Comment: Please address the issues mentioned by User:ScalarFactor before resubimitting. NeoGaze (talk) 09:34, 7 June 2026 (UTC)
- Comment: Third-party reliable sources are needed to establish notability. This is currently sourced to primary sources and user-generated content, like wikis. ScalarFactor (talk) 22:23, 3 April 2026 (UTC)
| CachyOS | |
|---|---|
 | |
 CachyOS with the KDE desktop environment | |
| Developer | CachyOS Team |
| Written in | C, C++, Python |
| OS family | Linux (Unix-like) |
| Working state | Current |
| Source model | Open-source |
| Initial release | 2021 (2021) |
| Latest release | Rolling release / March 8, 2026 (2026-03-08) |
| Repository | github |
| Available in | Multilingual |
| Package manager | Pacman |
| Kernel type | Monolithic (Linux kernel) |
| Default user interface | KDE Plasma[a] |
| License | GPLv3 |
| Official website | cachyos |
CachyOS is an Arch Linux-based Linux distribution focused on performance optimization and low-latency computing.[1] It follows a rolling-release model and provides preconfigured system components intended to improve responsiveness and usability compared to a standard Arch Linux installation.
The distribution includes its own repositories and utilities, such as tools for simplified system maintenance and installation, and supports multiple desktop environments with KDE Plasma as the default.
In 2025, CachyOS gained wider attention after reaching the top position on DistroWatch’s Page Hit Ranking.
History
The project originated from work on the cacULE scheduler (originally named "Cachy"), a CPU scheduler focusing on responsiveness. Following the development of x86-64-v3 optimization standards, the founders Peter Jung (ptr1337) and Vladislav Nepogodin (vnepogodin) aimed to create a fully optimized distribution.[2]. The first public release occurred in July 2021.[3]
Features
CachyOS provides a streamlined and user-friendly experience while incorporating performance-oriented optimizations and a custom kernel.
In order to simplify chroot operations on existing CachyOS or Arch Linux–based systems, cachy-chroot was created. It detects available disk partitions, including Btrfs subvolumes, and assists in preparing them for access. The tool also supports systems using LUKS encryption by associating entries from fstab with corresponding crypttab configurations and ensuring that encrypted volumes are properly closed upon exiting the chroot environment.[4]
CachyOS offers two installation methods: a graphical installer (GUI) and a command-line interface (CLI). It supports multiple bootloaders, including Limine (the default), GRUB, systemd-boot, and rEFInd.[5]. Like its parent distribution Arch Linux, CachyOS uses the Pacman package manager, along with its own repositories containing optimized packages.
Release history
CachyOS is a rolling-release Linux distribution and does not use fixed version numbers. Installation images (ISOs) are periodically published as snapshots of the current system state, incorporating updated packages, kernel versions, and installer improvements.
| Date | Release | Notable changes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 May 2024 | May 2024 release | Bcachefs filesystem support added to installer | [6] |
| 14 July 2024 | July 2024 release | Zen4-optimized repository introduced; ROCm support improvements | [7] |
| 18 August 2024 | August 2024 release | Open NVIDIA kernel modules enabled by default; secure boot support improvements | [8] |
| 30 March 2025 | March 2025 release | Limine bootloader support; Btrfs snapshot integration | [9] |
| 13 July 2025 | July 2025 release | Installer improvements; shell selection options; hardware detection updates | [10] |
| 24 August 2025 | August 2025 release | Introduction of package dashboard and Cachy-Update improvements | [11] |
| 24 January 2026 | January 2026 release | Major installer rework; Plasma Login Manager; Wayland Live ISO; Limine default bootloader | [12] |
| 8 March 2026 | March 2026 release | Animated desktop previews in installer; Winboat integration; handheld edition improvements | [13] |
Editions
CachyOS is primarily distributed with the KDE Plasma desktop environment by default. Additional editions and configurations are available, including GNOME, Xfce, and Hyprland.
A specialized "Handheld Edition" is also provided, targeting devices such as handheld gaming systems, with preconfigured settings optimized for controller input and performance.[14]
Reception
CachyOS has received coverage in technology media for its focus on system responsiveness and optimization. Reviewers have highlighted its use of performance-oriented configurations, including custom kernel tuning and optimized package builds.
In 2025, CachyOS gained increased visibility after reaching the top position on DistroWatch’s Page Hit Ranking, surpassing Arch Linux.[15]
Coverage has also noted the project’s emphasis on delivering a balance between performance enhancements and usability, particularly through its installer and preconfigured system tools.
See also
References and notes
- "Welcome to the CachyOS Wiki". CachyOS Wiki. CachyOS. 2026-01-22. Retrieved 2026-04-01.
- "Introduction ptr1337". CachyOS Forum. April 27, 2024.
- "CachyOS: A Speed-Optimized Arch Linux-Based Distro". Fossforce. Fossforce. 2025-08-12. Retrieved 2026-04-01.
CachyOS was first released in July 2021
- "cachy-chroot". CachyOS Wiki. CachyOS. Retrieved 2026-04-01.
- "Boot managers". CachyOS Wiki. CachyOS. Retrieved 2026-04-01.
- "CachyOS May 2024 Release". CachyOS Blog. 2024-05-12. Retrieved 2026-04-02.
- "CachyOS July 2024 Release". CachyOS Blog. 2024-07-14. Retrieved 2026-04-02.
- "CachyOS August 2024 Release". CachyOS Blog. 2024-08-18. Retrieved 2026-04-02.
- "CachyOS March 2025 Release". CachyOS Blog. 2025-03-30. Retrieved 2026-04-02.
- "CachyOS July 2025 Release". CachyOS Blog. 2025-07-13. Retrieved 2026-04-02.
- "CachyOS August 2025 Release". CachyOS Blog. 2025-08-24. Retrieved 2026-04-02.
- "CachyOS January 2026 Release". CachyOS Blog. 2026-01-24. Retrieved 2026-04-02.
- "CachyOS March 2026 Release". CachyOS Blog. 2026-03-08. Retrieved 2026-04-02.
- "Handheld Edition". CachyOS Wiki. CachyOS. Retrieved 2026-04-01.
- Cafiero, Larry (August 14, 2025). "CachyOS — Distrowatch's Top Distro Has Speed, Polish and Features". FOSS Force. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
External links
Category:Arch-based Linux distributions Category:Free and open-source software Category:Linux distributions Category:Pacman-based Linux distributions