Ubuntu 26.10 beta is available to test, with a Linux 7.3 release-candidate kernel and, according to contemporary desktop coverage, GNOME 51. It is a pre-release snapshot—not the finished October release—and Canonical may publish refreshed images and fixes before the scheduled final release on October 15, 2026.
What the Ubuntu 26.10 beta includes
The Ubuntu Release Team announced beta images for Ubuntu Desktop, Server, WSL, and Cloud on October 1, 2026. The announcement describes the beta as a recent snapshot intended to represent planned final-release features. It says the images are reasonably free of showstopper image-build or installer bugs, but cautions that new images containing fixes will be published before the final release. That makes the beta useful for testing, not a guarantee of final-release behavior. Ubuntu Release Team beta announcement.
Beta images are also listed for Edubuntu, Kubuntu, Lubuntu, Ubuntu Budgie, Ubuntu Cinnamon, UbuntuKylin, Ubuntu MATE, Ubuntu Studio, Ubuntu Unity, and Xubuntu. The announcement covers the beta release; each flavor’s desktop experience and included software may differ. Ubuntu Release Team beta announcement.
Linux 7.3 is the beta kernel, not a confirmed final build
The Ubuntu 26.10 beta announcement reports a Linux 7.3 release-candidate kernel. Canonical’s Kernel Team initially targeted Linux 7.2, then changed the target to Linux 7.3 after upstream Linux 7.3-rc1 became available. The team said Ubuntu-specific features were being enabled on top of 7.3-rc1 for early testing. This chronology establishes the beta’s release-candidate status; it does not confirm the exact kernel revision that will ship in the final release. Canonical Kernel Team update and Ubuntu Release Team beta announcement.
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GNOME 51 and reported desktop changes
Contemporary desktop coverage identifies GNOME 51 in the beta. OMG! Ubuntu! reports Reduced Motion controls to reduce interface animations and a layout picker in Ubuntu’s Tiling Assistant. These details come from that report rather than the Ubuntu Release Team announcement, so treat them as reported beta features rather than a complete official release-note list. OMG! Ubuntu! coverage of Ubuntu 26.10 beta.
How to try it without installing
Canonical’s download page says the desktop image can be tried without changing the computer, with permanent installation optional. The standard AMD64 desktop beta ISO was listed at 5.9 GB when checked; that is the download size, not a stated minimum USB capacity. Download artifacts, timestamps, and file sizes can change when images are refreshed. Ubuntu 26.10 downloads.
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- Open Ubuntu 26.10 downloads and choose the Desktop image if you want a graphical environment to try.
- Create bootable media from the downloaded ISO using a suitable USB drive and image-writing method. The download page does not prescribe a minimum drive capacity.
- Boot the computer from that media and choose the option to try Ubuntu rather than install it. The desktop live session lets you evaluate the beta without making a permanent installation.
- If you decide to install, follow the installer only after backing up important data and checking that the machine is using the intended disk and partitions.
Desktop and Server images serve different purposes
Choose the Desktop image for a graphical environment that can be tried before installation. The Server install image installs without a graphical user interface, making it the relevant option for a server setup rather than a desktop trial. Canonical lists standard AMD64 desktop and server images. Ubuntu 26.10 downloads.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When is Ubuntu 26.10 released?
Ubuntu 26.10 is scheduled for final release on October 15, 2026. Ubuntu’s announcement calls that the expected release date, and Canonical’s release schedule lists October 15 as the planned date; it is a target, not a guarantee. Ubuntu Release Team beta announcement and Canonical release schedule.
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