How To Install Kernel 6.10.3 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 6.10.3, which has been released a while go, coming with changes.

Kernel 6.10.3 highlights

• Networking: Restored TCP Segmentation Offload (TSO) support in the Cortina Gemini Ethernet driver, enhancing network performance.
• RDMA: Implemented multiple fixes in the RDMA subsystem, including addressing truncated output warnings in the mlx4 driver and ensuring proper release of GID tables, thereby improving system stability.
• Memory Management: Fixed a race condition in mm/page_alloc between drain_pages_zone() and __rmqueue_pcplist(), which enhances memory allocation reliability.

In this guide we will be installing Kernel 6.10.3, 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 6.10.3 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 6.10.3 Packages

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

wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.10.3/amd64/linux-headers-6.10.3-061003-generic_6.10.3-061003.202408281533_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.10.3/amd64/linux-headers-6.10.3-061003_6.10.3-061003.202408281533_all.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.10.3/amd64/linux-image-unsigned-6.10.3-061003-generic_6.10.3-061003.202408281533_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.10.3/amd64/linux-modules-6.10.3-061003-generic_6.10.3-061003.202408281533_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 6.10.3.

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 6.10.3.
  • 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 6.10.3 (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

Upgrading to Linux Kernel 6.10.3 on Ubuntu can bring significant improvements in network performance, memory management, and overall system stability. With fixes such as the restoration of TCP Segmentation Offload (TSO) in the Cortina Gemini Ethernet driver, users can expect better networking efficiency, especially in high-throughput environments. Additionally, updates in the RDMA subsystem help ensure reliable communication between high-performance computing nodes, making this kernel a solid choice for enterprise and advanced computing users.

Another key benefit of Kernel 6.10.3 is the improved memory management, which addresses a race condition in mm/page_alloc. This fix enhances memory allocation reliability, reducing the risk of system crashes or slowdowns caused by resource mismanagement. For users running applications that demand efficient memory handling, such as virtualization or containerized workloads, this update provides a more stable experience.

Before installing the new kernel, users should verify compatibility with their existing drivers and software packages. While Ubuntu’s default kernel updates are tested for stability, manually upgrading to a newer kernel may require additional driver installations or adjustments. It’s recommended to create a system backup and ensure that a fallback option, such as an older kernel version, is available in case of any issues.

Overall, Linux Kernel 6.10.3 is a valuable update for users seeking better networking capabilities, enhanced memory management, and improved system stability. By carefully following the installation steps and ensuring compatibility with their system, Ubuntu users can take full advantage of the latest improvements while maintaining a reliable computing environment.

Newer Kernel 6.10.x versions are also available

How To Install Kernel 6.10.4 On Ubuntu, Debian And Derivative Systems