The Arch-based distribution Omarchy was released as version 4.0 “Quattro” on 14 August 2026 – according to the project, its biggest desktop overhaul yet. At its heart is a completely rewritten desktop shell based on Quickshell.
Omarchy is the free, ready-made curated Linux desktop from 37signals founder David Heinemeier Hansson. Instead of many separate components, the bar, launcher, menus and notifications now run together in a single, long-running shell process – meant to make the experience smoother and more consistent.
What else is new
- Dual-boot: when free disk space is available, the installer now offers a dual-boot installation.
- Lean and fast: the ISO is under 6 GB and installs in less than a minute.
- Hardware polish: better handling of clamshell mode, brightness control for external monitors via DDC/CI, persistent power profiles for AC and battery, and special PipeWire tuning for the 2026 Dell XPS 14 and XPS 16.
For anyone looking for a keyboard-centric, ready-to-use Arch desktop without assembling it themselves, Omarchy 4.0 is an interesting option – now with a more modern, all-of-a-piece interface.
