Linux Kernel 5.4 Reaches End-of-Life: Time to Retire a Workhorse
One of the most widely deployed Linux kernels has officially reached the end of its lifecycle. The maintainers of the Linux kernel have confirmed that Linux 5.4, once a cornerstone of countless servers, desktops, and embedded devices, is now end-of-life (EOL). After years of long-term support, the branch has been retired and will no longer receive upstream fixes or security updates.
A Kernel Release That Defined a Generation of Linux Systems
When Linux 5.4 debuted, it made headlines for bringing native exFAT support, broader hardware compatibility, and performance improvements that many distributions quickly embraced. It became the foundation for major OS releases, including Ubuntu LTS, certain ChromeOS versions, Android kernels, and numerous appliance and IoT devices.
Its long support window made it a favorite for organizations seeking stability over bleeding-edge features.
What End-of-Life Actually Means
With the EOL announcement, the upstream kernel maintainers are officially done with version 5.4. That means:
- No more security patches
- No more bug fixes or performance updates
- No regressions or vulnerabilities will be addressed
Some enterprise vendors may continue backporting patches privately, but the public upstream branch is now frozen. For most users, that makes 5.4 effectively unsafe to run.
Why This Matters for Users and Organizations
Many devices, especially embedded systems, tend to run kernels for much longer than desktops or servers. If those systems continue using 5.4, they now risk exposure to unpatched vulnerabilities.
Upgrading Is the Clear Next Step
With 5.4 retired, users should begin planning an upgrade to a supported kernel line. Today’s active long-term support kernels include more modern branches such as 6.1, 6.6, and 6.8, which provide:
- Better CPU and GPU support
- Significant security improvements
- Enhanced performance and energy efficiency
- Longer future support windows
Before upgrading, organizations should test workloads, custom drivers, and hardware, especially with specialized or embedded deployments.
A Sign of the Times: Faster LTS Turnover
Kernel 5.4’s retirement also reflects a broader shift: Linux’s long-term support strategy is evolving. LTS periods have shortened, and maintainers strongly encourage the ecosystem to migrate more frequently. As hardware and security threats evolve, modern kernels have become essential, not optional.
Conclusion
Linux 5.4 served the community exceptionally well, powering everything from cloud servers to consumer laptops to industrial hardware. But with the branch now officially EOL, the safest path forward is clear: upgrade to a supported kernel and ensure your systems stay secure and future-ready.