Linux's classic initial RAM disk "initrd" support might finally be on its way out of the Linux kernel depending upon feedback from stakeholders. Long live initramfs.

Earlier this year was [1]a proposed patch for adding EROFS file-system support for initrd so this modern read-only file-system could serve as the compressed file-system image. That patch was [2]rejected by Christoph Hellwig on the basis of initrd support should be going away rather than tacking on new code:

"We've been trying to kill off initrd in favor of initramfs for about two decades. I don't think adding new file system support to it is helpful."

That thread was reignited this week by Askar Safin [3]responding to that prior comment:

"I totally agree.

What prevents us from removing initrd right now?

The only reason is lack of volunteers?

If yes, then may I remove initrd?"

Hellwig [4]responded back:

"Give it a spin and see if anyone shouts."

Now to see if the patches proposing the removal of classic initrd support come about in the near future and whether anyone objects in 2025 to dropping initrd in favor of going all-in on initramfs moving forward.



[1] https://lore.kernel.org/lkml/20250320-initrd-erofs-v1-1-35bbb293468a@cyberus-technology.de/

[2] https://lore.kernel.org/lkml/20250321050114.GC1831@lst.de/

[3] https://lore.kernel.org/lkml/20250825182713.2469206-1-safinaskar@zohomail.com/

[4] https://lore.kernel.org/lkml/20250826075910.GA22903@lst.de/