> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://itsfoss.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Nitrux 5.0.0 Released: A 'New Beginning' That's Not for Everyone (By Design) - URL: https://itsfoss.com/news/nitrux-5-release/ - Published: 2025-11-13T12:13:58.000Z - Updated: 2025-11-13T12:13:58.000Z - Description: The Debian-based distro goes all-in on Hyprland, immutability, and intentional design. - Author: Sourav Rudra - Tags: News, Distribution Releases [Nitrux](https://nxos.org/?ref=itsfoss.com) is a Debian-based Linux distribution that has always stood out for its bold design choices. It even made our list of [the most beautiful Linux distributions](https://itsfoss.com/beautiful-linux-distributions/). Earlier this year, the project [made a significant announcement](https://itsfoss.com/news/nitrux-plasma-nx-desktop-discontinued/). They discontinued its custom NX Desktop and the underlying KDE Plasma base, prioritizing a [Hyprland](https://itsfoss.com/hyprland/) desktop experience combined with their in-house developed app distribution methods. Now, [the first major release](https://nxos.org/changelog/release-announcement-nitrux-5-0-0/?ref=itsfoss.com) reflecting this redefined approach is finally here. ## 🆕 Nitrux 5.0.0: What's New? [](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2024/12/Nitrux%5F3.8.0.jpg) ![a screenshot that shows nitrux 5.0.0 running hyprland, there are many app windows open, these include (from left to right), a notes app with two important notes, a terminal app with some commands being run, the file manager app with a list of directories, a music player app called vvave, and the kde system monitor app with some system metrics being displayed](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2025/11/nitrux-5-0-0-desktop-view.png) The release uses **OpenRC 0.63** as its init system instead of systemd. This is paired with either **Liquorix kernel 6.17.7** or a CachyOS-patched kernel, depending on your hardware, and the desktop experience is **Wayland-only**. KDE Plasma, KWin, and SDDM are gone. In their place, you get Hyprland with [Waybar](https://itsfoss.com/configure-waybar/) for the panel, [Crystal Dock](https://github.com/dangvd/crystal-dock?ref=itsfoss.com) for application launching, and [greetd](https://git.sr.ht/~kennylevinsen/greetd?ref=itsfoss.com) as the login manager, and [QtGreet](https://marcusbritanicus.gitlab.io/QtGreet/?ref=itsfoss.com) as the display manager. [Wofi](https://github.com/SimplyCEO/wofi?ref=itsfoss.com) serves as the application launcher, while [wlogout](https://github.com/ArtsyMacaw/wlogout?ref=itsfoss.com) handles logout actions. **Nitrux 5.0.0 ships with an immutable root filesystem** powered by [NX Overlayroot](https://github.com/Nitrux/overlayroot?ref=itsfoss.com). This provides system stability and rollback capabilities through the [Nitrux Update Tool System](https://github.com/Nitrux/nuts?ref=itsfoss.com) (nuts). Plus, there is **Nitrux's new approach to software management**. [NX AppHub](https://github.com/Nitrux/nx-apphub?ref=itsfoss.com) and AppBoxes are now the primary methods for installing applications. [Flatpak](https://itsfoss.com/flatpak-guide/) and [Distrobox](https://itsfoss.com/distrobox/) remain available as complementary options. There are **many updated apps and tooling** in this release too: - Podman 5.6.1 - Docker 26.1.5 - Git 2.51.0 - Python 3.13.7 - OpenRazer 3.10.3 - MESA 25.2.3 - BlueZ 5.84 - PipeWire 1.4.8 The developers are clear about who Nitrux is for. It is **designed for users who see configuration as empowerment**, not inconvenience. This isn't a distribution trying to please everyone. The team put it this way in their announcement: > These are not additions for the sake of novelty, but extensions of the same philosophy—emphasizing that Nitrux targets modern, powerful hardware. Tuned for real machines: a track weapon, not a city commuter—built for those who drive, not spectate. ## 📥 Download Nitrux 5.0.0 The [nitrux-contemporary-cachy-nvopen](https://nxos.org/ftp%5Fup/nitrux-contemporary-cachy-nvopen-997f8883-amd64.iso?ref=itsfoss.com) ISO is designed for NVIDIA hardware. It includes the NVIDIA Open Kernel Module and uses the CachyOS-patched kernel. The [nitrux-contemporary-liquorix-mesa](https://nxos.org/ftp%5Fup/nitrux-contemporary-liquorix-mesa-f4ee9a13-amd64.iso?ref=itsfoss.com) ISO targets AMD and Intel graphics. It ships with the Liquorix kernel and MESA drivers. Both versions are also available through [SourceForge](https://sourceforge.net/projects/nitruxos/files/Release/ISO/?ref=itsfoss.com). [Nitrux 5.0 (SourceForge)](https://sourceforge.net/projects/nitruxos/files/Release/ISO/?ref=itsfoss.com) A **fresh installation is strongly recommended** for this release. Updates from Nitrux 3.9.1 to 5.0.0 are not supported. Future updates will be delivered through the Nitrux Update Tool System. Also, [virtual machines](https://itsfoss.com/virtual-machine/) are not supported natively, as the team removed many VM-specific components. You can learn more in the [release notes](https://nxos.org/notes/notes-nitrux-5-0-0/?ref=itsfoss.com). **Suggested Read 📖** [Here are the Most Beautiful Linux Distributions in 2025Aesthetically pleasing? Customized out of the box? You get the best of both worlds in this list.![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/icon/android-chrome-512x512-18.png)It's FOSSAnkush Das![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/thumbnail/most-beautiful-linux-distros.png)](https://itsfoss.com/beautiful-linux-distributions/)