Developers limit Linux 5.10 LTS kernel support to 2 years for now

The Linux 5.10 LTS kernel will receive shorter support than previous kernel versions. Version 5.10 will be supported until 2023 unless the developers are promised more help.

Linux developer Greg Kroah-Hartman writes that in a message to other developers. Kernel 5.10 support is tentatively planned for until the end of 2022, so a maximum of two years. That is significantly shorter than other Linux kernels. Version 5.4 LTS, the previous version, is supported until the end of 2025, and Linux kernel 4.9 as well as 5.10 until 2023.

The decision is not final, Kroah-Hartman writes, but he does want help with the development. “I want to see companies use the kernel, and more importantly, update their devices with it, so I know if it’s worth supporting it for more than two years.” He also says he wants to know which companies are willing to help test and maintain the kernel version so that it can potentially be supported for six years instead of two. “If I get those promises and support from companies, I’d be happy to extend kernel support.”