Ubuntu's Virtualization Hardware Enablement Stack: A New Model for Confidential Computing Enablement
Ubuntu, Monday, July 27th, 2026
Ubuntu 26.04 LTS integrates host and guest support for AMD SEV-SNP and Intel TDX confidential computing.
Confidential computing is moving quickly, and the foundation is already in place: AMD SEV-SNP and Intel TDX make it possible to run confidential virtual machines with stronger protection for data in use.
Ubuntu 26.04 LTS brings integrated host and guest support for both technologies. Canonical describes a new virtualization hardware enablement stack model that decouples confidential computing enablement from the general kernel release cadence.
That matters because the hardware and firmware support moves faster than an LTS kernel normally would. The post covers how the stack works and what it means for organizations deploying confidential VMs.