Elementary OS 5.1 Has Arrived
One of the most highly regarded Linux desktop distributions has released its next iteration.
If you’ve not heard of Elementary OS, chances are you don’t know what Linux is. If, on the other hand, you have heard of Elementary OS, and you’ve yet to give it a try, now’s a great time. Why? The latest release, 5.1 (aka “Hera”) is available and it promises to be the best release yet.
Elementary 5.1 brings a number of new and exciting changes to what is often considered the most elegant desktop operating systems on the market. Some of the new changes to the platform include:
- A new first-run experience that makes onboarding seamless and simple. The app is modular and includes introductions to: Location services, Night Light, Housekeeping, and the AppCenter.
- A brand new login window that looks more refined and includes numerous bug fixes.
- Sideload is a new app for installing Flatpak applications not found in the AppCenter.
- Flatpak support in the Elementary AppCenter.
- Major upgrades centered around accessibility and the System Settings tool.
Although it might seem like a minor release (going from 5.0 to 5.1), Hera should be considered a major upgrade. Elementary releases new platform versions every two years. However, this particular release is significant enough to warrant its own name and identity.
Download Elementary OS 5.1 here.
Official announcement here.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.
-
Linux Kernel 6.14 Released
The latest Linux kernel has arrived with extra Rust support and more.