RHEL 10 vs RHEL 9 | Key Differences You Should Know
Hello, fellow Linux users! If you're like me, you've probably spent countless hours managing servers or experimenting with operating systems, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) has likely been part of that journey. With the release of RHEL 10 in May 2025, there's a lot of excitement—and maybe some confusion—about how it stacks up against its predecessor, RHEL 9. As someone who's followed Red Hat's evolution closely, I wanted to put together this guide to highlight the key differences. Whether you're a beginner just getting started with enterprise Linux or a seasoned admin planning an upgrade, this post will break it down in simple terms. We'll look at everything from performance boosts to new security features, and I'll explain why these changes matter in everyday use. By the end, you'll have a clear picture of what RHEL 10 brings to the table and if it's time to make the switch. Let's dive in!
Table of Contents
- Release Dates and Support Lifecycle
- Kernel and Performance Improvements
- Security Enhancements
- AI Integration and Management Tools
- Deployment and Image Mode
- Software and Toolchain Updates
- Hardware and Architecture Support
- Deprecated and Removed Features
- Installation and Upgrade Process
- Comparison Table
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Release Dates and Support Lifecycle
RHEL 9 was released on May 17, 2022, marking a significant update from RHEL 8 with improvements in hybrid cloud support and security. Fast forward to RHEL 10, which hit general availability on May 20, 2025, after a beta phase starting in November 2024. This three-year gap allows Red Hat to incorporate feedback and new technologies, making each version more refined.
One of the biggest draws of RHEL is its long support lifecycle, which gives businesses stability. For RHEL 9, you get full support—including new features and enhancements—until May 2027, followed by maintenance support for bug fixes and security until May 2032. There's also an extended life add-on for critical systems beyond that. RHEL 10 extends this even further: full support runs until May 2030, maintenance until May 2035, with optional extended support. This means if you're on RHEL 9, you have time to plan, but RHEL 10 offers a longer runway for future-proofing your infrastructure.
Why does this matter? In a world where tech changes fast, long support reduces the need for frequent upgrades, saving time and money. For beginners, it means you can learn on a stable platform without worrying about it becoming obsolete soon. If your organization deals with compliance, like in finance or healthcare, this predictability is gold.
Overall, the support difference isn't drastic, but RHEL 10's timeline aligns better with emerging trends like AI and quantum computing, which we'll touch on later. If you're starting fresh, RHEL 10 is the way to go for longevity.
Kernel and Performance Improvements
At the heart of any Linux distro is the kernel, the core software that manages hardware and resources. RHEL 9 is built on kernel 5.14, which was solid for its time, offering good stability and support for modern hardware. RHEL 10 jumps to kernel 6.12, a major upgrade that brings enhancements in efficiency, networking, and device support.
Performance-wise, early benchmarks show RHEL 10 outperforming RHEL 9, especially on high-end servers like AMD EPYC systems. For example, tasks like compilation or data processing run faster due to optimized scheduling and better multi-threading. If you're running workloads like databases or virtual machines, this could mean lower CPU usage and quicker response times.
For beginners, think of the kernel as the engine of your car—RHEL 10 has a newer, more efficient one that handles rough roads (heavy loads) better. It's not just about speed; it's about reliability under pressure. Red Hat backports fixes, so even older kernels get security updates, but the newer one in RHEL 10 includes built-in features like improved power management for laptops or servers.
In real-world scenarios, if your setup involves edge computing or cloud instances, RHEL 10's kernel makes it more responsive. However, if you're on older hardware, check compatibility, as we'll discuss later. This upgrade is a key reason to consider migrating if performance is a bottleneck for you.
Security Enhancements
Security is paramount in enterprise environments, and both versions prioritize it, but RHEL 10 takes it to the next level. RHEL 9 introduced features like enhanced SELinux policies and better encryption tools. RHEL 10 builds on this with post-quantum cryptography, which protects against attacks from future quantum computers that could crack current encryption.
This means RHEL 10 uses algorithms like ML-KEM for key exchanges, and it's FIPS-compliant out of the box for regulated industries. Other updates include OpenSSL 3.2 for stronger TLS, and new system roles for managing sudo privileges across fleets.
For beginners, post-quantum crypto is like buying insurance for a storm that's coming—it's not here yet, but when it is, you're ready. RHEL 10 also introduces a Security Select Add-On (coming Q3 2025) for custom CVE fixes, allowing you to patch only what you need without full updates.
Compared to RHEL 9, which has solid security but lacks these future-proof elements, RHEL 10 is better for long-term deployments. If your work involves sensitive data, this alone might justify the upgrade. Red Hat's focus here shows their commitment to staying ahead of threats.
AI Integration and Management Tools
RHEL 10 introduces something exciting: Red Hat Enterprise Linux Lightspeed, an AI tool for admin tasks. In RHEL 9, management relies on traditional tools like the web console or Ansible. Lightspeed lets you use natural language commands, like "set up a web server," and it guides you step-by-step.
This AI integration makes RHEL 10 more beginner-friendly, reducing the learning curve. For pros, it speeds up troubleshooting in complex environments. RHEL 9 has Red Hat Insights for monitoring, but RHEL 10 enhances it with planning tools for lifecycles and image builds.
Imagine diagnosing a network issue—RHEL 10's AI suggests fixes based on context, saving hours. If you're new to Linux, this feels like having a mentor. RHEL 9 is capable, but lacks this smart assistance, making RHEL 10 ideal for teams with varying skill levels.
Additionally, the web console in RHEL 10 has improvements like remote management without extra packages and a built-in editor. These tools make administration smoother, especially in hybrid clouds.
Deployment and Image Mode
Deployment gets a revamp in RHEL 10 with full support for Image Mode, where the OS is immutable—core files are read-only, and updates happen via new images. RHEL 9 has limited image-based options, mostly through traditional installs.
This immutable approach reduces configuration drift, where systems change over time and become inconsistent. For deployments, it means easier scaling across clouds or on-prem. Beginners can think of it as snapshotting your phone—easy restores if something goes wrong.
RHEL 10's image mode supports GitOps for version control, great for DevOps teams. RHEL 9 uses Anaconda installer, which is fine but less flexible for modern workflows. If you're managing containers or VMs, RHEL 10 aligns better with tools like Podman.
Overall, this makes RHEL 10 more suitable for edge computing or large fleets, where consistency is key.
Software and Toolchain Updates
RHEL 10 refreshes the software stack significantly. Python jumps from 3.9 in RHEL 9 to 3.12, bringing new syntax and performance tweaks. Perl goes from 5.32 to 5.40, GCC from 11 to 14.2.
Application streams in RHEL 10 drop modularity for traditional RPMs, simplifying package management. RHEL 9 uses modularity, which allows multiple versions but can be complex.
For developers, these updates mean better compatibility with modern code. If you're building apps, RHEL 10's tools reduce headaches. Beginners benefit from newer libraries for learning current best practices.
GNOME updates from 40 to 47, with Wayland as the only display server in RHEL 10—X11 is gone. This improves security and graphics performance.
Hardware and Architecture Support
RHEL 10 requires CPUs with x86-64-v3 capabilities, dropping support for some older hardware that RHEL 9 handles. This ensures better optimization but might require hardware checks.
New in RHEL 10 is a developer preview for RISC-V, an open architecture, alongside ARM, Power, and Z support. RHEL 9 has broad support but no RISC-V.
For users, this means RHEL 10 is ready for emerging hardware like edge devices. If you're on older servers, stick with RHEL 9; otherwise, RHEL 10 offers future compatibility.
Deprecated and Removed Features
RHEL 10 cleans house by removing outdated tech. Teamd for networking is gone, replaced by kernel bonding—deprecated in RHEL 9. Ifcfg network config is deprecated, favoring keyfiles.
Firefox is no longer included by default; use Flatpaks. Cgroup v1 is deprecated, pushing v2. SysV init is removed.
These changes streamline RHEL 10, but require migration planning. RHEL 9 still supports many of these for transition.
Installation and Upgrade Process
Installation in both is similar via Anaconda, but RHEL 10 adds image mode options. Upgrading from RHEL 9 to 10 uses Leapp, checking for issues first.
For beginners, the process is guided, but back up data. RHEL 10's installer highlights new features like AI setup.
Comparison Table
| Feature | RHEL 9 | RHEL 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | May 17, 2022 | May 20, 2025 |
| Kernel Version | 5.14 | 6.12 |
| Full Support End | May 2027 | May 2030 |
| Python Version | 3.9 | 3.12 |
| GNOME Version | 40 | 47 |
| AI Tools | None | Lightspeed |
| Post-Quantum Crypto | No | Yes |
| Image Mode | Limited | Full |
| Firefox Included | Yes | No |
| Hardware Req | Wide | x86-64-v3+ |
Conclusion
To wrap things up, RHEL 10 builds on RHEL 9's foundation with modern features like AI assistance, enhanced security, and better performance, making it a compelling upgrade for most users. While RHEL 9 remains reliable, RHEL 10's innovations prepare you for future challenges. If you're planning a move, test thoroughly. Thanks for reading—hope this helps your Linux journey!
FAQs
When was RHEL 10 released?
RHEL 10 was released on May 20, 2025.
What is the kernel in RHEL 10?
RHEL 10 uses kernel 6.12, compared to 5.14 in RHEL 9.
Does RHEL 10 have longer support than RHEL 9?
Yes, full support until 2030 vs 2027 for RHEL 9.
What is Lightspeed in RHEL 10?
It's an AI tool for command-line assistance, not available in RHEL 9.
Is post-quantum cryptography in RHEL 9?
No, it's a new feature in RHEL 10.
What Python version is in RHEL 10?
Python 3.12, while RHEL 9 has 3.9.
Does RHEL 10 support older hardware?
It requires x86-64-v3 CPUs, unlike RHEL 9's broader support.
Is Firefox included in RHEL 10?
No, it's removed; use alternatives like Flatpak.
What is image mode?
A deployment method fully supported in RHEL 10 for immutable OS.
Can I upgrade from RHEL 9 to 10?
Yes, using the Leapp tool.
What GNOME version is in RHEL 10?
GNOME 47, vs GNOME 40 in RHEL 9.
Is teamd available in RHEL 10?
No, it's removed; use kernel bonding.
What about application streams in RHEL 10?
They use traditional RPMs, not modularity like in RHEL 9.
Is X11 supported in RHEL 10?
No, it's removed in favor of Wayland.
How is performance in RHEL 10 vs 9?
Benchmarks show improvements in RHEL 10 on modern hardware.
What new hardware support in RHEL 10?
RISC-V developer preview.
Is RHEL 10 free?
It requires a subscription, but evaluations are available.
What file system is default?
XFS in both, but with enhancements in RHEL 10.
Does RHEL 10 have better cloud integration?
Yes, with optimized images for major providers.
Why choose RHEL 10 over 9?
For new features like AI, security, and longer support.
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