Ubuntu 21.10 Released and Finally Includes Gnome 40
The most anticipated update to Ubuntu is finally here and the workflow couldn't be better.
Gnome 40 has been out for some time. For those that have experienced it, you know the new horizontal workflow is a game-changer. With a much-improved ability to interact with and manage workspaces, the open-source desktop makes daily usage considerably easier and more efficient.
Finally, this new workflow arrives in Ubuntu, with the 21.10 iteration.
If you’ve already been working with Gnome 40 on a different distribution, this news is old. But for those who prefer to stick with Canonical’s version of Linux, this upgrade is big. Along with the new horizontal workflow, you’ll also see a new Yaru Light theme, which is now the default. The new theme has light gray header bars to better align with how developers wanted their apps to look all along.
Another interesting/important features include Firefox now installed as a Snap package. This means users should receive updates faster than previous iterations because Mozilla will now have more control over how quickly the updates can be pushed out.
You’ll also find Linux kernel 5.13, which adds more security (such as the addition of the runtime memory error detector, KFENCE), and even more device support.
And, finally, the NVIDIA closed-source driver supports Wayland. This is a big to-do for anyone who uses NVIDIA GPUs and wants to experience the dramatically improved performance Wayland brings over the traditional X server.
Download your copy of Ubuntu 21.10 and experience what’s new. And for more information on Impish Indri, check out the official release notes.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
Linux Kernel 6.17 is Available
Linus Torvalds has announced that the latest kernel has been released with plenty of core improvements and even more hardware support.
-
Kali Linux 2025.3 Released with New Hacking Tools
If you're a Kali Linux fan, you'll be glad to know that the third release of this famous pen-testing distribution is now available with updates for key components.
-
Zorin OS 18 Beta Available for Testing
The latest release from the team behind Zorin OS is ready for public testing, and it includes plenty of improvements to make it more powerful, user-friendly, and productive.
-
Fedora Linux 43 Beta Now Available for Testing
Fedora Linux 43 Beta ships with Gnome 49 and KDE Plasma 6.4 (and other goodies).
-
USB4 Maintainer Leaves Intel
Michael Jamet, one of the primary maintainers of USB4 and Thunderbolt drivers, has left Intel, leaving a gaping hole for the Linux community to deal with.
-
Budgie 10.9.3 Now Available
The latest version of this elegant and configurable Linux desktop aligns with changes in Gnome 49.
-
KDE Linux Alpha Available for Daring Users
It's official, KDE Linux has arrived, but it's not quite ready for prime time.
-
AMD Initiates Graphics Driver Updates for Linux Kernel 6.18
This new AMD update focuses on power management, display handling, and hardware support for Radeon GPUs.
-
AerynOS Alpha Release Available
With a choice of several desktop environments, AerynOS 2025.08 is almost ready to be your next operating system.
-
AUR Repository Still Under DDoS Attack
Arch User Repository continues to be under a DDoS attack that has been going on for more than two weeks.