The first release candidate of Linux Kernel 6.13 has been announced by Linus Torvalds, marking the beginning of the testing cycle for the next major kernel release.
Like most RC1 releases, Linux 6.13 merges a large number of new features and hardware improvements that accumulated during the merge window. This version focuses on CPU improvements, filesystem updates, virtualization enhancements and broader hardware support.
While this release is mainly intended for testing and development, early adopters can already try it on Ubuntu and other Debian-based systems.
Key Changes in Linux Kernel 6.13 RC1
Linux Kernel 6.13 introduces a variety of improvements across several subsystems.
Improved AMD CPU Performance
One of the most notable updates is related to the AMD P-State CPU frequency driver, which is now enabled by default on some newer AMD EPYC processors.
This change improves power management and performance scaling, allowing the kernel to dynamically adjust CPU frequencies more efficiently on modern AMD server hardware.
Support for Protected Virtual Machines
Linux 6.13 also adds support for running Linux inside protected virtual machines using ARM Realm Management Extensions.
This technology allows workloads to run inside a hardware-isolated environment, protecting them even from the host system or hypervisor. These kinds of security improvements are becoming increasingly important as Linux continues to power cloud infrastructure and large-scale deployments.
Filesystem Improvements
The F2FS filesystem receives a new device aliasing feature. This enhancement allows the filesystem to better handle situations where multiple device paths point to the same underlying storage.
For administrators who frequently manage Linux systems, tasks such as managing user permissions or adjusting system settings are often performed through command line tools. For example, if you need to modify user privileges, the usermod command can be extremely useful for managing accounts and group memberships.
Audio and Hardware Enhancements
The SoundWire subsystem now supports the MIPI DisCo 2.0 specification, improving compatibility with modern audio hardware used in embedded systems and mobile devices.
Linux 6.13 also introduces support for a wide range of new hardware components including:
- Surface Pro 9 5G tablets
- Vexia EDU ATLA 10 devices
- Qualcomm SM8750 platforms
- Allwinner H616 SoCs
- AMD ACP 6.3 audio hardware
- Adreno A663 graphics
- NVIDIA Mellanox MLX5 networking devices
- Realtek RT721 audio chips
- NT36672A touchscreens
These additions continue the kernel’s ongoing effort to improve support for both consumer devices and enterprise hardware.
LoongArch Improvements
The LoongArch architecture also receives improvements, including better support for real-time computing workloads, making the platform more suitable for specialized performance-sensitive environments.
Who Should Test Kernel 6.13 RC1?
Release candidate kernels are intended primarily for:
- kernel developers
- hardware testers
- Linux enthusiasts who want early access to new features
Because RC kernels are still under development, they may contain bugs or stability issues. For this reason, they should not be used on production systems.
Many Linux users who experiment with new kernels also explore different tools and software to customize their systems. For example, privacy-focused browsers such as LibreWolf or Waterfox are popular alternatives for users who prefer open-source solutions with additional privacy protections.
Check Your Current Kernel Version
Before installing the new kernel, you can verify which version is currently running:
uname -rHow to Install Linux Kernel 6.13 RC1 on Ubuntu and Debian
The easiest way to install the mainline kernel packages is to download them directly from the Ubuntu kernel repository.
Download the Kernel Packages
cd /tmpwget https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.13-rc1/amd64/linux-headers-6.13.0-061300rc1-generic_6.13.0-061300rc1.202412012327_amd64.deb
wget https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.13-rc1/amd64/linux-image-unsigned-6.13.0-061300rc1-generic_6.13.0-061300rc1.202412012327_amd64.deb
wget https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.13-rc1/amd64/linux-modules-6.13.0-061300rc1-generic_6.13.0-061300rc1.202412012327_amd64.deb
wget https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.13-rc1/amd64/linux-headers-6.13.0-061300rc1_6.13.0-061300rc1.202412012327_all.debInstall the Kernel
sudo apt install ./linux*.debOnce the installation process finishes, reboot the system.
sudo rebootAfter restarting, verify that the new kernel is running:
uname -rIf the installation was successful, the command should display 6.13 RC1.
Conclusion
Linux Kernel 6.13 introduces a broad range of improvements, from AMD CPU optimizations and virtualization security features to expanded hardware compatibility.
Even though this is only the first release candidate, it already provides a preview of the technologies expected in the final release.
For users who enjoy experimenting with the Linux terminal, learning common administrative tasks can be just as useful as testing new kernels. For example, knowing how to efficiently rename files in Linux or manage users with tools like usermod can significantly improve workflow when working in a command-line environment.
