How to Update Linux Kernel in Ubuntu?

Introduction

One of the main reasons to update the Linux kernel is to improve system performance. As new hardware and software are developed, the kernel must be updated to support these changes. New kernel versions may include improvements to system responsiveness, memory management, and overall system speed. Updating the kernel can also enhance system security by addressing known vulnerabilities and bugs. This is especially important in today’s interconnected world where cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated.

In addition to performance and security enhancements, updating the Linux kernel can also fix bugs and compatibility issues with hardware and software. Sometimes, new hardware or software may not work properly with an older kernel version. Updating the kernel can fix these issues and ensure that everything runs smoothly.

The Linux kernel is the core of the Ubuntu operating system. It is responsible for managing system resources and providing a platform for other software to run on. However, many Ubuntu users may be unsure of how to update Linux kernel to the latest version. This guide will provide a step-by-step guide to how to update Linux kernel in Ubuntu, covering three different methods. Plunge into the sections below and get all the details. 

Update Ubuntu Kernel: Complete Guide

Option A: By Using the System Update Process

Step 1: Open the Ubuntu Software Updater from the applications menu.

Step 2: Click on the “Settings” button in the Ubuntu Software Updater window.

Step 3: In the “Updates” tab, under the “Install Updates from” section, select the option “Important security updates” or “Recommended updates”.

Step 4: Click the “Close” button to exit the settings window.

Step 5: Click the “Install Now” button to install any available updates, including linux kernel updates.

Step 6: Enter your password when prompted to authenticate the installation.

Step 7: Wait for the updates to download and install. This may take some time depending on the size of the updates.

Step 8: Restart your system after the updates have been installed to ensure that the new kernel is loaded.

Step 9: To check the new kernel version, open a terminal window and type the following command:

uname -r

This will display the current kernel version.

Updating the kernel using the system update process is simple and does not require any advanced knowledge of Ubuntu or the command line. It is important to keep the kernel up to date to ensure that the system remains secure and stable. Additionally, it is wise to back up crucial data before performing any system updates to avoid data loss in case of any unexpected errors during the update process.

Also Read: How to Check CPU Utilization in Linux using Command Line?

Option B: By Using the System Update Process to Force a Kernal Upgrade

Step 1: Open the Ubuntu Software Updater from the applications menu.

Step 2: Click on the “Settings” button in the Ubuntu Software Updater window.

Step 3: In the “Updates” tab, under the “Notify me of a new Ubuntu version” section, select the option “For any new version”.

Step 4: Under the “Automatically check for updates” section, select the option “Daily”.

Step 5: Click the “Close” button to exit the settings window.

Step 6: Close the Ubuntu Software Updater window and open a terminal window.

Step 7: Type the following command to update the package list:

sudo apt update

Step 8: Type the following command to upgrade the kernel:

sudo apt-get dist-upgrade

Step 9: Enter your password when prompted to authenticate the installation.

Step 10: Wait for the updates to download and install. This may take some time depending on the size of the updates.

Step 11: Restart your system after the updates have been installed to ensure that the new kernel is loaded.

Step 12: To check the new kernel version, open a terminal window and type the following command:

uname -r

This will display the current kernel version.

Forcing a kernel upgrade using the system update process is useful when you want to update the kernel to the latest version available. It is important to keep the kernel up to date to ensure that the system remains secure and stable. However, it is suggested to backup important data before performing any system updates to avoid data loss in case of any unexpected errors during the update process.

Option C: (Advanced Procedure) Manually Update the Kernel 

Step 1: Open a web browser and go to the official Ubuntu kernel website at https://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/.

Step 2: Scroll down to the bottom of the page and select the latest version of the kernel for your system. You can select either the 32-bit or 64-bit version depending on your system.

Step 3: Download the three .deb files for your selected kernel version, which will include the header files, image files, and extra files.

Step 4: Open a terminal window and navigate to the directory where the downloaded files are located.

Step 5: Type the following command to install the header files:

sudo dpkg -i linux-headers-VERSION_all.deb

Note: Replace “VERSION” with the version number of the kernel you downloaded.

Step 6: Type the following command to install the image files:

sudo dpkg -i linux-image-VERSION-generic.deb

Note: Replace “VERSION” with the version number of the kernel you downloaded.

Step 7: Type the following command to install the extra files:

sudo dpkg -i linux-image-VERSION-extra-generic.deb

Note: Replace “VERSION” with the version number of the kernel you downloaded.

Step 8: Restart your system to ensure that the new kernel is loaded.

Step 9: To check the new kernel version, open a terminal window and type the following command:

uname -r

This will display the current kernel version.

The other way to update Linux kernel manually is using a third-party tool called UKUU (Ubuntu Kernel Update Utility). Here are the steps to do the same – 

Step 1: Open a web browser and go to the UKUU GitHub page at https://github.com/teejee2008/ukuu.

Step 2: Scroll down to the “Downloads” section and download the latest version of UKUU.

Step 3: Open a terminal window and navigate to the directory where the downloaded UKUU package is located.

Step 4: Type the following command to install UKUU:

sudo dpkg -i ukuu*.deb

Step 5: Enter your password when prompted to authenticate the installation.

Step 6: Once UKUU is installed, open it by typing the following command in the terminal:

sudo ukuu-gtk

Step 7: In the UKUU window, select the latest version of the Linux kernel available for your system.

Step 8: Click the “Install” button to begin the kernel update process.

Step 9: Enter your password when prompted to authenticate the installation.

Step 10: Wait for the kernel update to complete. This may take some time depending on the size of the update and your internet connection speed.

Step 11: Restart your system to ensure that the new kernel is loaded.

Step 12: To check the new kernel version Linux, open a terminal window and type the following command:

uname -r

This will display the current kernel version.

Manually updating the kernel can be useful when you need to update to a specific kernel version in Linux that is not available through the system update process. However, it is recommended to backup important data before performing any system updates to avoid data loss in case of any unexpected errors during the update process. Additionally, manually updating the kernel requires some advanced knowledge of Ubuntu and the command line.

Also Read: How To Add User as Sudoer or to Group Sudo on Linux?

Conclusion

Updating the Linux kernel in Ubuntu can help improve system performance, security, and stability. This guide has provided a comprehensive guide to updating the kernel in Ubuntu using three useful methods. By following the step-by-step instructions outlined in this post, Ubuntu users can easily update Linux kernel to the latest version. Keeping the Linux kernel up to date is also an important part of maintaining a healthy Ubuntu system. And, now you have got the tools and knowledge needed to do so.