We are proud to announce the latest improvements to NethServer 8, marking the release of milestone 8.5. Over the last quarter, we’ve introduced powerful new features, usability refinements, and key bug fixes.
In memory of Andy Wismer
This release is dedicated to the memory of Andy Wismer, a friend, long-time contributor, tester, and enthusiast of the NethServer community. Andy was passionate about open source and always ready to help others, offering thoughtful insights and support both on the forum and behind the scenes. His knowledge, kindness, and humor left a lasting mark on all of us.
We miss you, Andy. This one’s for you.
Enhancements
Here are the most notable updates since the previous announcement. For full details, check out the release notes for milestone 8.5.
Samba File Server enhancements
You can now install the Samba File Server directly from the Software Center and configure it as an Active Directory domain member — offering shared folders as a domain file server. New capabilities include:
- Assigning an alias name to the File Server.
- Support for WSDD service for network discovery.
- Advanced shared folder features: Recycle bin, Audit logging to centralized Grafana dashboard, Folder visibility control.
Metrics and alerts configuration UI
The new Metrics section under Settings lets you configure Grafana and email alert notifications easily. Metrics are powered by Prometheus and Loki and provide deep insight into system and application health and logs.
Mail: catch-all and relay rule fixes
Mail 1.7 introduces support for domain-wide catch-all delivery — either to a user or group — even when using the “Add user addresses from user domain” option.
TLS certificate management improvements
The Request certificate procedure now includes a validation check to prevent requesting names already configured as HTTP routes. ACME errors are now displayed as inline notifications during certificate validation before the new configuration is applied.
HTTP routes: trailing slash redirect
New Append trailing slash to path option automatically adds a trailing slash to path-based routes, helping web applications (like the User portal) that don’t handle such redirects internally. Refer to Release Notes for upgrading the existing User portal routes.
Webtop integration updates
Webtop now includes:
- Upstream versions 5.28.6 and PEC Bridge 5.4.8
- Restored NethVoice address book integration and updated click2call with
tel:protocol - Support for Autoconfig/Autodiscovery
- Faster search, improved thread grouping, custom JAR loading, and a renewed OTP login page
NethVoice 1.3.4 new Features and Improvements
- Advanced Interface Enhancements: Asterisk CLI and log viewer directly in
the UI - New Phone Island: Call recording support, Device switching functionality
- Collaboration Tools: Audio conferencing, Video calling, Screen sharing
- NethVoice Hotel Module: Integration with hotel systems via FIAS protocol
- NethVoice CTI Improvements: Updated user interface and graphics, Call
pickup functionality, Collapsible side drawer for enhanced usability - Streaming Management: Video stream display within NethVoice CTI (e.g.
for intercoms)
Application updates
Latest application versions include:
- Nextcloud 31
- Collabora 25
- Roundcube 1.6.11
- SOGo 5.12
- Mattermost 10.5.5 with PostgreSQL 17.5
- Netdata 2.4
- Crowdsec 1.6.8
- Ejabberd 25.4
Bug Fixes
We’ve resolved 36 issues in this milestone! Here are a few highlights:
- Relay rules for sender are not honored in some cases · Issue #7433 · NethServer/dev · GitHub
- GitHub · Where software is built (can’t fix)
- Pecbridge mailnode not refreshed · Issue #7378 · NethServer/dev · GitHub
- Waste of disk space due to stale Restic images · Issue #7391 · NethServer/dev · GitHub
- Broken TLS in Postfix due to malformed fullchain.pem · Issue #7526 · NethServer/dev · GitHub
See the full list on our GitHub issue tracker.
Roadmap
Looking ahead to milestone 8.6, planned for Q3 2025:
- Deeper TLS certificates page UI rework
- Lock application cluster-admin UI during migration
- Application forced interruption/restart
Stay updated on our project page.
Get Involved in the NS8 Community
Your feedback and contributions drive the evolution of NS8! Here’s how you can make an impact:
- Join the conversation on our forum with the tag ns8.
- Share your ideas, report issues, or help refine existing features.
- Contribute to NS8 translations on Weblate.
Every suggestion, discussion, and contribution makes a difference. Let’s build the future of NS8 together! 
The NethServer Team