CentOS Stream10
The continuously delivered upstream of RHEL.
What is CentOS Stream?
CentOS Stream sits just ahead of Red Hat Enterprise Linux: changes land here before the next RHEL minor release. It replaced CentOS Linux, which ended in 2024. It suits people who want to test against the future of RHEL or contribute to it, while production servers that need rebuild stability often choose AlmaLinux or Rocky Linux.
Who is CentOS Stream for?
CentOS Stream fits best for servers and development. Where it ranks in our lists:
- #12 of 13: best Linux distros for servers
- #24 of 29: best Linux distros for programming and development
Pros
- Preview of upcoming RHEL changes
- Open contribution path to RHEL
- Enterprise tooling
Cons
- Updates arrive before RHEL’s testing is complete
- Not a direct replacement for the old CentOS Linux
CentOS Stream system requirements
For a comfortable desktop with a modern web browser, plan for about 2 GB of RAM, and less is workable with a light desktop. CentOS Stream is available for x86_64, aarch64, ppc64le, s390x. Leave at least 25 GB of storage for the system and applications. These figures are editorial guidance; check the official documentation for minimums.
CentOS Stream versions and support dates
| Version | Released | Latest | Support ends | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CentOS Stream 10 | Dec 12, 2024 | 10 | May 31, 2030 | Supported |
| CentOS Stream 9 | Sep 15, 2021 | 9 | May 31, 2027 | Supported |
| CentOS Stream 8 | Sep 24, 2019 | 8 | May 31, 2024 | Ended |
Source: endoflife.date. Support scope varies by product; confirm on the project’s site.
Try CentOS Stream before you install
Write the image to a USB stick and boot it as a live session to test Wi-Fi, graphics, sound, and suspend on your own computer. A browser trial on DistroSea shows the desktop, but cannot verify your hardware.
Compare CentOS Stream with…
Best CentOS Stream alternatives
CentOS Stream: common questions
What is CentOS Stream based on?
CentOS Stream is based on RHEL upstream. It uses DNF · RPM for software and systemd as its init system.
What is the latest version of CentOS Stream?
The latest CentOS Stream release is 10, released Dec 12, 2024, according to endoflife.date.
How long is CentOS Stream 10 supported?
CentOS Stream 10 is listed as supported until May 31, 2030.
Is CentOS Stream good for beginners?
It is manageable if you are comfortable troubleshooting and occasionally using a terminal. Complete beginners may prefer Linux Mint or Ubuntu first.
How much RAM does CentOS Stream need?
We suggest about 2 GB of RAM for a comfortable desktop experience with a modern browser. This is editorial guidance, not the project’s official minimum, which can be lower. It runs on x86_64, aarch64, ppc64le, s390x.
What desktop does CentOS Stream use?
CentOS Stream offers GNOME (optional).
Is CentOS Stream a rolling release?
No. CentOS Stream uses fixed releases; you upgrade to a new version periodically.
Is CentOS Stream free?
Yes, CentOS Stream is free to download and use.