# Linux 7.3 released with record 18,765 commits, sched_ext finalized

> **Key takeaway:** Linus Torvalds released Linux 7.3 with a record 18,765 non-merge commits from 3,021 developers, including 807 first-time contributors.

**Published:** 2026-10-18T23:45:23+00:00 
**Source:** Linux Weekly News (LWN.net) 
**Category:** kernel-os 
**Canonical URL:** https://fosswire.org/news/linux-73-released-with-record-18765-commits-schedext-finaliz.html 

## Summary
Linux 7.3 is now available after a standard two-week release cycle. The release sets records for contribution volume and newcomer participation. Notable additions include the completed sched_ext subscheduler, a new failfs filesystem for testing, the fchroot() system call, and BPF global per-CPU data support. Linus Torvalds noted he will begin the 7.4 merge window on a delayed schedule due to vacation.

## What's new in Linux 7.3
- **sched_ext** subscheduler feature is now complete, enabling extensible scheduling policies in BPF
- **failfs** filesystem added: fails all operations, intended for testing and development
- **fchroot()** system call added for changing root directory via file descriptor
- **Global per-CPU data** support for BPF programs
- **binfmt_misc** extensions and group-scheduling improvements for large systems
- **Working-set tracking** for virtual machines
- **ntfs3** gains alternative data-stream support
- Extensive SMB server improvements

## Why it matters
The record contributor count, with over 800 first-time developers, indicates continued growth in the kernel development community. The completion of sched_ext provides production-ready infrastructure for custom scheduling policies in cloud and HPC environments.