How To Install Kernel 6.10.10 On Ubuntu, Debian And Derivative Systems

The Linux kernel is the core component of any Linux operating system, managing hardware resources and system processes.

In this guide we will be installing Kernel 6.10.10, which has been released a while go, coming with changes.

Kernel 6.10.10 highlights:

• Btrfs Filesystem: Addressed a race condition between direct I/O writes and fsync operations when using the same file descriptor. This fix prevents potential assertion failures and invalid memory access, enhancing filesystem stability.
• LoongArch Architecture: Implemented the use of accessors for page table entries instead of direct dereferencing. This change prevents potential issues arising from compiler transformations during parallel modifications of page table entries, improving system reliability.
• SPI Driver (spi-fsl-lpspi): Corrected an off-by-one error in the prescaler maximum value calculation. This fix ensures accurate SPI clock settings, particularly for i.MX93 and i.MX7ULP platforms, leading to improved communication with SPI devices.
• RISC-V Architecture: Fixed an issue with the RISCV_ALTERNATIVE_EARLY feature to prevent instrumentation before the first memory mapping is set up. This adjustment ensures proper system initialization and stability during early boot stages.

In this guide we will be installing Kernel 6.10.10, which has been released a while go, bringing some fixes and enhancements only.

Check your current kernel version:

Before proceeding with the installation, verify your current kernel version by running:

uname -r

How to install Kernel 6.10.10 on Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Debian, and derivative systems (amd64/x86_64):

Step 1: Update Your System

Run the following commands to ensure your system is up to date:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

This will update your package list and upgrade all installed packages to their latest versions.

• What Does apt update Do?
  This command updates the package list to reflect the latest versions available from your repositories.
• What Does apt upgrade Do?
  It upgrades all the packages that have new versions available while keeping existing dependencies intact.

Step 2: Download the Kernel 6.10.10 Packages

Download the necessary kernel packages from the official Ubuntu repositories or the kernel website:

wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.10.10/amd64/linux-headers-6.10.10-061010-generic_6.10.10-061010.202409121037_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.10.10/amd64/linux-headers-6.10.10-061010_6.10.10-061010.202409121037_all.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.10.10/amd64/linux-image-unsigned-6.10.10-061010-generic_6.10.10-061010.202409121037_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.10.10/amd64/linux-modules-6.10.10-061010-generic_6.10.10-061010.202409121037_amd64.deb

Step 3: Install the New Kernel

Install the downloaded packages using dpkg:

sudo dpkg -i linux-headers-6.10*.deb linux-modules-6.10*.deb linux-image-6.10*.deb

Step 4: Update GRUB and Reboot

Once the kernel installation is complete, update GRUB to ensure the new kernel is recognized:

Regenerate the GRUB Configuration

Run the following command to update GRUB with the latest installed kernel:

sudo update-grub

Verify GRUB Configuration

To confirm that the new kernel has been detected, check the GRUB configuration:

cat /boot/grub/grub.cfg | grep 'menuentry'

This should list all available kernels, including Kernel 6.10.10.

Reboot the System

Restart your computer to apply the changes:

sudo reboot

• Select the New Kernel (if needed) – If the system doesn’t automatically boot into the new kernel, you can manually select it:
  • Hold Shift or Esc during boot to access the GRUB menu.
  • Navigate to Advanced options for Ubuntu.
  • Choose the entry with Kernel 6.10.10.
  • Press Enter to boot.

Verifying the Installed Kernel

After rebooting, confirm the new kernel version:

uname -r

Rolling Back to a Previous Kernel

If you encounter issues with the new kernel, you can revert to an older version:

• Reboot and Access the GRUB Menu -Restart your system and hold Shift or Esc to enter the GRUB boot menu.
• Select Advanced options for Ubuntu – Choose an older kernel version and boot into it.
• Remove Kernel 6.10.10 (if desired) – If you prefer to remove the new kernel permanently, run:

sudo apt remove linux-headers-6.10* linux-modules-6.10* linux-image-6.10*
sudo update-grub
sudo reboot

Conclusion

Linux Kernel 6.10.10 introduces important fixes that enhance stability, performance, and hardware compatibility across multiple subsystems. The update addresses a race condition in the Btrfs filesystem, ensuring more reliable direct I/O operations and fsync synchronization. This fix is particularly valuable for users relying on Btrfs for high-performance workloads, reducing the risk of assertion failures and memory corruption.

Architecture-specific improvements also contribute to better system stability. On LoongArch, the use of accessors for page table entries prevents potential issues caused by compiler optimizations during parallel modifications. Similarly, the fix for the RISCV_ALTERNATIVE_EARLY feature in RISC-V ensures proper initialization during early boot, strengthening system reliability for RISC-V-based devices.

Hardware compatibility receives a boost with the correction in the SPI driver, ensuring accurate clock settings for i.MX93 and i.MX7ULP platforms. This fix enhances communication reliability with SPI devices, benefiting embedded and industrial applications.

Overall, Linux Kernel 6.10.10 is a well-rounded maintenance release that focuses on refining core functionalities while improving support for emerging architectures. Users, especially those leveraging Btrfs, RISC-V, and LoongArch platforms, should consider upgrading to take advantage of these crucial fixes.

Newer Kernel 6.10.x versions are also available:

How To Install Kernel 6.10.11 On Ubuntu, Debian And Derivative Systems