Theme 11 — modern
Centred, rounded, quiet. Everything one click away.
Development preview · 0.7.0-dev.4
Active Development · Technical Preview
PhoenixCore OS
Built for compatibility. Designed for control.
A Linux-based operating system in active development, focused on everyday usability, dependable administration and long-term maintainability.
Explore FeaturesDevelopment Progress
Not yet publicly available — so far verified in controlled testing in isolated virtual machines.
Desktop experience
Your day, on a desktop you already know
Built on Debian 13 and KDE Plasma, with its own installation, everyday experience, administration and recovery. Modern or classic layout, light or dark — and a calm, separate space for administration.
Theme 10 — classic
Start on the left, the taskbar across the bottom. Familiar from the first minute.
Development preview · 0.7.0-dev.4
ADMIN desktop
A separate, uncluttered space for looking after the system.
Development preview · dev.20
Start menu & branded apps
Your apps, your search, your places — in copper and graphite.
Development preview · 0.7.0-dev.4
Features
What PhoenixCore OS is built to do
In plain words: what already works in controlled testing, what is being developed and what is planned. Every item carries its own status.
- Verified in controlled testing
- In active development
- Planned
Why it can be useful
In active development
Uses the computers you already have
Aims to run on existing hardware. So far verified only in tested virtual configurations, including one without TPM; qualification on physical devices is ongoing.
Verified in controlled testing
A comfortable, familiar desktop
Modern or classic layout, light or dark, on Debian 13 and KDE Plasma.
Verified in controlled testing
Separate USER and IT ADMIN roles
Everyday users work without unnecessary privileges; the IT administrator has a separate account.
In active development
System recovery mechanisms
Recovery-oriented design with a recovery boot; smoother recovery is still being developed.
Verified in controlled testing
User data kept in tested laboratory scenarios
A separate user-data area was kept while the system partition was replaced. Public reinstallation is not enabled yet.
Verified in controlled testing
Offline administrative documentation and help
Local help topics for administrators in Bulgarian and English, available without an internet connection and built into the system help centre. Verified in virtual machines; not yet available in any publicly distributed release.
Planned
Centralised IT management in the future
Organisational administration and device management for IT teams.
Everyday desktop
Feels familiar from the first minute and looks unmistakably like PhoenixCore.
- Debian 13 foundation with KDE Plasma
- PhoenixCore visual identity, light and dark
- Graphical installation
- Application navigation designed around the user
Clear user and administrator roles
Developed with clearly separated user and administrator responsibilities, allowing maintenance without granting unnecessary privileges to everyday users.
- A standard user and a separate IT administrator, tested through real graphical sign-in and sign-out
- Distinct USER and ADMIN machine profiles
- Organisational administration and device management Planned
Hardware compatibility
Made to run on the computers people already have — without unnecessary hardware lockouts.
- AMD and Intel hardware-enablement foundation
- Runs without TPM and without mandatory modern CPU instruction extensions in a test configuration
- Qualification on physical devices In active development
- NVIDIA graphics — ongoing compatibility area In active development
Your files, kept apart from the system
A recovery-oriented storage architecture designed to make future system replacement and maintenance possible without unnecessary loss of personal files.
- Separate user-data area
- Encrypted user data with independent recovery credentials (laboratory scenarios)
- Safe reinstallation with application-data preservation In active development
- Guided migration from Windows to PhoenixCore Planned
Independent and local
Works on its own, on your computer, without depending on a remote service.
- Independent boot after a test installation
- Baseline offline installation scenarios
- Predictable, secure update architecture In active development
Development progress
One clear path, milestone by milestone
Seven milestones from foundation to public preview. Select a milestone to read more. Verified in a virtual machine does not yet mean ready for everyday use.
- Verified in controlled testing
- In active development
- Planned
Foundation
Verified in controlled testing
Debian 13 and KDE Plasma as a stable, open base, with PhoenixCore's own visual identity.
Installation & desktop
Verified in controlled testing
Graphical installation, desktop operation and application navigation designed around the user — verified in controlled testing.
Development preview · 0.7.0-dev.4 — Appearance — Modern or Classic style Users & administrators
Verified in controlled testing
Distinct USER and ADMIN configurations, with separate local IT administrator accounts on USER machines.
Hardware foundations
In active development
AMD and Intel enablement integrated and basic operation verified on virtual hardware; qualification on physical devices is ongoing.
Data protection & recovery
In active development
Separate user data, encrypted user data and recovery keys validated in laboratory scenarios; safe reinstallation is in development.
Migration & wider support
Planned
Guided migration from Windows to PhoenixCore and more comprehensive printer and scanner support.
Organisations & public preview
Planned
Organisational administration, managed application deployment and preparation for a public preview.
Where things stand
Achieved in controlled testing
- Graphical installation and desktop operation
- Distinct USER and ADMIN configurations
- Separate local IT administrator accounts on USER machines
- Independent UEFI boot
- Basic recovery boot validation
- AMD and Intel hardware-enablement foundation
- Baseline offline installation scenarios
- Separate user-data layout
- Encrypted user data and recovery-key scenarios in the laboratory
In active development
- Safe reinstallation and application-data preservation
- Broader driver compatibility
- Qualification on physical devices
- Improved installation and recovery experiences
- Safer migration of application and system settings
- Expanded printing and scanning support
Planned
- Guided migration from Windows to PhoenixCore
- More comprehensive printer and scanner support
- Organisational administration and device management
- Managed application deployment
- Controlled remote-support workflows
- Compatibility with electronic signatures and selected professional applications
- Further localisation, accessibility and desktop improvements
- Wider hardware certification and preparation for a public preview
The roadmap describes intentions, not delivery promises. No dates are announced.
Hardware compatibility
Made for the computers people actually use
Modern machines and selected older ones alike — PhoenixCore OS aims to run well without excluding compatible hardware.
Compatibility goals
- Intel and AMD processors
- Integrated and dedicated graphics
- Modern and selected older computers
- SATA and NVMe storage
- Common network, audio and peripheral devices
- NVIDIA graphics — an ongoing compatibility area
- Printing and scanning — depending on the model
Where it stands today
- AMD and Intel firmware and microcode foundations are integrated
- Basic operation verified on deliberately restricted virtual hardware
- Ran in a test configuration without TPM and without mandatory modern CPU instruction extensions
Integrated drivers do not prove that every physical device has been tested. No compatibility guarantees are given for specific vendors or models.
Security & recovery
Protection that doesn't stand in your way
Your files deserve a safe place, and your computer deserves a way back. PhoenixCore OS is designed around both.
Data separation & recovery
A recovery-oriented storage architecture designed to make future system replacement and maintenance possible without unnecessary loss of personal files.
In controlled virtual-machine testing:
- The system partition was replaced while a separate user-data area was retained
- Applicable accounts and permissions were preserved
- Verified files and their metadata were preserved
- Encrypted user data was unlocked with independent recovery credentials
Public reinstallation is not enabled yet. Unrecognised application data and older configurations still need further work.
Security principles
- Separation of privileges
- Authentication for privileged operations
- Optional disk encryption
- Independent recovery options
- Secure update architecture
- Local-first operation
- Hardware security features as optional enhancements
Security features should strengthen a system without unnecessarily excluding compatible hardware.
Intelligent resilience
The workplace of the future should do more than simply work. PhoenixCore Enterprise is being developed with a new generation of mechanisms for technical resilience, predictable operation and faster recovery from certain system problems.
Fewer interruptions. More control. Technology that works quietly in the background.
Privacy by design
Personal data protection is built into the architectural principles of PhoenixCore OS. System diagnostics are being designed to use only the minimum technical indicators needed, without analysing the content of personal documents, email or user conversations. PhoenixCore Enterprise is being developed with attention to GDPR principles and to the organisation’s control over its own data.
These are development goals, not certified or conclusively proven functionality.
Gallery
Real screens from development
Real archive screenshots from earlier development builds. They show the direction of the design — not the latest interface. Select any image to see it full size.
Archive screenshots from development. Design and features may still change before public availability.
Early Testers
PhoenixCore OS Early Testers
PhoenixCore OS is preparing for a future community and hardware-testing phase. We aim to work with interested users and IT professionals to evaluate installation, device compatibility, desktop usability and recovery features on a wider variety of systems.
Who we hope to work with
- Linux enthusiasts
- System administrators and IT support specialists
- Owners of older business laptops and desktops
- Users with Intel or AMD hardware
- Users with NVIDIA or Radeon graphics
- Users with common or older printers and scanners
- Organisations interested in a future pilot evaluation
What testers may evaluate
- Installation
- Hardware detection
- Graphics and displays
- Network and wireless
- Printers and scanners
- Everyday usability
- Recovery and data preservation
- Localisation and accessibility
Tester Program — Coming Soon
Details about eligibility, participation and test builds will be announced when the testing program is ready.
Good to know
- There is nothing to register for yet, and no test build is offered on this site.
- When testing opens, it will be meant for non-production computers, with independent backups and an understanding of experimental limitations.
- We will never ask for passwords, recovery keys or confidential information — and bug reports should never contain them.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I download PhoenixCore OS?
Not yet. PhoenixCore OS is not publicly available.
Is it based on Debian?
Yes — PhoenixCore OS is built on Debian 13, with KDE Plasma as its desktop.
Does it require TPM 2.0?
No. TPM 2.0 is not a universal requirement for baseline operation; hardware security features are treated as optional enhancements.
Will it run on older computers?
Supporting suitable older computers is a major goal. Results will depend on the specific components.
Does it support AMD and Intel?
AMD and Intel hardware-enablement foundations are integrated. Qualification on physical devices is ongoing.
Does it support NVIDIA?
NVIDIA graphics are an ongoing compatibility area. There is no production qualification yet.
Will it replace Windows?
We don't claim that. The goal is a dependable alternative for suitable use.
Will it migrate from Windows?
Guided migration from Windows is planned. It is not publicly available.
Will my files survive a reinstall?
This has been demonstrated in controlled laboratory testing. A public reinstallation workflow is not enabled yet.
Is it production-ready?
No. PhoenixCore OS is not yet generally released or production-qualified.
How can I join testing?
A tester program is planned for the future. Details will be announced when it is ready — there is nothing to register for now.
Project updates
News from development
PhoenixCore OS — Development Progress, Hardware Compatibility and Recovery Milestones
Introduction
PhoenixCore OS continues to take shape as a Linux-based operating system built for compatibility, straightforward administration and long-term maintainability. Here is what has been reached in controlled testing, and what comes next.
Desktop and administration
Graphical installation, the desktop with PhoenixCore's visual identity and user-oriented application navigation were verified in isolated virtual machines. Separate USER and ADMIN machine profiles were tested, and a standard user and a separate IT administrator were checked through real graphical sign-in and sign-out.
Hardware foundations
AMD and Intel firmware and microcode foundations are integrated, and basic operation was verified on deliberately restricted virtual hardware — including a configuration without TPM and without mandatory modern CPU instruction extensions. Qualification on physical devices comes next; integrated drivers alone do not prove that every device works.
Data preservation
In laboratory testing, the system partition was replaced while a separate user-data area was kept. Accounts and permissions, verified files and their metadata were preserved, and encrypted user data was unlocked with independent recovery credentials. A public reinstallation workflow is not enabled yet.
Next priorities
Safe reinstallation with application-data preservation, broader driver compatibility, qualification on physical devices, smoother installation and recovery, and expanded printing and scanning.
Community participation
A future Early Testers program is being prepared for interested users and IT professionals. Details will be announced when it is ready; there is nothing to sign up for yet.
Closing
Every step aims at one thing: a dependable system you can trust with your everyday work. Thank you for following PhoenixCore OS.
Vision
Where PhoenixCore OS is heading
A Linux-based operating system focused on reliability, hardware compatibility, straightforward administration and long-term maintainability — for personal workstations and organisational environments.
Creator and foundation
PhoenixCore OS is created by Alexander Hristov (RitualForge Labs). Its foundation is Debian GNU/Linux and KDE Plasma; these and the other open-source components are the work of their respective communities and are distributed under their own licences.
Broad hardware compatibility
Runs on the computers you have, with no unnecessary hardware lockouts.
Predictable updates
Changes you can anticipate, not surprises.
Independent local operation
Your computer works on its own, without depending on a remote service.
Clear user and admin roles
Everyday users work freely; administrators look after the system.
Your data, protected
Personal files kept apart from the system and designed to survive maintenance.
Built to last
Recovery-oriented design, long-term serviceability and everyday usability.
Project status
Active Development / Technical Preview
PhoenixCore OS is in active development. Its core capabilities have been verified in isolated virtual machines. It is not production-ready, and there is no public release yet.
Development builds are not intended for production use or for installation on everyday computers. Public availability will be announced when it is ready.
Language Support
PhoenixCore OS is currently in active development and testing. The current test builds provide Bulgarian and English language support in the core interfaces.
Full multilingual localisation is planned for future releases, allowing users to experience the operating system in their preferred language.
Built for compatibility. Designed for control.
Contact
For questions about the project and collaboration, write to us at: