Update – April 20, 2026:
We’re moving this release to April 27, 2026.
Testing and EarlyAccess feedback surfaced issues with the Docker image on some Linux and NAS systems. Docker can run on a wide range of hardware, operating systems, and storage configurations, and each combination behaves a little differently - some issues are in the image itself, others only show up in specific host environments. Since Docker is how some of the affected users will keep running Roon after the new requirements take effect, we’re holding the release another week to work through more of these variations with EarlyAccess before shipping.
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On April 20, 2026, we’ll release a new version of Roon …
- Roon Server
- Roon [GUI]
- Roon Bridge
… that brings performance improvements and significantly reduced memory usage. However, it will not be compatible with a small number of older systems.
What minimum system requirements are changing?
Starting with this release on April 20th, 2026:
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Roon on macOS will require macOS 12 (Monterey) or later
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Roon on Linux will require glibc 2.27 or later and OpenSSL 1.1.1
How can I check I am impacted?
Windows
- Windows is not impacted.
MacOS
- macOS 12 (Monterey) or later are not impacted. This article from Apple will help you find your
macOS version: Find out which macOS your Mac is using - Apple Support
Linux
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If you are running Roon OS (ROCK or Nucleus), you are not impacted.
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If you are running a modern Linux distribution since approximately 2019+, you should not be impacted. We know popular distributions such as Ubuntu, Debian, Arch, and Fedora are not impacted. If you aren’t sure, continue reading on how to test your system.
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NAS operating systems, including QNAP, Synology, ASUSTOR, Unraid, and FreeNAS, may be impacted depending on the product you own. Continue reading on how to test your system.
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Check OpenSSL
$ openssl version OpenSSL 1.1.1, 11 Sep 2018 -
Check glibc
$ ldd --version ldd (Ubuntu GLIBC 2.27-3ubuntu1.6) 2.27 Copyright (C) 2018 Free Software Foundation, Inc. This is free software; see the source for copying conditions. There is NO warranty; not even for MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Written by Roland McGrath and Ulrich Drepper. -
Check glibc, alternative:
$ getconf GNU_LIBC_VERSION glibc 2.27, February 1, 2018
If affected
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Update your OS
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Windows
- Windows is not affected.
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MacOS
- Here is the supported hardware list for macOS 12: macOS Monterey is compatible with these computers - Apple Support
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Linux
- Update your Linux distribution to a version that supports glibc 2.27 or above, and openssl-1.1.1 or above.
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NAS
- Update your NAS’s operating system to one that supports glibc 2.27 or above, and openssl-1.1.1 or above.
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What if I can’t update my Linux computer or NAS?
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Run RoonServer via Docker - Docker is an operating system-level virtualization technology that will let you run a newer set of software on top of your older operating system. We are launching an official supported Docker image for RoonServer. Early access users will get it first, with a production release shortly after.
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Run ROCK - If your Linux machine is dedicated for Roon Server, you can consider running Roon’s own operating system for Intel NUC hardware. See here for more information.
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Get a Nucleus - Roon’s dedicated hardware, designed to run Roon Server out of the box
Can I stay on an older Roon version?
We will make a pre-update Roon software packages available for users who need more time to plan their transition. A few things to keep in mind if you choose this path:
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You’ll need to disable automatic updates to remain on older software
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This software will not receive updates, which includes security fixes
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Over time, it will drift further from the current version, which may make it incompatible with software deployed on phones and tablets.