The Canonical Kernel Team is pleased to announce we will target the 6.17 Linux kernel for the upcoming Ubuntu 25.10 (Questing Quokka) release.
As outlined in the Kernel Version Selection for Ubuntu Releases, starting with 24.10, Ubuntu has adopted a policy of integrating the most recent upstream Linux kernel available by the Ubuntu Feature Freeze date. This approach has proven effective in delivering the latest features and hardware support to our users. As a result, the Canonical Kernel Team remains committed to continuing this policy for Ubuntu 25.10 — even if the upstream kernel is still in Release Candidate (RC) status at the time of release.
According to the current Linux release predictions, the mainline v6.17 kernel is expected to be released on Sunday, 2025-10-12, therefore aligned with the key deadlines and dates for the Questing Quokka release available in Questing Quokka Release Schedule:
- 2025-09-11T00:00:00Z: Kernel Feature Freeze
- 2025-09-15T00:00:00Z: Beta Freeze / HWE Freeze
- 2025-09-25T00:00:00Z: Kernel Freeze
- 2025-10-02T00:00:00Z: Final Freeze
- 2025-10-09T00:00:00Z: Final Release
Please note that this commitment remains tentative at this time, assuming no significant changes occur in the anticipated upstream release schedule.
Throughout the 25.10 development cycle, we will provide regular updates on the progress of the kernel integration, including availability of major kernel version updates. We encourage the Ubuntu community to actively participate in testing and provide feedback through the appropriate channels, such as the Ubuntu Kernel mailing list, Ubuntu Discourse and Launchpad bug reports.