Linus Torvalds has announced the release of Linux 6.19, which introduces significant enhancements including the switch of legacy AMD Radeon GPUs to the modern amdgpu driver and increased block sizes in ext4, resulting in enhanced storage performance.
This switch to the AMD driver not only brings native Vulkan support for the Radeon R9 290 and HD 7000 series GPUs but also allows older graphics cards to benefit from improved performance metrics. Under certain OpenGL and Vulkan workloads, users can expect performance increases of up to 40%, revitalizing AMD’s older models for modern gaming scenarios.
Linux 6.19 also implements the DRM Color Pipeline API, facilitating hardware-accelerated HDR on the Linux desktop. This advanced feature enables HDR color transformations through specialized hardware rather than relying solely on GPU shaders, potentially optimizing power consumption and extending battery life on laptops and handheld devices.
In terms of filesystem enhancements, the ext4 filesystem can now accommodate larger block sizes, significantly improving operations such as saving, extracting archives, and copying large files by up to 50%. Additionally, advancements in caching folder permissions also aim to enhance access speeds for multiple files, benefiting users with extensive file directories. The improved handling of disk requests through per-CPU caching further optimizes performance during heavy workloads.
Linux 6.19 extends its support to popular gaming hardware as well, with the ASUS ROG Ally receiving mainline kernel support and enabling essential hardware controls. Furthermore, temperature monitoring for Valve’s Steam Deck is now operational out of the box, streamlining the user experience within different distributions, including Ubuntu.
The release also includes expanded laptop and motherboard hardware support, with updates that enhance user control over RGB settings, thermal management, and battery charging speeds across various models. New drivers ensure compatibility with legacy hardware while simultaneously enhancing performance.
Additionally, this release merges Google’s Live Update Orchestrator (LUO) code, transforming how kernel updates function in cloud environments. The LUO supports rapid transitions between kernel versions without the need for a complete hardware reboot, minimizing downtime and enhancing overall efficiency.
An important display feature is the expanded “Blue Screen” support for critical kernel errors across additional hardware types. This modification allows users to diagnose issues more effectively during booting, contributing to improved troubleshooting.
With a multitude of advancements—from networking stack improvements to ongoing Rust integration—Linux 6.19 represents a significant update. Current Ubuntu users can install the mainline 6.19 builds through unofficial channels; however, caution is advised as these builds may lack certain functionalities found in certified kernels. Ubuntu 26.04 LTS is set to ship with the upcoming Linux 7.0 kernel in April 2026, incorporating all updates from this release along with future enhancements, assuring users of a promising outlook.