Linux 7.2 kernel reaches end of life and support ended

Project maintainer Greg Kroah-Hartman has issued a warning that support for the Linux 7.2 kernel has officially come to an end. In an announcement on the Linux kernel mailing list, he strongly recommended that all users migrate to the Linux 7.3 kernel or the long-term supported Linux 6.18 LTS version.

• Support for the Linux 7.2 kernel branch has officially concluded following the release of Linux 7.2.15.
• The branch received fifteen updates since its launch in August 2026 and is now marked as EOL on kernel.org.
• Core developers advise users to transition to the fresh Linux 7.3 release or the stable Linux 6.18 LTS branch.

End of Life for Linux 7.2

The development of the Linux 7.2 branch ceased following the deployment of the Linux 7.2.15 patch on November 1, 2026. Initially launched in August 2026, this branch received fifteen updates before being labeled as EOL (End of Life) on the official kernel.org website. This means the branch will no longer receive any updates, including crucial bug fixes and security patches.

For standard Linux kernel releases, updates are typically provided only until the next stable branch arrives. For instance, updates for Linux 7.2 were scheduled to run until the release of Linux 7.3, which Linus Torvalds introduced in October 2026. Sticking to an outdated kernel version without security updates introduces significant operational risks.

Choosing an Alternative: Linux 7.3 or Linux 6.18 LTS

As a replacement, the developers offer two main paths depending on system requirements. The first option is upgrading to the standard Linux 7.3 branch, which brings the latest features and driver improvements. The second option is intended for systems requiring long-term stability: adopting the Linux 6.18 LTS release, which is supported until December 2028.

It is worth noting the ongoing trend of extending support lifespans for LTS branches by core maintainers Greg Kroah-Hartman and Sasha Levin. Previously, the lifespan of Linux 6.18 was extended from two to three years, while versions like Linux 6.12 and Linux 6.6 were extended to four years to better serve enterprise deployments.

Current Status of LTS Kernel Branches

The landscape of long-term supported kernel branches continues to evolve. Linux 6.12 is supported until December 2028 and is utilized in distributions such as Debian 13, SUSE 16, Android 16, and Oracle Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel 8. Meanwhile, Linux 6.6 remains active until December 2027 and powers OpenWRT 24.10.

Older branches like Linux 5.4 reached EOL status in December 2025 after receiving 302 updates, having served as the base for Ubuntu 20.04 LTS and UEK 6. System administrators must keep these schedules in mind when planning hardware and software maintenance.

What This Means for Developers and Administrators

For IT professionals and businesses, the end of Linux 7.2 support serves as a clear trigger to plan infrastructure upgrades. Running unsupported kernels exposes systems to unpatched security vulnerabilities since EOL branches no longer receive maintenance from upstream developers.

Transitioning promptly to Linux 7.3 or an LTS release like Linux 6.18 ensures system security, maintains software compatibility, and guarantees smooth operation with modern hardware components.