The Linux 7.3 kernel merge window has opened, marking the start of development for the next major release. This update matters to system administrators and developers because it removes support for legacy file systems that are no longer maintained. Users relying on older Silicon Graphics or Veritas storage formats will need to migrate their data or use alternative mounting methods. The kernel community is streamlining the codebase by cutting out drivers that have seen little to no activity for years.
Legacy SGI and Veritas file systems removed from mainline kernel
Linux 7.3 follows the recent release of Linux 7.2 and begins the standard six-week integration period. The Linux Kernel Community, led by maintainer Christian Brauner and contributor Christoph Hellwig, is driving these changes. This release cycle focuses on cleaning up deprecated code rather than introducing new high-profile features. The merge window allows subsystem maintainers to pull in changes before the final 7.3 release is prepared.
The most significant technical change is the removal of the Silicon Graphics IRIX Extent File System (EFS). The community also stripped out the freevxfs driver, which was used to read Veritas VxFS volumes. These removals eliminate a combined 3,724 lines of code spread across 33 files. This cleanup reduces the kernel's maintenance burden and shrinks the overall code footprint. The changes reflect a long-term strategy to remove legacy components that lack active development.
The freevxfs driver had been inactive for 15 years before its final removal. The EFS support also lacked recent maintenance and active user base engagement. These file systems are no longer natively mountable in Linux 7.3 or any subsequent versions. Systems that previously relied on these formats must now use external tools or virtualization to access the data. The removal ensures that only actively maintained file systems remain in the mainline kernel.
This update confirms that Linux 7.3 will ship without native support for these two legacy file systems. Developers and users should verify their storage configurations before upgrading to the new kernel version. The code removals are final and will not be reintroduced in the 7.3 series. The community continues to prioritize active maintenance over backward compatibility for abandoned formats.
Discussion
0 comments
Log in to join the thread with a thoughtful take, question, or correction.