Pop!_OS is a desktop-focused Linux distribution developed by System76. It is based on Ubuntu and focuses on productivity, GPU support, and a polished user experience.
- COSMIC desktop: System76’s desktop environment built for Pop!_OS.
- Ubuntu base: Uses Ubuntu LTS releases for stability and hardware enablement.
- Graphics-ready: Separate images for Intel/AMD, NVIDIA, and ARM systems.
- Pop!_Shop and App updates: Curated app store and Flatpak support.
- Developer-friendly: Strong defaults and keyboard-driven workflows.
- Current Stable (LTS): Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS (released 2025-12-11, upgrade available 2026-03-03).
- Previous Stable (LTS): Pop!_OS 22.04 LTS (released 2022-04-25).
- Release cadence: Historically aligned with Ubuntu, but System76 paused interim releases while building COSMIC.
- Next Release: Pop!_OS 26.04 LTS expected 2026 with new versioning scheme.
| Version |
Release Date |
Base |
Desktop |
Support |
| Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS |
2025-12-11 |
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS |
COSMIC Desktop |
5 years |
| Pop!_OS 22.04 LTS |
2022-04-25 |
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS |
GNOME |
Legacy |
| Version |
Release Date |
Base |
Desktop |
Support |
Release Info |
| Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS |
2025-12-11 |
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS |
COSMIC |
5 years |
https://blog.system76.com/post/pop-os-letter-from-our-founder/ |
| Pop!_OS 22.04 LTS |
2022-04-25 |
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS |
GNOME |
Legacy |
https://support.system76.com/articles/upgrade-pop |
| Pop!_OS 21.10 |
2021-12-14 |
Ubuntu 21.10 |
GNOME |
EOL |
https://support.system76.com/articles/upgrade-pop |
| Pop!_OS 21.04 |
2021-06-29 |
Ubuntu 21.04 |
GNOME |
EOL |
https://support.system76.com/articles/upgrade-pop |
| Pop!_OS 20.10 |
2020-10-23 |
Ubuntu 20.10 |
GNOME |
EOL |
https://support.system76.com/articles/upgrade-pop |
| Pop!_OS 20.04 LTS |
2020-04-30 |
Ubuntu 20.04 LTS |
GNOME |
EOL |
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pop!_OS |
Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS is the latest major release, introducing the COSMIC Desktop Environment. Released on December 11, 2025, with upgrade available March 3, 2026.
| Feature |
Description |
| Release Date |
December 11, 2025 (upgrade: March 3, 2026) |
| Base |
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat) |
| Desktop |
COSMIC Desktop Environment (Epoch 1) |
| Kernel |
Linux 6.8+ (HWE available) |
| Support |
5 years |
| Architecture |
x86_64, ARM64 |
- Window Tiling: Intuitive tiling with mouse or keyboard control
- Workspaces: Featureful workspaces (horizontal/vertical, per-display, draggable, pinnable)
- Multi-Display: Smooth multi-display support with automatic HiDPI scaling
- Customization: Extensive theming, panel/dock positioning, applets
- Navigation: Fast navigation via Super key launcher
- Window Management: Window stacks, snapping, and sticky windows
- Written in Rust: Memory-safe, performant desktop environment
| Application |
Purpose |
| COSMIC Files |
File manager |
| COSMIC Settings |
System settings |
| COSMIC Store |
Application store |
| COSMIC Terminal |
Terminal emulator |
| COSMIC Text Editor |
Text editor |
| COSMIC Media Player |
Media playback |
| COSMIC Screenshot |
Screenshot tool |
- ARM Support: Official support for System76 Thelio Astra, community support via Tow-Boot
- Hybrid Graphics: Automatic GPU switching without mode changes
- Easy Installation: Full disk encryption support
- Refresh Install: Reinstall OS while keeping files, settings, and Flatpak apps
- Broad Hardware Support: NVIDIA, AMD, Intel graphics support
| Variant |
Description |
| Intel/AMD |
Standard x86_64 ISO |
| NVIDIA |
ISO with proprietary NVIDIA drivers pre-installed |
| ARM |
ARM64 ISO for Thelio Astra and compatible hardware |
| Component |
Minimum |
Recommended |
| CPU |
64-bit dual-core |
64-bit quad-core+ |
| RAM |
4 GB |
8 GB+ |
| Storage |
20 GB |
50 GB+ SSD |
| Display |
1024x768 |
1920x1080+ |
| Tool |
Purpose |
| COSMIC Desktop |
System76’s custom desktop environment |
| Pop!_Shop |
Application store (Flatpak, DEB) |
| Pop!_Launcher |
Application and file launcher |
| Pop!_Shell Extensions |
GNOME extensions (22.04 LTS) |
| System76 Driver |
Hardware driver management |
| Pop!_OS Recovery |
Recovery and refresh install |
| Aspect |
Description |
| Base |
Ubuntu LTS releases |
| Release Cycle |
Aligned with Ubuntu LTS (typically) |
| Support |
5 years for LTS releases |
| Desktop |
COSMIC (24.04+), GNOME (22.04 and earlier) |
- Developers and creators: Productivity-first workflows and curated tools.
- Gaming and GPU workloads: NVIDIA-ready images and hardware support.
- General desktop users: Polished UI with sensible defaults.