What is the new COSMIC Desktop in Pop!_OS 24.04?

COSMIC Desktop is a newly released, fast, and highly customizable desktop environment for Pop!_OS 24.04, rewritten using a faster programming language.

Is Pop!_OS 24.04 with COSMIC fast?

Yes, Pop!_OS 24.04 with COSMIC is reported to be exceptionally fast, opening apps instantly and maintaining system responsiveness.

Are there any issues with Pop!_OS 24.04's COSMIC desktop?

Minor issues have been noted, including VirtualBox display glitches, Bluetooth audio connection challenges, and sound output reset after reboot.

Home / Technology / Pop!_OS 24.04 Launches: COSMIC Desktop Arrives!

Pop!_OS 24.04 Launches: COSMIC Desktop Arrives!

16 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Pop!_OS 24.04 features the stable COSMIC desktop, rewritten in a faster language.
COSMIC desktop offers unparalleled speed and extensive customization options.
Minor issues with VirtualBox, sound, and GIMP screenshots persist.

Pop!_OS 24.04 Launches: COSMIC Desktop Arrives!

The highly anticipated Pop!_OS 24.04 has been released, marking the stable debut of the revolutionary COSMIC desktop environment. Developed as a faster, more customizable alternative to GNOME, COSMIC is built using a more efficient programming language. Early users report exceptional speed, with applications launching almost instantly and the system remaining responsive even under heavy load.

The COSMIC desktop emphasizes user experience through extensive customization. Users can easily adjust accent colors, themes, panels, and window management settings. Notably, the ability to configure window and container background colors is highlighted as a significant aesthetic feature. This level of personalization aims to provide a unique and visually pleasing computing experience.

While Pop!_OS 24.04 with COSMIC offers impressive performance and beauty, a few minor issues have been identified. These include occasional glitches with VirtualBox close prompts, challenges in reliably connecting Bluetooth audio devices, and sound output not persisting across reboots. Additionally, the screenshot functionality within GIMP is noted as being less intuitive than before. Developers are expected to address these small caveats in future updates.