What is Qubes OS? Who it is for
Qubes OS is built on Fedora and Xen. It uses Xfce as its desktop and dnf inside templates for software, and it follows numbered releases on a fixed schedule.
Qubes OS at a glance
- Foundation: built on Fedora and Xen
- Desktop: Xfce
- Software tools: dnf inside templates
- Release style: numbered releases on a fixed schedule
- Installer: its own installer
Who Qubes OS suits
Qubes OS suits people who need strong security through isolation and own a capable computer.
Strengths
- Design choices that put privacy and security ahead of convenience.
- Fine control over how the system is built and what it contains.
Things to consider
- Extra isolation or anonymity can mean slower performance and some programs behaving differently.
- It expects you to read documentation and solve problems yourself, so it is not the best first Linux system.
- It is meant for a capable computer, so plan on at least 16 GB of RAM.
Try Qubes OS from a USB drive
The easiest way to find out is to start it from a USB drive without changing your computer. See the Qubes OS bootable USB drive, then follow our install guide when you are ready. New to this? Read how to try Linux without installing it and how to boot from a USB drive.
Compare Qubes OS
Frequently asked questions
Is Qubes OS good for beginners?
It can be used by beginners, but Qubes OS is aimed more at people who need strong security through isolation and own a capable computer. If you are brand new, a beginner-friendly distribution such as Linux Mint or Ubuntu is usually an easier first step.
What desktop does Qubes OS use?
Qubes OS uses Xfce. To learn how desktops differ, read what GNOME, KDE, Xfce and Cinnamon are.
How much RAM does Qubes OS need?
It is meant for a capable computer, so plan on at least 16 GB of RAM.
Is Qubes OS based on another distribution?
Qubes OS is built on Fedora and Xen.
How often is Qubes OS updated?
Qubes OS follows numbered releases on a fixed schedule.
How can I try Qubes OS without installing it?
Write it to a USB drive, restart, choose the drive from the boot menu and pick the live or try option. Nothing on your internal disk changes unless you choose to install.