The buzz has been building, and now it’s official: Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 10 has landed. While some keen observers noted its quiet emergence on the Red Hat Customer Portal a few days prior, the formal announcement at Red Hat Summit 2025 has truly set the stage for this pivotal release. Codenamed “Coughlan,” RHEL 10 isn’t just another incremental update; it’s a significant leap forward, designed to meet the evolving demands of hybrid cloud environments, AI workloads, and the ever-present need for enhanced security.
In today’s rapidly evolving IT landscape, agility, security, and efficiency have become the cornerstones of modern enterprise infrastructure. With the release of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10, organizations are presented with a platform that not only meets these demands but sets a new standard for how operating systems support digital transformation. This latest version is designed to tackle emerging challenges head-on, from accelerated cloud adoption and dynamic resource constraints to the integration of AI-driven processes and next-generation security protocols
New Features
Red Hat has reimagined familiar workflows to streamline daily operations while boosting overall productivity. For instance, the new installer now grants administrative privileges by default to newly created users—though administrators can always opt out—as well as offering more granular control over system settings like time zone configuration. This change, along with the replacement of the older VNC remote access method with a modern Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), reflects a commitment to both usability and performance. Moreover, the evolution of the image builder—transitioning from the now-deprecated cockpit-composer package to the innovative cockpit-image-builder plugin—demonstrates an emphasis on efficient system image creation and deployment
Enhanced Security
Security remains at the heart of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10. In this release, system-wide cryptographic policies have been refined, enabling toolkits such as OpenSSL, GnuTLS, and NSS to support post-quantum algorithms—a significant step forward in safeguarding sensitive data against emerging threats. The update also brings OpenSSH suite enhancements (now at version 9.9) that deliver a higher level of reliability and security over previous iterations. Additionally, the integration of Sequoia PGP tools alongside traditional GnuPG offerings enriches the operating system’s encryption and signature capabilities, while improvements in SELinux userspace further bolster security by introducing new modes and support improvements
AI-Powered Management with Lightspeed
Recognizing the growing importance of artificial intelligence in IT operations, Red Hat has ingeniously woven AI-based enhancements throughout this release. A standout is the introduction of Red Hat Enterprise Linux Lightspeed, which works as an intelligent command-line assistant. Powered by generative AI, this feature aids in troubleshooting, interprets logs, and even recommends the installation of relevant packages during image creation. By seamlessly integrating AI into daily operations, administrators and developers alike can expect a smoother, more intuitive experience—one that reduces manual overhead and accelerates problem resolution
Innovations for Developers
For developers, RHEL 10 is a playground for exploring emerging technologies. One exciting offering is the RISC-V developer preview, established in collaboration with SiFive. This initiative gives developers early access to the HiFive P550 RISC-V platform, enabling them to experiment with a scalable, secure environment that could very well power the next generation of server deployments. Alongside this, enhancements in image mode support and confidential computing ensure that AI model execution and other cutting-edge applications run with optimal security and reliability.
Optimized for Hybrid Cloud and AI Workloads
RHEL 10 arrives with full support for running RHEL images across major public cloud providers like AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure. This deep integration simplifies cloud migrations and ensures consistent performance, whether your workloads are on-premises or in the cloud. Furthermore, RHEL 10 is purpose-built to serve as a robust and trusted foundation for AI initiatives, with features that accelerate time-to-market for the latest AI hardware and software.
General Availability
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10 is now generally available through the Red Hat Customer Portal for existing customers with active RHEL subscriptions. For developers looking to explore the new features and build on this cutting-edge platform, RHEL 10 is also accessible via no-cost Red Hat Developer programs with a fully detailed release notes list.
Additionally, pre-tuned, fully supported, and ready-to-run RHEL images for AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure are now available, simplifying deployment in cloud environments.
The release of RHEL 10 symbolizes a thoughtful balance between stability and innovation. Whether you’re managing a fleet of servers across a global enterprise or experimenting with next-generation development platforms, this release has something to offer. It serves as a reminder that even in a landscape defined by constant change, the right tools can empower us to not just keep up, but to lead the way forward.
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