Download KaOS: image and installation guide

KaOS is an independent rolling-release Linux distribution built around a selected Qt software ecosystem. It offers a focused alternative to distributions derived from Ubuntu, Debian or Fedora.

Use the official website or its linked mirrors and verify the image. The source guide discusses the 2026.03 ISO. Existing installations normally update through the package manager rather than reinstalling for every new image.

Periodic ISOs are installation snapshots rather than fixed major releases. They provide a recent starting point and reduce the amount of updating needed immediately after installation.

For a new installation, select the latest official ISO suitable for your hardware. The 2026.03 image covered here contains components current at its publication, not necessarily those in a later snapshot.

KaOS targets x86_64 PCs. It is not a 32-bit image or a general multi-architecture server distribution. Verify the processor and platform requirements before downloading.

The 2026.03 image described in this guide uses Niri with Noctalia Shell. Plasma 6 remained available in the repositories. This differs from KaOS’s earlier Plasma-by-default identity, so read the description of the chosen image.

Start with the current official installation snapshot. Archived images are better reserved for a specific test or compatibility investigation.

Back up important files before installation. Partition changes can destroy data even when the system can first be tried from USB.

Check memory, storage and graphics requirements for the selected desktop. Wayland, Niri, Noctalia Shell and Plasma configurations can have different hardware considerations.

Prepare a reliable USB drive with enough capacity and copy its existing contents elsewhere. Use it to inspect the live environment before installing.

After verifying the ISO, use a supported writing method. The source guide mentions Rufus, balenaEtcher and dd for experienced users; follow current KaOS instructions and confirm the destination because it will be overwritten.

Restart, open the manufacturer’s boot menu and select the USB drive. Common keys include F12, F9, F8, Escape and Delete, but the correct one depends on the machine.

Test display, keyboard, mouse, Wi-Fi, sound and desktop workflow in the live session. Booting the trial does not require installation onto the internal disk.

The graphical installer guides language, keyboard, time zone, disk, partitions and account choices. Review every choice, particularly the target disk, even if a default is suggested.

Replacing the existing system may erase its data. Retaining Windows or another Linux installation requires careful dual-boot partition planning.

After installation, perform a complete update using KaOS’s supported pacman procedure. Rolling updates keep packages consistent; new ISOs normally do not require existing users to reinstall.

It provides a deliberately selected system rather than every desktop and application combination, with Qt integration as a central design choice.

Users who like rolling updates but prefer a smaller curated software collection may find its approach useful. ISOs provide fresh entry points while repositories update installed systems.

The desktop combination described here lets users explore Niri and Noctalia Shell, with Plasma available separately according to project guidance.

Its independent repositories and package selection offer a different learning environment for self-directed users interested in how a focused distribution is assembled.

KaOS is an independent, Qt-focused rolling distribution. Use the latest appropriate official snapshot for a new installation and check its desktop description; the 2026.03 details here describe a particular image.

Download through official links, verify the file, write USB media carefully and test before installing. Allow time for ongoing maintenance as part of choosing this system.