The Linux kernel is the core component of any Linux operating system, managing hardware resources and system processes.
Highlights of the Linux Kernel 6.12.13:
- Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Spin-Down Regression: This release corrected a regression from earlier versions where certain HDDs failed to spin down properly, enhancing power management and extending the lifespan of affected drives.
- Unraid OS Integration: Unraid OS incorporated kernel 6.12.13 to resolve the HDD spin-down issue and included additional bug fixes and a security patch for the curl utility.
A full list of changes is available here.
In this guide we will be installing Kernel 6.12.13, which has been released a while go.
Check your current kernel version:
Before proceeding with the installation, verify your current kernel version by running:
uname -rHow to install Kernel 6.12.13 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 -yThis will update your package list and upgrade all installed packages to their latest versions.
- What Does
apt updateDo?
This command updates the package list to reflect the latest versions available from your repositories. - What Does
apt upgradeDo?
It upgrades all the packages that have new versions available while keeping existing dependencies intact.
Step 2: Download the Kernel 6.12.13 Packages
Download the necessary kernel packages from the official Ubuntu repositories or the kernel website:
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.12.13/amd64/linux-headers-6.12.13-061213-generic_6.12.13-061213.202502081018_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.12.13/amd64/linux-modules-6.12.13-061213-generic_6.12.13-061213.202502081018_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.12.13/amd64/linux-image-unsigned-6.12.13-061213-generic_6.12.13-061213.202502081018_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.12.13/amd64/linux-headers-6.12.13-061213_6.12.13-061213.202502081018_all.debStep 3: Install the New Kernel
Install the downloaded packages using dpkg:
sudo dpkg -i linux-headers-6.12*.deb linux-modules-6.12*.deb linux-image-6.12*.debStep 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-grubVerify 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 6.12.13.
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 6.12.13.
- Press Enter to boot.
Verifying the Installed Kernel
After rebooting, confirm the new kernel version:
uname -rRolling 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 6.12.13 (if desired) – If you prefer to remove the new kernel permanently, run:
sudo apt remove linux-headers-6.12* linux-modules-6.12* linux-image-6.12*
sudo update-grub
sudo rebootConclusion
In conclusion, installing Linux Kernel 6.12.13 on Ubuntu can bring notable improvements, especially in resolving hardware compatibility issues such as HDD spin-down regressions.
This update enhances system stability and power management, ensuring a smoother and more reliable performance. However, it’s important to keep in mind that kernel updates may sometimes introduce new challenges, so ensure that your system is backed up before proceeding with the installation.
Additionally, kernel 6.12.13 provides various other under-the-hood improvements that contribute to overall system performance, such as better support for certain hardware and security fixes. While these changes might not be immediately visible, they can lead to a more responsive and secure system over time.
If you are using Ubuntu for specific workloads, particularly those involving power management or data storage, upgrading to this kernel version is highly recommended to ensure optimal compatibility and efficiency.
As always, test the new kernel version thoroughly, especially if you rely on specialized hardware or configurations, to avoid potential compatibility issues.
Following the installation instructions and carefully testing your system after updating can help you take full advantage of the enhancements and fixes provided by kernel 6.12.13.
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