NixOS 26.05
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Description
NixOS is a declarative distribution built around the Nix package manager, reproducible configurations and transactional upgrades. NixOS 26.05 Yarara supports graphical and minimal installations, rollback and composable system modules for desktop and server deployments.
Who is NixOS for?
NixOS is primarily suited to daily desktop use, study, web browsing and productivity; servers, virtual machines and self-hosted services; experienced Linux users who want detailed control over the system. Before choosing it, compare the current release lifecycle with the length of support required for the machine. This distribution is based on independent, which influences package formats, repositories and much of the available documentation. The listed desktop environment is Selectable graphical desktops; confirm its memory, graphics and accessibility requirements on the official project site. The best choice depends on hardware support, preferred software, update policy and the amount of system administration the user wants to perform.
Before installing
Read the release notes and installation guide before downloading. Select an image that matches the processor architecture and intended use: desktop, server, live media, virtual machine or another published edition. Test Wi-Fi, graphics, audio, storage and suspend from live media when that option is available. Back up important files before repartitioning, encryption changes or dual-boot installation. For production deployment, verify application compatibility, upgrade paths, backup restoration and the project security-support policy in a non-production environment first. Download from an official project page or mirror, compare the published SHA-256 checksum, and verify a signed checksum when the project provides one. After installation, apply updates before adding third-party repositories or drivers.
Advantages
- Offers installation or deployment options intended for server and infrastructure workloads.
Limitations
- Installation or administration may require more Linux knowledge than beginner-focused systems.
- Its independent package ecosystem can have fewer third-party instructions than Debian-, Ubuntu- or Arch-based systems.
Distribution details
- System type
- linux_distribution
- Based on
- independent
- Desktop
- Selectable graphical desktops
- Updates
- Stable releases
- Categories
- desktop, server, advanced
Installation requirements
- Architectures
- x86_64aarch64
- Memory
- Not yet verified
- Storage
- Not yet verified
- Firmware
- Consult the installation guide
Memory and storage depend strongly on enabled services, workload, redundancy and retention. Size production systems from the official deployment documentation.
Safe download
The download button first records an anonymous aggregated download counter and then redirects to the official source.
After installing NixOS
A project-specific post-installation checklist. Commands are displayed for your own equipment; the website never runs them. Use an authorized administrator account when required.
Identify the release
Check the running version before editing configuration.
Read project documentation: Identify the releasenixos-versionPreserve configuration and data
Back up configuration, flake locks if used, and application data separately.
Before you continue: Generations are not data backups.
Read project documentation: Preserve configuration and dataReview pinned inputs
Identify whether this machine uses channels or flakes; preserve its existing workflow.
Before you continue: Do not mix update procedures.
Read project documentation: Review pinned inputsDeclare required packages
Manage system packages in the system configuration rather than copying foreign package-manager commands.
Read project documentation: Declare required packagesBuild before activation
Follow the configuration chapter to build and review changes before switching.
Before you continue: Flake-based systems need the appropriate flake target.
Read project documentation: Build before activationPreserve stateVersion
Keep system.stateVersion unless a documented migration requires changing it.
Before you continue: It is not the installed release selector.
Read project documentation: Preserve stateVersionKeep a working generation
Understand boot-generation selection before activating risky changes.
Before you continue: Rollback does not undo application-data migrations.
Read project documentation: Keep a working generationDelay generation cleanup
Retain a tested fallback; clean the store only after understanding retained generations.
Before you continue: Do not delete your only recovery generation.
Read project documentation: Delay generation cleanup