The Ubuntu release notes give an overview of notable changes in the software included in a default Ubuntu 26.04 installation. 

cuda-toolkit

The packaging and usage of cuda-toolkit has changed significantly. Users are advised to use Nvidia-provided docker containers; more information is available on our CUDA page.

docker

The registered user of the workstation is now able to run docker. Each user has to do a small amount of initial setup; see our docker instructions.

Nvidia graphics drivers

The earliest provided Nvidia driver is the 580 series. Older Nvidia graphics cards are expected to fallback to using the nouveau driver.

NX protection

Ubuntu 26.04 is a lot stricter about enforcing NX protection (e.g. disallowing code execution from stack memory). If a binary/library has been compiled with this feature, it will lead to runtime errors such as

libXYZ.so:  cannot enable executable stack as shared object requires: Invalid argument

If you encounter this problem, please email support@ch.cam.ac.uk to discuss.

schrodinger

As of the first half of 2026, Schrodinger (e.g. release 2026-2) does not support Ubuntu Resolute. Schrodinger state that they "aim to provide support for new operating system versions 6 months after their public release", so we intend to review compatibility of future Schrodinger release.

xconv

xconv1 (e.g. xconv1.93, xconv1.91 etc) are not compatible with Ubuntu 26.04. Users are advised to instead use xconv2, which requires setting up a python venv.

X11 / Wayland

Ubuntu 26.04 has dropped native X11 support and uses Wayland only. XWayland is installed which provides a compatibility layer for running native X11 applications under Wayland, but it is possible that some legacy X11 applications might not function properly.