Operating System
Qubes OS
Security-focused operating system with isolation-based architecture for compartmentalization
Qubes OS is a operating system focused on security and privacy. It helps you keep more control over your data.
Overview
Qubes OS is a very secure desktop operating system that uses a clever trick to keep your different activities separate. Instead of running everything on one system, Qubes OS creates separate "compartments" called qubes, and each one runs in its own virtual machine. This means if you're doing work in one qube and browsing the web in another, they're completely isolated from each other. If one qube gets compromised, the others stay safe. Qubes OS uses color-coded windows so you can see which qube each window belongs to. The operating system is free, open source, and particularly useful for people who need strong security, like journalists, activists, or security professionals. It requires a powerful computer and has a learning curve, but it provides exceptional security through isolation.
Privacy highlight
Security-focused desktop OS with virtualization-based isolation. Each app runs in isolated qubes. No , , exceptional security.
Quick facts
- Country:
- 🇺🇸 United States
- Pricing:
- Free
- Platform:
- Desktop, Laptop
- Technical:
- Advanced
- :
- No
- :
- No telemetry
- :
- Yes
- Open-source status:
- Fully open source
- :
- Yes
- :
- Yes
Key features
- Operating system focused on security and privacy.
Security & encryption Click to expand
- No
- Encryption protocols
- AES-256, ,
- Qubes OS uses LUKS (Linux Unified Key Setup) for disk . The operating system supports full-disk with user-managed keys. Users set up during installation and can use passphrases or key files. Qubes OS also supports encrypted and . The operating system uses Xen hypervisor for virtualization, which provides additional security isolation. Qubes OS allows users to manage keys for individual qubes if needed. The system provides strong defaults and secure .
- Offline support
- Yes
Telemetry & tracking Click to expand
- No telemetry
- No
- Ip no
- Qubes OS does not collect data. The operating system does not include or code. Qubes OS does not track users, collect usage statistics, or monitor system activity. The operating system is designed for maximum privacy and security with no . Users have complete control over their systems and data.
Jurisdiction & compliance Click to expand
- Qubes OS is open-source software with no central jurisdiction. The operating system does not collect or store user data, so there is minimal data residency concern. Qubes OS operates locally on user systems without cloud services. Users have complete control over data residency as all data remains on their systems.
- Qubes OS does not retain user data. The operating system does not collect or store personal information, system identifiers, or usage data. Qubes OS operates locally on user systems without cloud services that would retain data. Users have complete control over their data as it remains on their systems.
- Legal frameworks
- GDPR, CCPA (where applicable).
- Revenue sources
- Donations, Grants
Editorial signals Click to expand
- 94
- Trust score
- 95
- Trust breakdown (0–10)
- Encryption: 95, Audits: 90, Open source: 95, Telemetry: 100, Jurisdiction: 100, Transparency: 90, Trackers: 100
- Editorial notes
- Usability: 60, Performance: 70, Family friendly: 70
User experience Click to expand
- Signup requirements
- none
- Onboarding difficulty (1-5)
- 5
- Accessibility features
- Operating system with accessibility features including keyboard navigation and screen reader support
Backup & portability Click to expand
- Yes
- Migration tools
- VM export, Backup tools
- System recovery, Backup restoration
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