The Omarchy project has released Omarchy 4.5, a major update to its Arch Linux-based operating system that introduces traditional floating desktop workspaces, native Apple Silicon installation, expanded ARM hardware support, and extensive customization improvements. Released on November 5, 2026, the update marks one of the distribution’s most significant developments since the introduction of Omarchy 4.0.
Known internally as Quattro RS, the release incorporates more than 740 merged pull requests from over 180 contributors during a twelve-week development period. Its most visible addition is a floating desktop mode that allows users to work with overlapping windows and a conventional application dock without abandoning Omarchy’s existing tiling and scrolling layouts. The change makes the distribution more accessible to users familiar with Windows and macOS while preserving its keyboard-driven workflow.
Omarchy 4.5 also expands beyond traditional x86-64 computers with native installation support for selected Apple Silicon Macs and preliminary compatibility with NVIDIA ARM-based systems. Additional improvements include localization for 50 languages, new productivity applications, expanded AI agent integration, video wallpapers, updated desktop themes, and numerous fixes affecting graphics, displays, networking, and hardware compatibility.
Floating Workspaces Introduce a Traditional Desktop Experience
Omarchy has traditionally emphasized tiling window management through the Hyprland Wayland compositor. In a tiling environment, application windows are arranged automatically within the available screen space, reducing the need to drag, resize, and manually position each window.
This approach can be highly efficient for developers and experienced Linux users who prefer keyboard navigation. However, it can also feel unfamiliar to people accustomed to conventional desktops, where windows overlap freely and applications are launched or minimized through a dock or taskbar.
Omarchy 4.5 addresses this difference by introducing floating workspaces with an integrated application dock. Users can now switch individual workspaces between tiling, scrolling, and floating layouts without changing the entire desktop configuration.
The Super + L keyboard shortcut cycles through these three layout modes. When floating mode is active, application windows receive themed title bars and can be positioned independently, creating an experience closer to a conventional desktop.
The dock displays pinned applications, running programs, and an application grid. Users can rearrange applications through dragging, pin frequently used programs, and access additional actions through context menus. Pressing Super + M minimizes the active window to the dock.