Linux kernel maintainers are removing support for Intel 486 processors starting with kernel version 7.1, citing the maintenance burden of supporting 32-bit CPUs from 1989 that few users still utilize. The removal will also affect compatible chips from AMD and Cyrix, freeing developer resources for more relevant modern hardware support. This follows years of discussion about dropping support for these obsolete processors.
Background
The Linux kernel has historically maintained extensive backward compatibility with older hardware, including processors from the 1990s. Intel 486 processors were introduced in 1989 and discontinued in 2007.
- Source
- Ars Technica
- Published
- Apr 8, 2026 at 12:39 AM
- Score
- 5.0 / 10