Linux 7.1 has been released for public download, ending support for Intel's 37-year-old 486 processor, fixing a 2-year-old Steam Deck OLED audio issue, and overhauling NTFS.

not specified

Who

Linus Torvalds

What

When

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 05:18:59 GMT · 6d 3h ago

Where

not specified ·

Why

Linus Torvalds announced the release of Linux 7.1 after a period of bug fixes, some of which were identified by AI agents.

The Frontline Impact

How this affects you

This new version of Linux will no longer support very old Intel processors, and Steam Deck OLED users will experience improved audio. Developers should be aware of potential delays in the merge window reopening for future versions due to Torvalds' travel, but the overall release process went smoothly despite an influx of bug reports.

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Verified Sources & Citations

XDA
https://www.xda-developers.com/linux-71-is-here-and-it-kills-i486-support-fixes-steam-deck-audio-and-overhauls-ntfs/
HIGH