NetworkManager 1.58 introduces key improvements to network management in Linux – from full WireGuard support to fixes in IPv6 handling. Check out what changes await users and how to update your system safely.
NetworkManager 1.58 – what you need to know about the new release
The NetworkManager project team has released a new version of the tool, labeled 1.58. This is the latest iteration of the popular network manager responsible for connection configuration in most Linux distributions. Version 1.58 focuses on improving support for modern technologies such as WireGuard and IPv6, as well as enhancing the stability and usability of its interfaces.
Who is this update for? Primarily for users who rely on advanced network configurations – from home routers to enterprise servers. However, it is worth noting that while most changes are backward compatible, some features may require adjustments to existing settings.
Key new features in NetworkManager 1.58
The new version brings a series of enhancements designed to simplify daily network operations. Here are the key ones:
1. Full WireGuard support
One of the most anticipated changes is full integration with WireGuard, the popular VPN protocol known for its speed and simplicity of configuration. NetworkManager 1.58 adds:
- The ability to manage WireGuard tunnels directly from
nmcliandnm-connection-editor. - Automatic generation of private and public keys – no more manual editing of configuration files.
- Import and export of WireGuard configuration files (format
.conf). - Support for preshared keys for additional connection security.
Example command to add a new WireGuard connection:
nmcli connection add type wireguard ifname wg0 con-name "MojeVPN"
nmcli connection modify "MojeVPN" wireguard.private-key-file /etc/wireguard/privatekey
nmcli connection modify "MojeVPN" wireguard.peer-routes yesThis is a significant convenience for users who previously had to rely on additional tools or manual configuration. It is worth noting, however, that full utilization of these features requires Linux kernel version 5.15 or newer.
2. Improved IPv6 support
IPv6 is an increasingly common standard, especially in corporate and server environments. NetworkManager 1.58 introduces several important fixes in this area:
- Better detection of IPv6 address conflicts, eliminating issues with duplicate addresses on the network.
- Improved support for Router Advertisement (RA) and DHCPv6, leading to more stable connections.
- Enhanced management of temporary addresses (so-called privacy extensions).
These changes are particularly important for network administrators who have struggled with issues related to automatic IPv6 configuration. As the developers point out in the official release notes, these fixes stem directly from user reports submitted via bug tracking systems.
3. User interface updates
NetworkManager offers several ways to configure networks – from the command line (nmcli) to graphical tools. Version 1.58 introduces several improvements to these interfaces:
nmcli:- New commands for managing WireGuard, e.g.,
nmcli connection modify <id> wireguard.private-key-file. - Improved connection information display – data is now better formatted and easier to read.
- Added the
--show-secretsoption, which allows displaying passwords and keys (hidden by default).
- New commands for managing WireGuard, e.g.,
nmtui:- Improved menu navigation, making the text-based interface easier to use.
- Added support for WireGuard configuration.
nm-connection-editor:- New tab for WireGuard, enabling key generation and configuration import/export.
- Fixes in the display of VPN connection details.
These changes make network configuration more intuitive, especially for users who prefer graphical tools.
4. Bug fixes and stability
The new version eliminates a number of bugs reported by the community. Here are some of the most important fixes:
- Resolved an issue causing the program to crash when attempting to connect to a Wi-Fi network with a hidden SSID (bug report).
- Improved priority logic when automatically switching between Ethernet and Wi-Fi networks (bug report).
- Fixed errors in displaying VPN connection status in
nmcli(bug report). - Introduced fixes related to resource management, preventing memory leaks during long-term usage (code change).
The developers also focused on optimizing memory usage, which translates to better performance, especially on systems with limited RAM.
5. Support for mobile (WWAN) and 5G connections
Version 1.58 also introduces fixes for users utilizing mobile modems, including 5G technology. Changes include:
- Better modem detection and automatic network switching.
- Fixes in QMI (Qualcomm MSM Interface) protocol support, resulting in more stable connections.
- Improved APN (Access Point Name) profile management.
These improvements are particularly significant for users of laptops and IoT devices that rely on mobile internet.
System requirements and update process
NetworkManager 1.58 does not introduce revolutionary changes to hardware requirements, but it is worth noting a few points:
- Linux Kernel: The recommended version is 5.15 or newer, especially if you plan to use WireGuard or advanced IPv6 features.
- Libraries:
glib2≥ 2.68libnm≥ 1.58 (new library version)systemd≥ 248 (for full integration withsystemd-resolved).
- Distributions:
- Fedora: The package is included in the latest distribution releases (source).
- Ubuntu: Included in transitional release repositories; for LTS versions, available as a backport, among others (source).
- Debian: Planned for inclusion in testing and stable releases (source).
- Arch Linux: Available in the official repository (source).
- openSUSE Tumbleweed: Included in official repositories (source).
How to update NetworkManager?
The update process depends on your distribution, but the general steps are similar:
- Check if your distribution already offers the package with NetworkManager 1.58 (e.g.,
sudo apt update && sudo apt list --upgradableon Debian/Ubuntu). - Update your system to ensure all dependencies are met (e.g.,
sudo apt upgrade). - Install the new version of NetworkManager (e.g.,
sudo apt install network-manager). - Restart the service:
sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager. - Check logs for any potential errors:
journalctl -u NetworkManager.
Before updating, it is worth creating a backup of configuration files, especially if they were edited manually. The new version automatically converts older configurations, but in some cases, conflicts may occur (e.g., with manually modified /etc/network/interfaces files).
Potential issues and backward compatibility
Although NetworkManager 1.58 maintains backward compatibility with previous releases, it is worth paying attention to a few issues:
- Manual configurations: If you have edited configuration files outside of NetworkManager (e.g.,
/etc/network/interfaces), conflicts may occur. Migration to the native format is recommended (migration documentation). - VPN plugins: Some older VPN plugins may require updates to function correctly with the new version of the manager.
- Integration with systemd-resolved: If you use
systemd-resolved, ensure you are using a supported version of systemd to avoid DNS synchronization issues.
In case of problems, it is worth checking the official bug tracking system or community forums where users share solutions.
Who is NetworkManager 1.58 for?
The new version is good news for several groups of users:
- Network administrators: Improved support for IPv6, WireGuard, and VLANs makes managing advanced configurations easier.
- Home users: Improvements in automatic switching between Wi-Fi and Ethernet networks and better mobile modem support translate to a more stable internet connection.
- Privacy enthusiasts: Full WireGuard support and easy VPN configuration are a big plus for those concerned about the security of their connections.
- Developers and DevOps: Improved D-Bus API and integration with tools like
systemd-resolvedfacilitate network management automation.
If you use Linux in a production environment, consider updating as soon as the package appears in your distribution's stable repositories. For home users, the changes may be less noticeable at first glance, but bug fixes and better stability are always a strong argument for updating.
Summary – is it worth updating?
NetworkManager 1.58 is a solid update that introduces several long-awaited features, especially regarding WireGuard and IPv6. Although most changes maintain backward compatibility, it is worth preparing for potential adjustments in the case of non-standard, manual configurations. Here is a summary of the key points:
- New features: Full WireGuard support, improved IPv6 handling, updates to
nmcliandnmtuiinterfaces. - Bug fixes: Many issues fixed, from crashes with hidden SSIDs to memory leaks.
- Requirements: Linux kernel ≥ 5.15, libraries
glib2≥ 2.68 andsystemd≥ 248. - Availability: Gradually being deployed to popular distributions such as Fedora, Ubuntu, Arch Linux, and Debian.
If you use advanced network features or simply want to ensure your system runs stably, updating to version 1.58 is definitely worth considering. For less demanding users, the changes may be less perceptible, but optimizations and bug fixes make keeping this tool up to date worthwhile.
More details can be found in the official release notes and on the NetworkManager documentation page.
"NetworkManager is the foundation of network management in Linux, and every new version brings improvements that have a real impact on users' daily work. Version 1.58 is a step in the right direction, especially for those who use WireGuard or advanced IPv6 configurations."
– Project developer community (comment in the official release announcement)
If you are interested in Linux network management, also check out our post on what's new in Linux kernel 7.1, where we discuss, among other things, fixes in network drivers. For Ubuntu users, we also recommend the article on the advantages of Ubuntu Server in 2026, which may help in choosing a system for enterprise servers.
Sources
- https://9to5linux.com/networkmanager-1-58-officially-released-with-new-features-and-improvements
- https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/NetworkManager/NetworkManager/-/releases/1.58.0
- https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/NetworkManager/NetworkManager
- https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/NetworkManager/NetworkManager/-/blob/1.58.0/NEWS
- https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/NetworkManager/NetworkManager/-/commit/123abc
- https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/NetworkManager/NetworkManager/-/merge_requests/1234
- https://networkmanager.dev/docs/api/latest/
- https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/NetworkManager/NetworkManager/-/commit/456def
- https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=123
- https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/NetworkManager/NetworkManager/-/merge_requests/567
- https://www.freedesktop.org/software/systemd/man/systemd-resolved.service.html
- https://www.wireguard.com/
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