How To Install Kernel 6.11.9 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 6.11.9, which has been released a while go, coming with changes.

Kernel 6.11.9 highlights:

9p Filesystem:

• Slab Cache Naming: Addressed issues with slab cache name creation by implementing a sequence counter, preventing conflicts and potential errors.

Memory Management:

• krealloc Function: Fixed a false alarm in Memory Tagging Extension (MTE) within the __do_krealloc function, enhancing memory management reliability.

Graphics:

Intel Xe Driver: Improved handling of parallel submission queues during Graphics Technology (GT) resets, preventing multiple restarts and enhancing graphics stability.

Check your current kernel version:

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

uname -r

How to install Kernel 6.11.9 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 6.11.9 Packages

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

wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.11.9/amd64/linux-headers-6.11.9-061109-generic_6.11.9-061109.202411172138_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.11.9/amd64/linux-headers-6.11.9-061109_6.11.9-061109.202411172138_all.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.11.9/amd64/linux-image-unsigned-6.11.9-061109-generic_6.11.9-061109.202411172138_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.11.9/amd64/linux-modules-6.11.9-061109-generic_6.11.9-061109.202411172138_amd64.deb

Step 3: Install the New Kernel

Install the downloaded packages using dpkg:

sudo dpkg -i linux-headers-6.11*.deb linux-modules-6.11*.deb linux-image-6.11*.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 6.11.9.

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 6.11.9.
  • 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 6.11.9 (if desired) – If you prefer to remove the new kernel permanently, run:

sudo apt remove linux-headers-6.11* linux-modules-6.11* linux-image-6.11*
sudo update-grub
sudo reboot

Conclusion

Linux Kernel 6.11.9 introduces key fixes that improve filesystem stability, memory management, and graphics performance. The 9p filesystem has been updated with a sequence counter for slab cache naming, preventing potential conflicts and ensuring smoother operation in virtualized environments.

Memory management improvements include a fix in the do_krealloc function, addressing a false alarm in Memory Tagging Extension (MTE). This enhancement helps prevent unnecessary warnings and improves reliability, particularly in security-focused workloads.

On the graphics side, Intel’s Xe driver has been refined to handle parallel submission queues more effectively during GT resets. This fix prevents multiple restarts, leading to a more stable and responsive GPU experience, especially in demanding workloads.

Overall, Linux Kernel 6.11.9 focuses on refining core subsystems, addressing edge-case issues, and improving system stability. These incremental updates reinforce Linux’s position as a reliable and efficient operating system across various use cases, from embedded devices to high-performance computing.

Newer Kernel 6.11.x versions are also available:

How To Install Kernel 6.11.10 On Ubuntu, Debian And Derivative Systems