Qubes OS
Security through isolation in separate virtual machines.
What is Qubes OS?
Qubes OS runs your work in separate lightweight virtual machines, called qubes, on the Xen hypervisor. A compromised browser in one qube should not reach files in another. Templates based on Fedora, Debian, and Whonix supply the software. It needs capable, compatible hardware with virtualization support and plenty of memory.
Who is Qubes OS for?
Qubes OS fits best for privacy. Where it ranks in our lists:
Pros
- Strong compartmentalization between tasks
- Disposable VMs for risky files and links
- Whonix integration for Tor
Cons
- Demanding hardware and memory requirements
- Gaming and GPU acceleration are limited
Qubes OS system requirements
For a comfortable desktop with a modern web browser, plan for about 16 GB of RAM. Qubes OS is available for x86_64. Leave at least 25 GB of storage for the system and applications. These figures are editorial guidance; check the official documentation for minimums.
Try Qubes OS 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 Qubes OS with…
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Qubes OS: common questions
What is Qubes OS based on?
Qubes OS is an independent distribution; it is not derived from another Linux distribution. It uses DNF · APT (per template) for software and systemd as its init system.
Is Qubes OS good for beginners?
Not usually. Qubes OS expects hands-on configuration and maintenance. Beginners are better served by Linux Mint, Ubuntu, or Zorin OS.
How much RAM does Qubes OS need?
We suggest about 16 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.
What desktop does Qubes OS use?
Qubes OS offers Xfce.
Is Qubes OS a rolling release?
No. Qubes OS uses fixed releases; you upgrade to a new version periodically.
Is Qubes OS free?
Yes, Qubes OS is free to download and use.