Last checked and updated on April 15, 2026What Is New in Ubuntu 17.10
This release marks a significant shift for the desktop and includes major updates across the entire stack.
| Category | Key Changes |
|---|---|
| Desktop Environment | GNOME Shell replaces Unity as the default desktop. The transition includes a custom session and theme. |
| Display Server | Wayland is now the default display server, with an X.Org session available as a fallback option. |
| Kernel | Updated to the Linux 4.13 kernel, providing support for newer hardware. |
| Core Applications | Firefox, Thunderbird, LibreOffice, and other core apps have been updated to their latest stable releases. |
| Cloud & Server | Includes OpenStack Pike, QEMU 2.10, and DPDK 17.08 for cloud and NFV workloads. |
Why did Ubuntu switch to GNOME?
Ubuntu 17.10 replaced the Unity desktop with GNOME Shell as the new default. This was a strategic decision by Canonical to reduce fragmentation in the Linux desktop ecosystem and focus development resources elsewhere. The Ubuntu desktop team created a customized GNOME session that preserves key user experience elements, like window controls and a dock.
In practice, the transition is smooth for most users. The new desktop feels modern and benefits from the extensive GNOME extension ecosystem. This change also aligns Ubuntu more closely with other major distributions.
Is Wayland ready for daily use?
Yes, Wayland is the default display server protocol in this release, replacing the long-serving X.Org server. The switch to the GNOME Shell desktop made this possible, as its native compositor, Mutter, supports Wayland. This matters because Wayland offers a more secure and modern graphics stack, with improved performance and smoother rendering.
For users with specific needs, like certain screen-sharing applications or proprietary NVIDIA drivers, an X.Org session is still available from the login screen. Most day-to-day tasks work flawlessly under Wayland.
What kernel and hardware support is new?
Ubuntu 17.10 ships with the Linux 4.13 kernel. This kernel version brings improved support for modern hardware, including newer AMD GPUs (AMDGPU DC) and Intel Kabylake graphics. It also includes the initial support for the upcoming AMD Raven Ridge APUs.
For server and cloud deployments, this kernel provides a solid foundation. It ensures better performance and compatibility with the latest server hardware, which is critical for production environments.
What about application updates?
All major desktop applications have been refreshed to their latest stable versions. This includes Firefox, Thunderbird, and LibreOffice. For developers, the repositories contain updated toolchains and languages.
This is standard for an Ubuntu release, but it means you get the newest features, performance improvements, and security patches for the software you use every day right out of the box.
Any changes for servers and the cloud?
Absolutely. The server release integrates OpenStack Pike, which offers enhanced scalability and lifecycle management features. It also includes QEMU 2.10 and DPDK 17.08, providing a powerful platform for Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) and high-performance computing workloads.
These updates are a big deal if you're deploying private clouds or running data-intensive services. They keep Ubuntu competitive as a leading platform for enterprise infrastructure.
FAQ
I use proprietary NVIDIA drivers. Will I have issues with Wayland?
Yes, you will likely be automatically logged into the X.Org session. At the time of this release, the proprietary NVIDIA drivers do not support Wayland. You can select the GNOME on X.Org option from the gear icon on the login screen if needed.
How can I get the Unity desktop back?
You can install the ubuntu-unity-desktop package from the Universe repository. However, it is no longer the default and will not receive the same level of support as GNOME.
Where is the dock? I miss the Unity launcher.
The default GNOME setup uses a dash that appears on the overview screen. Ubuntu has added a dock extension that behaves similarly to the old launcher, making the transition easier.
Is 17.10 a Long-Term Support (LTS) release?
No, Ubuntu 17.10 is a standard, non-LTS release. It is supported with security updates for nine months, until July 2018. The next LTS is Ubuntu 18.04.
Can I upgrade directly from Ubuntu 16.04 LTS to 17.10?
Yes, you can. However, it's a significant jump and a major desktop change. It's often recommended to backup your data first and be prepared for a different user interface.