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Linux kernel 7.4 release date

Linux 7.4 should arrive in the last week or two of December 2026, after a normal merge window and seven or eight release candidates.

Expected window
20-27 Dec 2026
Expected in 47 days (window opens)
Chance it lands in the window
80%
Can't wait? Use the latest stable version todayLinux kernel 7.3Released Oct 18, 2026 Download
Not announced. Linux kernel has not published this date. It is our estimate and may change.

Road to release

  1. 7.3 out 18 Oct 2026
  2. Merge window ends, rc1 1 Nov 2026
  3. You are here 3 Nov 2026
  4. rc7 13 Dec 2026 · est.
  5. Release window 20-27 Dec 2026 · est.

Why this window? Linux kernel has shipped a new version about every 2.1 months over its recent releases (computed from the release dates in the table below). Our window, Dec 20-27, 2026, follows that rhythm with room for the slips Linux kernel sometimes has.

What we know so far

Newest first. official from the project · report from news or other sites · estimate our own working.

  1. Nov 3, 2026 estimate A two-week merge window plus seven weekly release candidates gives 20 December. An rc8 would push it to 27 December. Most kernels ship after rc7.
  2. Nov 1, 2026 official Linux kernel 7.4 rc1 was tagged on Nov 1, 2026 (kernel.org releases feed).
  3. Oct 18, 2026 report Linux 7.3 was released on 18 October 2026.

How to get the latest Linux kernel

Getting it

Most people never install a kernel by hand: Linux kernel 7.3 reaches you through your distribution's updates. Fast-moving distributions get it within weeks; LTS distributions stay on older kernels by design.

Doing it yourself

To build it yourself, download the source tarball from kernel.org, configure it and compile it. This is for developers and testers.

If you need a long-supported kernel, use the current LTS kernel instead of the newest one. kernel.org ↗

All Linux kernel versions

Recent Linux kernel releases with their support status and an official download link.

VersionReleasedGapSupportGet it
Linux kernel 7.5 21 Feb-7 Mar 2027 Not out yet
Linux kernel 7.4 20-27 Dec 2026 Not out yet
Linux kernel 7.3 Oct 18, 2026 2.1 mo Supported Files
Linux kernel 7.2 Aug 16, 2026 2.1 mo Ended Nov 2026 Files
Linux kernel 7.1 Jun 14, 2026 2.1 mo Ended Sep 2026 Files
Linux kernel 7.0 Apr 12, 2026 2.1 mo Ended Jun 2026 Files
Linux kernel 6.19 Feb 8, 2026 2.3 mo Ended Apr 2026 Files
Linux kernel 6.18 LTS Nov 30, 2025 2.1 mo Until Dec 2028 Files
Linux kernel 6.17 Sep 28, 2025 2.1 mo Ended Dec 2025 Files
Linux kernel 6.16 Jul 27, 2025 2.1 mo Ended Oct 2025 Files
Linux kernel 6.15 May 25, 2025 2.0 mo Ended Aug 2025 Files
Linux kernel 6.14 Mar 24, 2025 2.1 mo Ended Jun 2025 Files

Support dates from endoflife.date; gaps are computed from release dates. Links go to the project's own servers: Download = download page, Files = file archive, Notes = release notes.

Questions

When is the Linux kernel 7.4 release date?

Linux kernel 7.4 has no official date. We expect it between Dec 20-27, 2026, with about a 80% chance of landing inside that window.

Is the Linux kernel 7.4 date confirmed?

No. The date is our estimate, based on how Linux kernel has released in the past. We will update this page when Linux kernel announces a date.

What is the latest Linux kernel version right now?

Linux kernel 7.3, released on Oct 18, 2026. You can install it today and upgrade later.

How often does Linux kernel release?

Every 9-10 weeks (about 5-6 per year). Over its recent releases the average gap was about 2.1 months.

Which Linux kernel version should I use?

Use the kernel your distribution ships. If you need long support, pick a longterm (LTS) kernel such as 6.18 instead of the newest one.

What is a kernel release candidate (rc)?

After a two-week merge window for new features, Linus Torvalds releases weekly test versions called rc1, rc2 and so on. The final kernel usually follows rc7, or rc8 if more fixes are needed.