NawaOS is a Debian-based Linux distribution built for gaming. It uses the Cinnamon desktop and comes preconfigured with software such as Steam, Lutris, RetroArch, Wine, and OBS Studio, aiming to give users an out-of-the-box system for Linux gaming, Windows game compatibility, retro gaming, and streaming without lengthy manual setup.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Includes a central control panel for managing gaming, power, network, appearance, drivers, and updates.
- Offers gaming-focused optimisation tools including Game Mode, kernel and sysctl tuning, smart I/O scheduling, and low-latency PipeWire audio.
- Provides GPU auto-detection and driver management for NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel hardware, along with support for common WiFi chipsets.
- Supports multiple session modes including Cinnamon X11, Cinnamon Wayland, and GameScope, with HDR gaming support.
- Adds handheld and controller support, save game backup and sync features, and a mobile companion app for remote system control.

| Working state: | Active |
| Desktop: | Cinnamon |
| Init Software: | systemd |
| Package Management: | APT |
| Release Model: | Fixed |
| Platforms: | x86_64 |
| Home Page: | nawaos.com |
| Developer: | Ahmed Abdulla |
This entry was written with the assistance of a visitor who completed the distro form.
| This article is part of our Big List of Active Linux Distributions. |
What's a Linux distribution ("distro")? |
| A distro provides the user with a desktop environment, preloaded applications, and ways to update and maintain the system. Each distro makes different choices, deciding which open source projects to install and provides custom written programs. They can have different philosophies. Some distros are intended for desktop computers, some for servers without a graphical interface, and others for special uses. Because Linux is an open source operating system, combinations of software vary between Linux distros. |
