How To Install Kernel 6.12.18 On Ubuntu, Debian And Derivative Systems

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

The latest Kernel from the 6.12 series is Kernel 6.12.18, which has been recently released, coming with changes:

Kernel 6.12.18 highlights:

Thermal Power Allocator Fix: Prevents crashes in the thermal governor.
AMD Microcode Update: Now loads only SHA256-verified patches.
AMDGPU Improvements: Enhancements for suspend/resume handling.
Microcode Management Refinements: Stability fixes and optimizations.
Memory Handling Fixes: Various improvements for better reliability.

In this guide we will be installing Kernel 6.12.18, 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 6.12.18 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 6.12.18 Packages

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

wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.12.18/amd64/linux-headers-6.12.18-061218-generic_6.12.18-061218.202503071911_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.12.18/amd64/linux-headers-6.12.18-061218_6.12.18-061218.202503071911_all.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.12.18/amd64/linux-image-unsigned-6.12.18-061218-generic_6.12.18-061218.202503071911_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.12.18/amd64/linux-modules-6.12.18-061218-generic_6.12.18-061218.202503071911_amd64.deb

Step 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*.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 6.12.18.

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 6.12.18.
- 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 6.12.18 (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 reboot

Conclusion

Linux Kernel 6.12.18 is primarily a stability and security-focused update, addressing key issues related to thermal management, microcode handling, and GPU performance. These refinements help ensure better system reliability, particularly for AMD users, by improving suspend/resume handling and enforcing stricter patch verification.

While this update does not introduce major new features, it plays a crucial role in maintaining the long-term health of the 6.12 series. Fixes in memory management and microcode processing contribute to a more robust and efficient kernel.

Such incremental updates are essential in the open-source ecosystem, as they ensure security and performance enhancements without disrupting existing functionality. Users running Kernel 6.12 should consider updating to benefit from these improvements.

Additionally, these updates highlight the ongoing commitment of the Linux community to improving system performance and security. Regular maintenance releases like this help ensure that Linux remains a reliable and efficient operating system for both personal and enterprise users.