The Linux Kernel 7.1 RC1 has been released, featuring a significant number of changes, largely influenced by an AMD GPU header sync that inflates patch counts. The update removes legacy i486 configurations and outdated SoC support to streamline maintenance and improve efficiency. Noteworthy enhancements include updates to VFS handling, NTFS and SMB compatibility, and ongoing integration of Rust into the kernel. Testers are encouraged to engage with this release candidate to help identify and report bugs, ensuring a smoother final version release
Linux Kernel 7.1 RC1 released
Linux Kernel 7.1 RC1 has arrived with a massive merge window where an AMD GPU register header sync artificially inflates the patch count. The update actively strips out legacy i486 configurations and obsolete SoC support to keep maintenance overhead manageable. Beyond the inflated stats, developers packed in meaningful improvements across VFS handling, NTFS and SMB compatibility, system tracing tools, and ongoing Rust integration. Testers should expect typical release candidate instability, run make oldconfig to handle removed options, and report bugs promptly to help stabilize the kernel before the final launch.
