Ubuntu 26.10 stops OOM killer from taking down the whole desktop

In Ubuntu 26.10 Canonical lowered OOM priorities for desktop system processes so the kernel kills applications instead of GNOME Shell when memory runs out. systemd-oomd will also no longer be able to terminate user sessions. The release is planned for October 15, 2026, with a beta on September 24.

• Desktop process OOM priorities lowered to preserve the session
• systemd-oomd stripped of the ability to terminate user sessions
• Ubuntu 26.10 release on October 15, 2026; beta on September 24
• Canonical calls it a first step; no full immunity from OOM