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Netrunner 25 “Shockworm” was released on February 10, 2025, as a 64-bit desktop ISO based on Debian Stable 12 “Bookworm.” It shipped with Linux 6.1.0 and KDE Plasma 5.27.5. Netrunner 26 “Twilight,” released April 2, 2026, has since superseded it as the current Netrunner release.

When was Netrunner 25 “Shockworm” released?

The Netrunner Team announced Shockworm on February 10, 2025, describing it as a “64-bit ISO.” The release announcement identifies the system as based on Debian Stable 12 (Bookworm) and says it shipped with the latest security updates available at the time. Read the official Netrunner 25 announcement.

What comes with Netrunner 25?

The official release lists these core system and application versions:

Component Version included
Base distribution Debian Stable 12 “Bookworm”
Linux kernel 6.1.0
KDE Plasma 5.27.5
Qt 5.15.2
Firefox 128.6.0 ESR
LibreOffice 7.4.7.2
VLC 3.0.21

These are the versions stated for the Shockworm release, not a guarantee that a system kept updated will continue to run those exact versions. Debian packages can receive updates over a release’s lifetime.

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How do you install Netrunner from a USB stick?

Netrunner distributes Shockworm as a 64-bit ISO. To install it from USB, download the ISO from Netrunner’s official release page, write it to a USB flash drive with an image-writing utility, then boot the target computer from that drive. Writing an image normally erases the USB drive, so copy off any files you want to keep first.

  1. Get the ISO: use the download link on Netrunner’s Shockworm release page.
  2. Create the bootable USB: select the downloaded ISO in your image-writing utility and choose the USB flash drive as the destination. Follow that utility’s instructions; the exact controls depend on the tool and operating system you use.
  3. Boot from USB: restart the computer and select the USB drive in its boot menu. The key or menu procedure varies by computer model.
  4. Try or install: Debian’s official media guidance explains that live images can boot before installation, and that USB images can be used on a USB stick. Consult the Netrunner download and Debian media instructions for the applicable image and steps: Debian installation media guidance.

Debian says its official images are signed, allowing users to verify authenticity. Use verification instructions applicable to the image you downloaded; do not assume a Debian signature workflow automatically verifies a separately distributed Netrunner ISO.

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Is Netrunner 25 still the latest release?

No. Netrunner 26 “Twilight” was released on April 2, 2026, so Shockworm is a previous release rather than the current Netrunner line. At the same research timestamp, Debian 13 is Debian stable and Debian 12 is oldstable. Netrunner’s homepage provides the project’s current release information: Netrunner. Debian’s release information is available at Debian Releases.

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What should you check before choosing Shockworm?

The release information establishes Shockworm’s base, bundled software versions, and installation format, but it does not publish a formal minimum-hardware specification or independent performance, security-audit, or hardware-compatibility results. Check the project’s current download and support information against your computer before installing, especially if you depend on particular peripherals or newer hardware.

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