Annotation
- Introduction
- Core System Updates
- Desktop Environment
- Development Tools
- Pros and Cons
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
NixOS 25.11 Xantusia: 7K New Packages, GNOME 49 & Major Updates
NixOS 25.11 Xantusia release features 7K new packages, GNOME 49 desktop, COSMIC beta, and updated development tools for Linux users.
Introduction
NixOS 25.11 "Xantusia" introduces major updates including 7,002 new packages, GNOME 49, and COSMIC beta for enhanced Linux experience.
Core System Updates
With Linux 6.12 LTS kernel, NixOS 25.11 offers improved hardware support and security. The package repository is refreshed with thousands of updates and removals, streamlining management.
Desktop Environment
GNOME 49 provides a Wayland-only experience with new apps, while COSMIC desktop enters beta, expanding user choices.
Development Tools
Toolchain updates include LLVM 21 and CMake 4, supporting modern development workflows on NixOS.
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- 7,000+ new packages
- GNOME 49 with Wayland
- Expanded configuration options
- LLVM 21 and updated tools
- COSMIC desktop beta
- Linux 6.12 LTS kernel
- Streamlined package management
Disadvantages
- No X11 support in GNOME
- Steep learning curve for Nix
- COSMIC only in beta
- Package removals may affect setups
Conclusion
NixOS 25.11 Xantusia advances the distribution with massive package updates, modern desktops, and improved tools, making it a strong choice for reproducible systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main feature of NixOS 25.11 Xantusia?
NixOS 25.11 Xantusia introduces 7,002 new packages, updates 25,252 existing ones, and removes 6,338 outdated packages. It features GNOME 49 without X11 support, COSMIC desktop beta, and Linux 6.12 LTS kernel with enhanced configuration options.
Does NixOS 25.11 support X11 sessions?
No, GNOME 49 in NixOS 25.11 has completely dropped X11 session support and now exclusively uses Wayland for improved performance, security, and modern display server capabilities.
What are the system requirements for NixOS 25.11?
NixOS 25.11 requires standard Linux hardware with at least 2GB RAM and 10GB disk space, but specific requirements depend on the desktop environment and applications chosen.
How does NixOS handle package management differently?
NixOS uses the Nix package manager for declarative and reproducible system configurations, allowing rollbacks and isolated package installations without conflicts.
Can I upgrade from a previous version easily?
Yes, NixOS supports seamless upgrades through its declarative configuration, but users should backup their system and follow the official upgrade guide for safety.
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