Kali Linux 2025.1 Ethical Hacking Distro Is Here with Xfce 4.20, Refreshed Theme
Kali Linux 2025.1 is here three months after Kali Linux 2024.4 and since it’s the first release in 2025 it comes with the annual theme refresh that includes updated boot menu, login screen, and desktop wallpapers. Kali Linux 2025.1 is also the first release to ship with the latest and greatest Xfce 4.20 desktop environment.
This release also updates the KDE Plasma desktop offering to the KDE Plasma 6.2 release, adds lots of new keyboard shortcuts to make desktop navigation faster, as well as a major kernel update, a new partition layout, a newer boot firmware from Raspberry Pi OS, and DKMS-enabled Nexmon kernel module for Raspberry Pi devices.
Linuxiac:
Quoting: Plasma 6 Finally Lands in Kali Linux 2025.1a —
Kali Linux 2025.1a, a Debian-based distribution aimed at advanced penetration testing and security auditing, is now available for download, marking its first major update of the year.
Originally intended to be 2025.1, the release got slightly rebranded after the Kali developers discovered a last-minute bug in one of the packages, prompting them to produce updated images swiftly.
This release brings a major update to its desktop environments: KDE Plasma 6.3 and Xfce 4.20. KDE enthusiasts will be particularly excited about Plasma 6 (finally available in Kali), as it offers a significantly revamped interface, including refreshed desktop visuals.
Original:
-
Kali GNU/Linux 2025.1a Release (2025 Theme, & Raspberry Pi)
We are kicking off 2025 with Kali GNU/Linux 2025.1a! This update builds on existing features, bringing enhancements and improvements to streamline your experience. It is now available to download or upgrade if you’re already running Kali Linux. Kali GNU/Linux 2025.1a? What happened to 2025.1? There was a last minute bug discovered in a package after already producing our images. As a result, a re-build was needed, with a fix.
[...]
As always, should you come across any bugs in Kali, please submit a report on our bug tracker. We will never be able to fix what we do not know is broken! And Social networks are not bug trackers!
Want to keep up-to-date easier? We’ve got you!
Also here:
-
Kali Linux 2025.1a drops with theme refresh, Kali NetHunter updates
Kali Linux 2025.1a is now available. This release enhances existing features with improvements designed to streamline your experience.
[...]
Kali Linux 2025.1a introduces an annual theme refresh, maintaining a modern interface. This year’s update debuts a redesigned theme aimed at enhancing the user experience from startup. Users can expect notable visual updates, including an improved boot menu, a refined login screen, and a selection of new desktop wallpapers for both Kali and Kali Purple editions.
Microsoft-connected FUD site:
-
Kali Linux 2025.1a released with 1 new tool, annual theme refresh
Kali Linux has released version 2025.1a, the first version of 2025, with one new tool, desktop changes, and a theme refresh.
Kali Linux is a distribution created for cybersecurity professionals and ethical hackers to red team exercises, penetration testing, security audits, and research against networks.
As is typical for the year's first version, the Kali Team has released new visual elements, including wallpapers and desktop environments.
Note that the strange version number is because the developers stated they found a last-minute bug in 2025.1, which required a fix and rebuild. This led to the release of 2025.1a as the first release of 2025.