Annotation
- Introduction
- Core System and Bootloader Evolution
- Desktop Environment and Qt6 Integration
- Wayland Advancements and New Software
- Updated Package Foundation
- Pros and Cons
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
KaOS 2025.11 Released: Limine Bootloader, Linux 6.17 & KDE Plasma 6.5
KaOS 2025.11 is a Linux distribution featuring the experimental Limine bootloader, Linux 6.17 kernel, KDE Plasma 6.5 desktop, and new Wayland tools for a modern Qt/KDE experience.
Introduction
KaOS 2025.11 is released with the Limine bootloader as an experimental option, Linux 6.17 kernel, and KDE Plasma 6.5 desktop.
Core System and Bootloader Evolution
Limine is an optional boot manager for UEFI via Calamares, with systemd-boot default. Linux 6.17.9 kernel ensures modern hardware support.
Desktop Environment and Qt6 Integration
KDE Plasma 6.5.3 serves as the primary desktop environment with full Qt6 compatibility. Phonon uses phonon-mpv for sound.
Wayland Advancements and New Software
New Wayland compositor Niri, along with Quickshell and Noctalia. SDDM 0.20.0 has beta Wayland mode. Kjournald offers a graphical interface for logs, complementing system information tools.
Updated Package Foundation
Updated packages include systemd 257.10, Mesa 25.2.7, Pipewire 1.4.9, ZFS 2.3.5, Boost 1.89.0, CMake 4.2, managed via the package manager.
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Modern stack with Linux 6.17 and KDE Plasma 6.5
- Limine bootloader for future flexibility
- Strong Wayland support with new tools
- Full Qt6 compatibility
- Rolling release for updates
- Independent KDE/Qt focus
- Graphical log viewer Kjournald
Disadvantages
- Limine experimental, not default
- Niche KDE/Qt focus
- SDDM Wayland in beta
- Limited hardware support
Conclusion
KaOS 2025.11 advances with Limine, latest kernel and desktop, offering a modern KDE-centric platform with Wayland improvements, ideal for users of terminal emulators and customization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main change in KaOS 2025.11?
The key change is the introduction of the Limine bootloader as an optional choice for UEFI installations, alongside the Linux 6.17 kernel and KDE Plasma 6.5 desktop environment.
Is Limine the default bootloader in KaOS now?
No, Limine is currently an experimental option. Systemd-boot remains the default, but the developers plan to switch to Limine after more extensive testing.
What desktop environment does KaOS 2025.11 use?
KaOS 2025.11 ships with KDE Plasma 6.5.3 as its default desktop environment, fully integrated with Qt6 frameworks and latest KDE applications.
What Linux kernel version is included in KaOS 2025.11?
KaOS 2025.11 ships with Linux kernel 6.17.9, providing modern hardware support and performance improvements.
What new Wayland compositors are available in KaOS 2025.11?
The release adds Niri, a scrollable-tiling Wayland compositor, along with Quickshell for desktop shells and Noctalia, a minimal Wayland shell.
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