Ubuntu 25.04 “Plucky Puffin” Full Review – Features, Kernel 6.14, Cybersecurity, Gaming & More

🐧 Ubuntu 25.04 “Plucky Puffin” Full Review – Features, Kernel 6.14, Cybersecurity, Gaming & More

Ubuntu 25.04, codenamed “Plucky Puffin”, is the latest short-term release from Canonical, officially launched in April 2025. As always, Ubuntu delivers a blend of innovation and stability for developers, gamers, and everyday users. With exciting updates like Linux Kernel 6.14, GNOME 48, and enhanced security tools, this release sets the foundation for the next LTS version in 2026.

In this article, we'll explore all the key features, developer tools, gaming improvements, cybersecurity upgrades, and why you should consider trying Ubuntu 25.04 on your PC or laptop.

🚀 Core Highlights of Ubuntu 25.04

Let’s begin with the major changes at the system level that define the Plucky Puffin.

Linux Kernel 6.14: A powerful core update bringing major performance, gaming, and AI improvements.
GNOME 48 Desktop: Offers HDR support, new visual polish, and a "Wellbeing" tab to reduce screen fatigue.
Systemd v257.4: Drops old System V scripts for a faster, more modern startup experience.

💡 What's GNOME 48's “Wellbeing” Feature?

This new feature helps you keep track of your screen time, reduce eye strain, and follow healthier digital habits – perfect for those who work long hours on the computer.

🛠️ Developer Tools & Programming Languages

Ubuntu 25.04 is packed with the latest toolchain updates for software developers:

GCC 14.2 – Faster C/C++ compiling and better code analysis.
Python 3.13.3 – Support for upcoming Python libraries and AI development.
Rust 1.84 – Better memory safety and performance, used even in Ubuntu’s internal tools now.
Go 1.24 – Great for web and cloud-native applications.
LLVM 20 – High-performance backend for Clang and other compilers.

Also, Ubuntu now uses APT 3.0 with smarter dependency resolution and improved TLS security for package downloads, making your system both safer and easier to update.

🎮 Gaming Gets a Huge Boost with Kernel 6.14

Gaming on Linux just got better. Whether you're a Steam Deck user or playing via Proton/Wine, the following updates are game changers:

NTSYNC Driver: Huge performance boost (up to 150%) in Windows games via Wine and Proton by improving synchronization between threads.
Better Graphics: Triple buffering in Wayland improves animations and game smoothness.
New Controller Support: Adds support for Xbox 360 wireless clones and even retro gamepads like the Sega 6-button pad.
Improved Thermal and Power Control: Especially for NVIDIA and AMD laptops with Dynamic Boost and new display pipeline tweaks.

🔥 Want Better FPS in Games?

If you're a gamer using Linux, this release is worth trying. You’ll notice smoother gameplay, better frame times, and improved compatibility with modern hardware.

🔐 Cybersecurity Upgrades in Kernel 6.14

Security is more important than ever, and Ubuntu 25.04 doesn't disappoint. Kernel 6.14 adds critical protections for both personal and enterprise systems:

Live Kernel Patching: Fix vulnerabilities without needing to reboot your system.
Kernel Lockdown Mode: Prevents even root-level users or malware from modifying kernel settings.
Improved AppArmor & SELinux: More powerful access control rules to stop unauthorized behavior by apps.
Secure File Deletion: Deletes files completely, making them unrecoverable by hackers.
Bluetooth & USB Security Fixes: Protects against device-based exploits.

🧠 Ideal for Ethical Hackers & SysAdmins

If you're managing a server or testing security setups, these upgrades make Ubuntu 25.04 a reliable and safer platform for cybersecurity workflows.

💾 Filesystem, Storage & Performance Upgrades

Under the hood, Ubuntu 25.04 optimizes how your storage devices and filesystems work:

Bcachefs Improvements: Faster disk reads with better memory usage.
Btrfs RAID1: Now supports read balancing, improving disk speed and reliability.
FUSE + io_uring: File systems like SSHFS and NTFS-3G are now faster and less resource-heavy.

📁 Working with External Drives?

If you use NTFS, SSHFS, or other non-Linux filesystems, you'll see snappier file transfers and fewer lags – great for backups and remote access.

🌐 Network, VPN & Internet Stack Improvements

Linux Kernel 6.14 includes smart networking changes for faster browsing, better VPN speeds, and lower latency:

RACK-TLP for TCP: Helps detect and recover from packet loss more quickly.
IPv4/IPv6 Enhancements: Improves network stability on modern dual-stack connections.
Updated WireGuard & nftables: Stronger VPN and firewall performance without compromising speed.
New Crypto Algorithms: Tougher protection for encrypted connections.

🔐 Remote Workers & Streamers Will Love This

These upgrades offer smoother video calls, faster downloads, and stronger protection on public Wi-Fi.

🖥️ New Desktop & Installer Features

Ubuntu 25.04 brings desktop and installation improvements that are worth mentioning:

New ARM64 ISO: Now officially supports Snapdragon WoA laptops and tablets.
Better BitLocker Dual Boot: Install Ubuntu alongside a BitLocker-encrypted Windows OS more easily.
Updated Apps: GIMP 3.0, LibreOffice 25.2, Thunderbird 128, Firefox 137, and a new Rust-powered PDF viewer called “Papers”.
Rust-based Fish Shell: A faster and more secure command line experience.

📦 Goodbye Evince, Hello “Papers”

The old PDF viewer has been replaced with a new, GTK4 + Rust-powered app for better speed, modern design, and more stability.

📌 Support Cycle

Ubuntu 25.04 is a short-term release, supported for 9 months (until January 2026). If you need long-term support, stick with Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS.

🔍 Should You Upgrade?

You should try Ubuntu 25.04 if:

You want to experience the latest Linux features.
You're a gamer looking for better FPS and controller support.
You're a developer working with Python, Rust, Go, or C++.
You want stronger security and privacy features.
You're testing ARM64, Snapdragon, or newer AMD/Intel CPUs.

🤔 Not for You If:

You prefer rock-solid stability over the latest features.
You run production systems – use Ubuntu 24.04 LTS instead.

📚 Related Articles

Ubuntu 25.04 "Plucky Puffin" is fast, modern, and powerful. Whether you're into coding, gaming, or security – it’s a great release to try. Want help installing or upgrading? Drop a comment or reach out, and we’ll guide you!

Ubuntu 25.04 “Plucky Puffin” Full Review – Features, Kernel 6.14, Cybersecurity, Gaming & More