Pop!_OS is an Ubuntu-based Linux distribution featuring a custom GNOME desktop. Pop!_OS is designed to have a minimal amount of clutter on the desktop without distractions in order to allow the user to focus on work. The distribution is developed by Linux computer retailer System76.
To compare the software in this project to the software available in other distributions, please see our Compare Packages page.
Notes: In case where multiple versions of a package are shipped with a distribution, only the default version appears in the table. For indication about the GNOME version, please check the "nautilus" and "gnome-shell" packages. The Apache web server is listed as "httpd" and the Linux kernel is listed as "linux". The KDE desktop is represented by the "plasma-desktop" package and the Xfce desktop by the "xfdesktop" package.
Colour scheme:green text = latest stable version, red text = development or beta version. The function determining beta versions is not 100% reliable due to a wide variety of versioning schemes.
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I'm using Alpha 7 as my daily driver, despite the constant admonition not to do so. But I would say this version is "alpha" primarily in being feature-incomplete (no obvious way to move windows controls from right to left; no obvious way to start programs at boot-up; etc). It's not alpha in the sense of being notably buggy (though the search feature in Settings hangs on me from time to time).
Rewriting the desktop in the Rust environment seemed to be a fool's errand, but you can't argue with the results: This is a fast set of tools (and memory safe besides). The app store is particularly improved by Rust, but having Files or Terminal pop up instantly is startling and pleasant.
What always distinguishes Pop_OS is its smart choice of apps and settings (and it's auto-tiling feature, which give you a lot of the i3 interface without the i3 learning curve). This alpha is no exception.
This is a bold reimagining of the Gnome 3 desktop and one I will likely use extensively in the future. For now, though, I need something a bit more feature-rich, so the long-in-the-tooth 22.04 version will do. It's still a solid choice.
Stable 'classic' Pop!_OS version 22.04 comes with a modern Linux kernel.
Simply install Pop!_OS and run the standard update (just click to update).
You can also often choose more recent apps as Flatpaks instead of DEBs.
Daily updates are provided. It works with Nvidia graphics on Lenovo laptops.
For those who like to tinker with the system, I recommend installing the TIMESHIFT app. :)
If not, you can try to recover using the system's built-in rescue partition - just remember to check for updates to that partition from time to time.
I've been using Pop!_OS as my daily driver for over two years. To run specific Windows programs, I use VirtualBox or Wine/PlayOnLinux on Pop!_OS.
If you rely on MS Office, you can use it in the cloud or check out the OnlyOffice app to get rid of Windows entirely ;)
I haven't tested the alpha version because I already have everything I need.
Previously, I used Windows (which burned through PCs and disks with heavy updates and failures), then switched to Peppermint Linux on old laptops, and Pop!_OS on regular laptops. I also played around with Ventoy to test MX, antiX, and Zorin. I plan to stick with Pop!_OS.
As of today (2025-05-06), the Linux kernel is (in terminal):
uname -a
Linux pop-os 6.12.10-76061203-generic
People frequently ask whether or not they should skip Pop 22.04 and wait until the newer, Rust-based COSMIC DE is out of Alpha, but if you aren't looking to Alpha test the new DE in Pop 24.04, and are looking for a decent distro today, Pop 22.04 is still a great choice.
It really is an all-around fantastic distro. Sane out-of-the-box layout of GNOME DE thanks to the default Pop GNOME Extensions. Window tiling option is very nice. Still receives the latest kernel and graphics driver updates, but only after extensive quality control checks, so no breaking. Always up-to-date software with Flatpak enabled out-of-the-box. Decent documentation on official site. Very active and helpful user community on official Reddit, where the devs themselves frequently post and respond.
Pro tip:
Immediately download and use the newer app store, COMSIC store (available in PopShop), instead of the older, default app store, PopShop. COSMIC store runs exponentially faster, uses less memory, and even has a better layout than the older PopShop. You can then either delete PopShop after, or keep it and simply disable it from automatically starting in the background at login.
So, if you don't feel like Alpha testing the future Rust-based COSMIC DE, then give Pop 22.04 a chance. It is still a great choice today.