FreeBSD 14.1 is Released

The FreeBSD team announced the release of FreeBSD 14.1, the second update in the stable 14 series. This version brings several improvements and new features to the popular open-source operating system.

Key Enhancements

• Performance Boost: The C library now includes SIMD (Single Instruction, Multiple Data) implementations of string and memory operations on amd64 architectures, resulting in improved performance.
• Sound Subsystem Improvements: Updates to the sound subsystem include device hotplug support, allowing for seamless audio device connectivity.
• Cloud-Init Support: FreeBSD 14.1 introduces initial native cloud-init (configuration drive) support, compatible with OpenStack and many cloud hosting providers.
• Updated Software: OpenZFS has been upgraded to version 2.2.4, Clang/LLVM to 18.1.5, and OpenSSH to 9.7p1.

Availability

FreeBSD 14.1 is now available for amd64, i386, powerpc, powerpc64, powerpc64le, powerpcspe, armv7, aarch64, and riscv64 architectures. You can install it from bootable ISO images, over the network, or using a USB memory stick (on supported architectures).

The release includes several installation media options:

• dvd1 Image: Contains the base FreeBSD operating system, documentation, debugging distribution sets, and a small set of pre-built packages for setting up a graphical workstation. Supports booting into a "livefs" rescue mode.
• disc1 Image: Includes only the base FreeBSD operating system, without pre-built packages. Supports booting into a "livefs" rescue mode.
• bootonly Image: Allows booting from CD/USB but requires a network-based installation.
• memstick Image: Can be written to a USB drive for installation on machines supporting USB booting. Includes a "livefs" rescue mode.
• mini-memstick Image: Similar to bootonly, but for USB drives. Requires a network-based installation.
• FreeBSD/arm SD Card Images: For supported ARM systems, can be written to an SD card (5 GB or larger) for installation.

For convenient access, a default "freebsd" user account with the password "freebsd" and a root account with the password "root" are available. However, it is strongly recommended to change these passwords after gaining system access.

Download and Purchase

You can download FreeBSD 14.1 ISO images from the official website:

• https://download.freebsd.org/ftp/releases/ISO-IMAGES/14.1/

Virtual machine images (QCOW2, VHD, VMDK, and raw formats) for amd64, i386, AArch64, and RISCV architectures are available at:

• https://download.freebsd.org/ftp/releases/VM-IMAGES/14.1-RELEASE/

Additionally, you can purchase FreeBSD 14.1 DVDs from vendors like FreeBSD Mall, Inc.

• https://www.freebsdmall.com

FreeBSD 14.1 Installation Instructions

For detailed instructions on installing FreeBSD 14.1 or updating an existing system, please refer to the official documentation:

• https://www.FreeBSD.org/releases/14.1R/installation/

Support and Update Cycle

Based on the new FreeBSD support model, the FreeBSD 14 release series will receive official support until at least January 31, 2026. Specifically, FreeBSD 14.1-RELEASE will be supported for at least three months after the release of FreeBSD 14.2-RELEASE.

Please note that support for FreeBSD 14.0 will end three months after the 14.1 release date, which is September 30, 2024.

The FreeBSD team is committed to providing timely updates and security patches throughout the supported lifecycle of each release. Users are encouraged to stay up-to-date with the latest stable versions to ensure they benefit from the latest improvements, bug fixes, and security enhancements.

For further details, please refer the release announcement and the release notes.