek at how the development of Ubuntu 25.10 is coming along.
For those wondering, Snapshots are like a sneak peek or a rough draft of the new Ubuntu version. They're like monthly updates that show how the development is going. The idea is to let people try out the latest changes and help the Ubuntu team find any issues.
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Download Ubuntu 25.10 Questing Quokka
You can download the latest Ubuntu 25.10 "Questing Quokka" images at cdimage.ubuntu.com. You can also find snapshots for other Ubuntu flavours like Lubuntu and Ubuntu Budgie from the same place.
Exciting New Features Coming in Ubuntu 25.10
These snapshots are building towards some really cool stuff planned for the full Ubuntu 25.10 release, the Questing Quokka. Here are a couple of big ones:
1. TPM-Backed Full Disk Encryption (FDE)
Ubuntu 25.10 is bringing in an experimental feature for protecting your data.
This uses a special chip in most modern computers called a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) to keep everything on your disk safe. It checks your system's integrity and makes sure your disk only unlocks if your computer hasn't been tampered with.
There will be intelligent checks during installation, robust recovery key management, and even an option to add an extra passphrase for double protection.
This feature is still experimental in 25.10, and the team will be asking for people to test it out closer to the release date to gather feedback.
2. Switching to sudo-rs
Ubuntu 25.10 is also making a big change by adopting sudo-rs as the default sudo tool. The "rs" stands for Rust, which is a programming language.
This change is all about making Ubuntu more secure and reliable because Rust helps prevent certain types of security flaws that can happen in older languages like C.
For most users, you won't even notice a difference in how you use your computer. This is part of a larger effort to use more modern, safer programming languages for important system tools.
3. Removal of GNOME on Xorg Session
With Ubuntu 25.10 "Questing Quokka", the Ubuntu team is removing the Xorg-based Ubuntu session. This means that the "Ubuntu" session in GDM, which is your login screen, will run exclusively on Wayland.
4. Targeting Linux Kernel 6.17 for the Final Release
The Canonical Kernel Team has announced that they will target the Linux kernel version 6.17 for the upcoming Ubuntu 25.10 (Questing Quokka) release.
Other notable features that are coming to Ubuntu 25.10 are:
- GNOME 49 is included, bringing an updated shell and a refreshed user interface.
- New applications like Loupe (a modern image viewer) and Ptyxis (a new terminal emulator) are being introduced to modernise the default application set.
- Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support is being finalised in Mutter, which should enhance visual smoothness, especially for gamers.
- The
linux-modules-extra-*packages have been deprecated, and all kernel modules are now shipped via thelinux-modulespackage. - Chrony has been upgraded to v4.7 and is now the new default time-daemon, replacing
systemd-timesyncd. - wget and screen have been removed from the default ubuntu-server seed, though they remain in
mainand are still available.wcurlis available as an alternative for simple cases. - RISC-V Desktop Support aims for a fully functional desktop session on this architecture, including support for major applications.
- And many more.
So, while these snapshots are just early peeks, they are definitely paving the way for a more secure and robust Ubuntu 25.10!
Snapshots are Not for Daily Use
I want to make it super clear that these snapshots are not meant for everyday use. They are just "throwaway artefacts" for now.
You really shouldn't use them on your main computer, as things can still be a bit rough around the edges or even break.
Looking ahead, the Ubuntu team is already planning for the next one, "Snapshot 4", which is expected around 28 August 2025.
If developers have new changes they want to show off in that snapshot, they need to get them ready by 25 August.
Ubuntu 25.10 Final Release Date
The final, stable version of Ubuntu 25.10 is set to be released on Thursday, 9 October 2025. That's when all these development efforts really come together!
Ubuntu 25.10 will be supported for 9 months until July 2026.
Related: Ubuntu 25.10 "Questing Quokka" Official Wallpaper And Mascot Revealed
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