Ubuntu 26.10 is out. Canonical released it on October 15, 2026, and it brings Linux kernel 7.3 and GNOME 51. It is a short-term release, so you get nine months of updates, not years.
Whether you should install it depends on how much you like new software. Here is the quick version, then the details.
The key facts, straight from the official release notes:
- Release date: October 15, 2026 (codename Stonking Stingray)
- Kernel: Linux 7.3, desktop: GNOME 51
- Support: nine months, through July 2027
- Core tools now use the Rust-based uutils instead of the old GNU versions
- Some 26.04 LTS systems with TPM-backed disk encryption can’t upgrade yet
That last point is the one most likely to catch you out, so we cover it below.
What’s new in Ubuntu 26.10 for everyday users
Most of the changes you will notice are on the desktop. GNOME 51 brings display and settings improvements and a new Calendar app.
Settings can now show whether your computer is Ubuntu Certified. That is handy if you want to know if your laptop was tested for Ubuntu.
App Center also gets a few upgrades:
- A new Drivers page, so you can manage hardware drivers in one place
- Unified package details, which makes apps easier to compare
- Codecs that install on demand when a file needs them
Together these cut down the trips to the terminal that new Linux users find annoying.
There is also Myna, an early, local speech-to-text preview. It is labeled a preview, so expect rough edges.
Under the hood: Linux 7.3, Rust tools and newer software
The release images use kernel 7.3.0-9.9, which is based on 7.3-rc6. The final upstream 7.3 landed after Ubuntu shipped, so expect kernel updates soon.
| Component | Version in Ubuntu 26.10 |
|---|---|
| Kernel | Linux 7.3 (based on 7.3-rc6) |
| Desktop | GNOME 51 |
| systemd | 261.3 |
| Python | 3.14.7 |
| GCC | 15.2.0 |
| Go | 1.27 |
Two quieter changes matter to admins. dbus-broker replaces dbus-daemon, and the default core utilities now run on uutils, a Rust rewrite of tools like ls and cp. OpenSSL 4 is included too.
If you run scripts that depend on exact GNU behavior, test them first. Linux users who want to see how far AI-written drivers have come can read our Claude Code scanner driver story.
Should you upgrade to Ubuntu 26.10 from 26.04 LTS?
For most people on the long-term release, the answer is no. A nine-month release means you must upgrade again by July 2027 or lose updates.
| Your situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Daily-use PC on 26.04 LTS | Stay on the LTS unless you need Linux 7.3 or GNOME 51 |
| Want the newest features | Upgrade, and plan to move again before July 2027 |
| TPM-backed full disk encryption | Wait. The release notes say upgrades from 26.04 LTS are blocked for now |
| New install on a spare machine | Safe to try, and good for testing |
The release notes also mention a known issue where an upgrade from 26.04 can stop because of a dangling /lib32 symlink. Back up first, either way.
Before launch, Linuxiac reported that signed Secure Boot builds would probably lose some GRUB features, such as btrfs, xfs and zfs support for /boot. Check the release notes if you boot from one of those.
Ubuntu 26.10 on Windows PCs and dual-boot setups
You don’t have to wipe Windows to try it. A virtual machine or a spare drive works, and Windows users can also run Linux inside Windows. Our WSL containers guide shows one way.
Keep in mind that WSL images usually lag behind a fresh release, so a VM is the better way to test 26.10 today.
How to get Ubuntu 26.10 safely
The release notes point to the Ubuntu Desktop and Ubuntu Server upgrade guides for the official steps. Follow those instead of random forum commands.
Before you start, back up your home folder to an external drive. Then check that you have enough free disk space, because a release upgrade downloads and unpacks thousands of packages.
If you only want to look around, download the ISO and boot it from a USB stick. The live session lets you try GNOME 51 and the new App Center without touching your disk.
After installing, run your usual updates right away. Because the release images shipped with a pre-release kernel, the first update may pull in a newer 7.3 build.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Ubuntu 26.10 released?
October 15, 2026, according to the official release notes.
How long will Ubuntu 26.10 be supported?
Nine months, through July 2027. It is not a long-term support release.
Which Linux kernel does Ubuntu 26.10 use?
Linux 7.3. The release images use 7.3.0-9.9, built from 7.3-rc6.
Can I upgrade from Ubuntu 26.04 LTS?
Yes for most systems. Machines with TPM-backed full disk encryption cannot upgrade at release, though Canonical expects to enable it later.
Is Ubuntu 26.10 good for daily use?
It can be, but you must upgrade again within nine months. If you want fewer upgrades, stay on the LTS.
Our take: fun to try, wrong for your main PC
Ubuntu 26.10 is a solid preview of where Ubuntu is heading, with Rust tools and a newer desktop. But nine months of support and the encryption upgrade block make it a poor fit for a machine you rely on. Try it in a virtual machine, and keep your main PC on the LTS until the next one arrives.
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