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What's inside Proton OS

Proton OS is Debian 13 (Trixie) with KDE Plasma, set up for people and businesses coming from Windows. Underneath, it's plain Debian: standard apt sources, standard packages, and every change we make is a config file or a package you can inspect. This page explains what's included, how it's configured, and why.

Two editions, one system

Both editions share the same apps, settings and security defaults. The only difference is the kernel.

The foundation

Included applications

Security and updates

Proton OS is set up so a user who never opens a settings screen still stays protected.

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  • Firewall on by default: enabled at boot, incoming connections denied by default, outgoing allowed.

  • Automatic security updates: unattended-upgrades installs fixes from the Debian security archive in the background.

  • Automatic Monthly updates: Discover applies system and Flatpak updates once a month, as offline updates on reboot.

  • Memory protection: earlyoom runs on both the live session and installed systems. When memory runs out, it stops the app using the most memory before the desktop freezes. An void list protects Plasma, KWin and SDDM.

  • No container daemon: WinBoat uses rootless Podman, so there's no Docker daemon and no docker group.

  • Password policy: the installer requires at least 8 characters.

Desktop and look

  • Icons: Windows-like icons for a familiar, easy-to-navigate desktop, configured system-wide through the Breeze Look-and-Feel defaults.

  • Cursors: Windows 10-style cursors, also applied to the SDDM login screen for a consistent experience.

  • Wallpapers: Three official Proton OS wallpapers: Business Slate (default), Magenta, and Paper. Business Slate is used across the desktop, lock screen, SDDM login screen, and live USB GRUB boot menu.

  • Window Tiling: Simplifies window organization, making it easier to arrange and manage multiple open applications.

  • Keyboard Shortcuts: NumLock is enabled at login. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc or Meta + Esc to open System Monitor quickly.

  • Desktop Effects: Hide Cursor and Wobbly Windows are enabled by default to improve usability and add subtle visual effects.

For more information you can see external resources:
 

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