Linus Torvalds releases Linux kernel 7.3

Linus Torvalds, the creator of the Linux operating system, released version 7.3 of the Linux kernel on October 18. He noted that this time he correctly predicted the release date, avoiding any delays.

Linux kernel's role in operating systems

The Linux kernel is the core component of the operating system, enabling software to interact with hardware such as the processor, graphics card, or game controllers. This makes it essential for the functioning of any Linux-based system.

New features focus on gaming

This version of the kernel primarily benefits gamers using Linux. While the Linux project does not provide an official list of changes, the website GamingOnLinux analyzed thousands of modifications to identify those relevant to video gaming.

Valve contributes to gaming improvements

Several of the changes in the kernel are attributed to Valve, the company behind the Steam platform and the Steam Deck. Valve has been working on improving how graphics cards handle memory, specifically VRAM, which can enhance game performance when nearly full.

Linux's growing presence in gaming

Despite these improvements, Linux remains a niche choice for gamers. According to a September 2026 survey by Steam, only 3.05 percent of users reported using Linux, compared to 95.03 percent for Windows. However, Linux is slowly gaining traction among gaming enthusiasts.

Support for older hardware and new devices

The kernel update includes support for older AMD graphics cards, allowing some models to restart after a crash without rebooting the computer. It also adds drivers for new gaming peripherals, such as Valve’s Steam Controller and the MSI Claw, a portable PC console.

Performance improvements and requirements

The update also includes changes to how the kernel schedules tasks across processor cores, potentially improving performance on older machines. Some graphical enhancements require updated versions of Mesa, the open-source graphics drivers used on Linux.

Choosing the right Linux distribution

To quickly access these improvements, users should choose a Linux distribution that regularly updates its kernel, such as Arch Linux or CachyOS, which follow new kernel releases closely.