Noctalia, the customizable Wayland desktop shell that offers many components expected in a modern desktop workflow, has released version 5.3.
The most noticeable change is the redesigned application launcher, offering improved browsing and navigation. For those who prefer the previous minimal interface, the developers kept it available as a “simple” layout in the launcher settings.
Additionally, there’s also a new icon-only option for application categories, and usage tracking now works independently of how results are sorted.
The bar and dock have received some changes as well. Users can configure docks separately for each monitor, enable a pinned-only taskbar mode, and adjust how long bars remain visible after the pointer moves away. There is also an option to hide windows belonging to inactive workspaces.
On the desktop side, Noctalia 5.3 adds media player artwork backgrounds, a visualizer, and adjustable background blur. The media widget can now disappear automatically when nothing is playing, and the analog clock gets an option to hide its second hand.
Appearance customization has also expanded. A new palette inspector displays terminal color indices, floating panels support configurable border colors and widths, and users can hide close buttons throughout the interface. Additional settings cover individual system sounds, screenshot controls, and light/dark color scheme synchronization with GNOME.
The lock screen gains a password reveal button and an optional passwordless unlock grace period. The latter is disabled by default and doesn’t apply when the system is locked during sleep.
There are also smaller but welcome improvements elsewhere. Calendar events can now be merged when duplicates are detected, failed Wi-Fi connections generate notifications, and Bluetooth authorization prompts display more readable service names. The plugin store now supports voting as well.
As for bug fixes, the release addresses several issues that could affect everyday use. These include excessive CPU usage after compositor disconnections, delays when loading wallpapers or generating color palettes, incorrect screenshots on rotated displays, and problems with fingerprint readers reconnecting.
Several security-related fixes are included, too. Calculator expressions can no longer execute programs or access files, while revealed passwords are prevented from entering clipboard data, undo history, or input methods.
Finally, Noctalia 5.3 resolves issues with notification replies, application discovery, audio device handling, and wireless connectivity. Build-related fixes include improved Home Manager integration and restored encrypted storage compatibility on certain 32-bit builds.
For more information, see the release notes for the full list of changes.
