Kali Linux 2025.4 has been officially released, introducing a range of significant updates primarily focused on its three main desktop environments: GNOME, KDE Plasma, and Xfce. This iteration transitions to GNOME 49, bringing a modern aesthetic along with performance enhancements and the introduction of Wayland as the default window server, replacing X11 while maintaining compatibility. New features in GNOME include a streamlined app grid that organizes tools effectively, a new video player called Showtime, and a quick terminal shortcut for easier command line access.
KDE Plasma 6.5 also sees enhancements, such as improved window tiling and a more user-friendly screenshot tool, along with fuzzy search capabilities in KRunner to improve app accessibility. Meanwhile, Xfce receives color theme support, allowing for greater customization options similar to its counterparts.
Beyond desktop environments, Kali Linux 2025.4 enhances Wayland support for virtual machine environments and introduces a seasonal "Halloween mode" that can be activated through a terminal command. Notably, the distribution method for the Live image has changed; it will now only be available via BitTorrent due to size constraints, streamlining core functionality for standard downloads.
The release also includes new tools in the main repository, such as bpf-linker for BPF static linking, evil-winrm-py for remote Windows command execution, and Hexstrike-AI, which enables AI agents to manage tools automatically. Additionally, the kernel has been updated to version 6.16, and Kali NetHunter has expanded its support for Android devices, including popular models like the Samsung Galaxy S10 and OnePlus Nord, with a revamped Terminal app enhancing user experience.
For those interested in mobile security, the recent Kali NetHunter Live Podcast featured a live demonstration and Q&A session with mobile hacker Lukas Stefanko, providing insights into wireless attacks on mobile systems.
In summary, Kali Linux 2025.4 emphasizes improved user experience across its desktop environments, enhanced support for modern graphics stacks, and the introduction of new tools aimed at enhancing its penetration testing capabilities. As the community eagerly anticipates the next release, scheduled for January, users are encouraged to stay informed about ongoing developments and features.
For further details, refer to the official announcement on the Kali Linux blog
KDE Plasma 6.5 also sees enhancements, such as improved window tiling and a more user-friendly screenshot tool, along with fuzzy search capabilities in KRunner to improve app accessibility. Meanwhile, Xfce receives color theme support, allowing for greater customization options similar to its counterparts.
Beyond desktop environments, Kali Linux 2025.4 enhances Wayland support for virtual machine environments and introduces a seasonal "Halloween mode" that can be activated through a terminal command. Notably, the distribution method for the Live image has changed; it will now only be available via BitTorrent due to size constraints, streamlining core functionality for standard downloads.
The release also includes new tools in the main repository, such as bpf-linker for BPF static linking, evil-winrm-py for remote Windows command execution, and Hexstrike-AI, which enables AI agents to manage tools automatically. Additionally, the kernel has been updated to version 6.16, and Kali NetHunter has expanded its support for Android devices, including popular models like the Samsung Galaxy S10 and OnePlus Nord, with a revamped Terminal app enhancing user experience.
For those interested in mobile security, the recent Kali NetHunter Live Podcast featured a live demonstration and Q&A session with mobile hacker Lukas Stefanko, providing insights into wireless attacks on mobile systems.
In summary, Kali Linux 2025.4 emphasizes improved user experience across its desktop environments, enhanced support for modern graphics stacks, and the introduction of new tools aimed at enhancing its penetration testing capabilities. As the community eagerly anticipates the next release, scheduled for January, users are encouraged to stay informed about ongoing developments and features.
For further details, refer to the official announcement on the Kali Linux blog
Kali Linux 2025.4 released
Kali Linux 2025.4 has been released with several notable changes, focusing on the three main desktop environments: GNOME, KDE Plasma, and Xfce. The update brings modern features such as Wayland as the default window server, an improved app grid, fuzzy search in KRunner, and color theme support to Xfce. In addition to these updates, Kali Linux 2025.4 also includes new tools like bpf-linker, evil-winrm-py, and Hexstrike-AI; package updates with a kernel upgrade to 6.16; and expanded support for Android devices through Kali NetHunter.
