openSUSE Leap16.0
A stable openSUSE for workstations and servers.
What is openSUSE Leap?
openSUSE Leap is the fixed-release sibling of Tumbleweed, sharing its code base with SUSE Linux Enterprise. It suits people who want openSUSE tools with fewer disruptive changes. Leap 16 introduced a new installer and changed several security defaults, so read the release notes when upgrading from the 15 series.
Who is openSUSE Leap for?
openSUSE Leap fits best for servers, everyday use and development. Where it ranks in our lists:
- #13 of 13: best Linux distros for servers
- #28 of 29: best Linux distros for programming and development
- #35 of 37: best Linux distros for 4 GB of RAM
Pros
- Enterprise-derived base with community releases
- Btrfs snapshots for recovery
- Predictable release cycle
Cons
- Desktop applications age during a release
- Major-version upgrades need planning
openSUSE Leap system requirements
For a comfortable desktop with a modern web browser, plan for about 4 GB of RAM. openSUSE Leap is available for x86_64, aarch64. Leave at least 25 GB of storage for the system and applications. These figures are editorial guidance; check the official documentation for minimums.
openSUSE Leap versions and support dates
| Version | Released | Latest | Support ends | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| openSUSE Leap 16.0 | Oct 1, 2025 | 16.0 | Oct 31, 2027 | Supported |
| openSUSE Leap 15.6 | Jun 12, 2024 | 15.6 | Apr 30, 2026 | Ended |
| openSUSE Leap 15.5 | Jun 7, 2023 | 15.5 | Dec 31, 2024 | Ended |
| openSUSE Leap 15.4 | Jun 9, 2022 | 15.4 | Dec 7, 2023 | Ended |
| openSUSE Leap 15.3 | Jun 2, 2021 | 15.3 | Dec 31, 2022 | Ended |
| openSUSE Leap 15.2 | Jul 2, 2020 | 15.2 | Jan 4, 2022 | Ended |
| openSUSE Leap 15.1 | May 22, 2019 | 15.1 | Feb 2, 2021 | Ended |
| openSUSE Leap 15.0 | May 25, 2018 | 15.0 | Dec 3, 2019 | Ended |
See all 9 openSUSE Leap versions
Source: endoflife.date. Support scope varies by product; confirm on the project’s site.
Try openSUSE Leap 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 openSUSE Leap with…
Best openSUSE Leap alternatives
openSUSE Leap: common questions
What is openSUSE Leap based on?
openSUSE Leap is based on SUSE Linux Enterprise. It uses Zypper · RPM for software and systemd as its init system.
What is the latest version of openSUSE Leap?
The latest openSUSE Leap release is 16.0, released Oct 1, 2025, according to endoflife.date.
How long is openSUSE Leap 16.0 supported?
openSUSE Leap 16.0 is listed as supported until Oct 31, 2027.
Is openSUSE Leap 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 openSUSE Leap need?
We suggest about 4 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.
What desktop does openSUSE Leap use?
openSUSE Leap offers KDE Plasma, GNOME, Xfce.
Is openSUSE Leap a rolling release?
No. openSUSE Leap uses fixed releases; you upgrade to a new version periodically.
Is openSUSE Leap free?
Yes, openSUSE Leap is free to download and use.