Arch Linux Drops February 2026 ISO: Kernel 6.18.7, KDE Plasma 6.5.5, and More

Arch Linux has just unleashed its February 2026 installation ISO, packing a powerhouse of January’s repository updates into a fresh, bootable snapshot. While this monthly release doesn’t introduce any distribution-specific changes, it’s a goldmine for anyone looking to perform a clean Arch installation with the latest software at their fingertips.

Under the Hood: Kernel and System Updates

At the heart of this release is the Linux kernel 6.18.7, bringing the latest performance enhancements, hardware support, and security patches to the mainline ISO. For those who prioritize rock-solid stability, the LTS variant ships with kernel 6.12.68, ensuring your system runs on tried-and-tested foundations.

System-level components have received significant attention. The ISO boots with Glibc 2.42 and systemd 259, providing a modern and robust base for your installation. Pacman, Arch’s legendary package manager, has been updated to version 7.1, promising faster operations and improved dependency resolution.

Security First: Cryptography and Networking

Security-conscious users will appreciate the inclusion of OpenSSL 3.6.1 and Curl 8.18, both featuring the latest security patches and protocol improvements. The CA certificates package has been refreshed, ensuring secure connections to servers worldwide.

Disk encryption enthusiasts will find Cryptsetup 2.8.4 included, offering enhanced security features and bug fixes. Remote administration capabilities are covered with OpenSSH 9.9p1, providing the latest in secure remote access technology.

Hardware Support: Ready for Anything

The January 2026 linux-firmware update (20260110-1) ensures compatibility with the latest hardware from major vendors. Whether you’re rocking AMD, Intel, NVIDIA, Realtek, or Broadcom components, the firmware support is current and comprehensive. Updated AMD CPU microcode is also included, potentially boosting performance and security for Ryzen users.

Graphics: Open Source and Proprietary Options

While the ISO doesn’t include proprietary GPU drivers to keep the image lean, Arch’s repositories have you covered. The open-source NVIDIA driver stack (nvidia-open) is available based on driver version 590.48.01, ready for installation post-setup. For those preferring open-source graphics, Mesa 25.3.3 comes pre-packaged, complete with Vulkan and OpenCL components for modern gaming and compute workloads.

Desktop Environments: Fresh and Feature-Rich

The January repository update brings KDE Plasma 6.5.5, KDE Frameworks 6.22, and KDE Gear 25.12 to Arch users. This means you’ll have access to the latest Plasma 6 features, including improved Wayland support, enhanced theming capabilities, and numerous bug fixes that make your desktop experience smoother than ever.

GNOME 49.1 is also included, shipping with the updated GNOME Shell, Files, and core utilities. The update brings performance improvements, new features, and the polish that GNOME is known for.

Other desktop environments haven’t been left behind. Cinnamon 6.6 offers a traditional desktop experience with modern underpinnings. Hyprland 0.53.1 provides a dynamic, wayland-based tiling experience for those who prefer keyboard-driven workflows. COSMIC 1.0.4 brings System76’s innovative desktop environment to Arch users, featuring a sleek design and thoughtful integration.

Applications: Productivity and Beyond

The application ecosystem is equally refreshed. Firefox 147 provides the latest stable web browsing experience with improved performance, security features, and web standard support. For office productivity, LibreOffice 25.8.4 offers the most recent features and compatibility improvements.

Developers and sysadmins will appreciate Docker 29.2, bringing the latest containerization capabilities. Creative professionals can dive into GIMP 3.0.8 for image editing with the latest tools and improvements.

Installation Made Easy

The updated ISO includes Archinstall 3.0.15, a guided text-based setup utility that transforms Arch installation from a daunting task into a manageable process. This tool walks you through partitioning, package selection, and system configuration, making Arch accessible to users who might have been intimidated by the traditional installation process.

Getting Started

You can download the updated Arch Linux 2026.02.01 ISO from any official Arch mirror right now. Remember that this ISO is specifically designed for new installations. If you’re already running Arch Linux, you don’t need to reinstall—simply run sudo pacman -Syu to update your existing system to match this ISO’s package versions.

The February 2026 ISO represents Arch Linux’s commitment to providing users with the most current software while maintaining the distribution’s core philosophy of simplicity, modernity, and user control. Whether you’re a seasoned Arch user or considering your first installation, this release offers a solid foundation for your Linux journey.

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