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GNU Guix 1.5.0 Released After Three Years with Plasma 6.5 and Rootless Mode

Massive update adds 12,500 packages, migrates project to Codeberg, and adopts annual release cycle.

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GNU Guix version 1.5.0 was released on January 23, 2026, marking the project's first major release in three years and the start of a newly adopted annual release cycle.

Development Scope

During the three years since version 1.4.0, Guix received approximately 71,338 commits from 744 contributors. More than 12,500 packages were added, keeping Guix in the top-ten largest distributions according to Repology.

Key Features

  • Desktop environments: Plasma 6.5, GNOME 46 on Wayland
  • Rootless mode: The Guix daemon can now run without root privileges
  • New packages: GCC 15.2.0, Emacs 30.2, Linux-libre 6.17.12, LLVM 21.1.8
  • Export formats: guix pack can now produce RPMs and AppImages

Project Changes

The project adopted a new consensus-based decision-making process and migrated to Codeberg, consolidating repositories and bug trackers. Contributions are now made via pull requests instead of patch series, and 50 teams now distribute maintenance responsibilities.

System Improvements

Guix System now uses GNU Shepherd 1.0 for service management, introducing timed services, improved logging, and kexec reboot support. Around 40 new system services were added.

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