NixOS

NixOS 26.05 "Yarara"

NixOS 26.05 "Yarara" is the current stable NixOS release, out since 30 May 2026. It is supported until 31 December 2026, a month after NixOS 26.11 is due.

Released

30 May 2026

Released Supported until December 2026

Download NixOS 26.05 Official: nixos.org · Release notes ↗

Release type: Stable release (supported until 31 Dec 2026)
Released: May 30, 2026
Codename: Yarara
Support: Until 31 Dec 2026
Boot: systemd-based initrd by default

What's new in NixOS 26.05 "Yarara"

systemd in early boot

Stage 1 (the initrd) is now based on systemd by default; the old scripted version is deprecated and due for removal in 26.11.

Native systemd boot options

Many kernel parameters were replaced by their systemd equivalents; the release notes list what to change.

Source: NixOS release notes

Release timeline

25.11 out 30 Nov 2025
Released 30 May 2026
Today 3 Nov 2026
26.11 due 30 Nov 2026
Support ends 31 Dec 2026

Release log

Newest first. official from the project · report from news or other sites · estimate our own working.

May 30, 2026 report endoflife.date lists NixOS 26.05 "Yarara" as released on 30 May 2026, supported until 31 December 2026.

How to get NixOS 26.05 "Yarara"

Fresh install

Download the graphical installer from nixos.org, write it to a USB stick and boot from it; the installer writes your first configuration.

Upgrading

Switch the nixos channel (or your flake input) to the new release, then rebuild:

sudo nix-channel --add https://nixos.org/channels/nixos-26.05 nixos
sudo nixos-rebuild switch --upgrade

Read the release notes first: each release lists options that were renamed or removed. NixOS manual ↗

NixOS 26.05 editions and flavors

Graphical installerLive image with a desktop and an installer (GNOME or Plasma).nixos.org ↗Minimal installerCommand-line image for experienced users and servers.nixos.org ↗Nix package managerUse Nix on any Linux distribution or macOS.nixos.org ↗

All NixOS versions

Recent NixOS releases with their support status and an official download link.

Version	Released	Gap	Support	Get it
NixOS 26.11 Zokor	30 Nov 2026		Not out yet
NixOS 26.05 Yarara	May 30, 2026	5.9 mo	Until Dec 2026	Download
NixOS 25.11 Xantusia	Nov 30, 2025	6.3 mo	Ended Jun 2026
NixOS 25.05 Warbler	May 23, 2025	5.7 mo	Ended Dec 2025
NixOS 24.11 Vicuña	Nov 30, 2024	6.0 mo	Ended Jun 2025
NixOS 24.05 Uakari	May 31, 2024	6.0 mo	Ended Dec 2024
NixOS 23.11 Tapir	Nov 29, 2023	6.0 mo	Ended Jun 2024
NixOS 23.05 Stoat	May 31, 2023	6.0 mo	Ended Dec 2023
NixOS 22.11 Raccoon	Nov 30, 2022	6.0 mo	Ended Jun 2023
NixOS 22.05 Quokka	May 30, 2022	5.9 mo	Ended Dec 2022
NixOS 21.11 Porcupine	Nov 30, 2021	6.0 mo	Ended Jun 2022
NixOS 21.05 Okapi	May 31, 2021	7.1 mo	Ended Dec 2021

Support dates from endoflife.date; gaps are computed from release dates. Links go to the project's own servers: Download = download page, Files = file archive, Notes = release notes.

Questions

When is the NixOS 26.05 "Yarara" release date?

NixOS 26.05 "Yarara" was released on May 30, 2026.

Where can I download NixOS 26.05 "Yarara"?

From NixOS's official site, nixos.org. We only link to official downloads and never host files ourselves.

How long is NixOS 26.05 "Yarara" supported?

Supported until December 2026. Release type: Stable release (supported until 31 Dec 2026).

What's new in NixOS 26.05 "Yarara"?

systemd in early boot, Native systemd boot options. The highlights on this page explain each one.

How often does NixOS release?

Twice a year: end of May and end of November (version numbers YY.05 and YY.11). Over its recent releases the average gap was about 6.0 months.

How long is a NixOS release supported?

About seven months. Each release stays supported for one month after the next one comes out, so you have time to upgrade.

What do NixOS version numbers mean?

They are the year and month of the release: 26.05 came out in May 2026 and 26.11 is planned for November 2026.