How To Install Kernel 6.12.4 On Ubuntu, Debian And Derivative Systems

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

Highlights of the Linux Kernel 6.12.4:

• Kernel Panic Resolution: A critical bug that caused kernel panics on certain hardware configurations due to NULL pointer dereference errors was addressed, improving system stability and preventing crashes.
• KUnit Testing Framework Improvement: Fixed a bug in the KUnit testing framework, particularly in the kunit_device_driver_test() function, which could lead to null pointer dereference issues. This enhances the reliability of the framework for kernel developers.
• macvlan Call Trace Fix: A problem causing call trace errors with macvlan was resolved, which enhances the stability and performance of network interfaces that rely on macvlan networking.
• Device Tree Fix for ARM: A fix for device tree support on ARM architecture was included, ensuring that ARM-based systems with specific configurations function properly and without issues related to the device tree.
• USB Driver Updates: Several improvements to USB driver support were made, enhancing compatibility with newer devices and improving overall USB performance.
• Filesystem Improvements: Various fixes were made to the ext4 and btrfs filesystems, optimizing performance and resolving minor issues related to file handling and metadata integrity.
• Security Enhancements: Security patches were applied, improving the integrity of the kernel and addressing potential vulnerabilities in different subsystems, such as networking and memory management.
• Real-Time Improvements: Enhancements to the PREEMPT-RT functionality were made, offering improved real-time capabilities for systems requiring precise timing and low-latency response.
• Intel CPU Support: Some fixes and optimizations for Intel processors were included, addressing issues related to power management and thermal controls, helping improve energy efficiency and system stability.
• AMD GPU Driver Updates: Updates to the AMD GPU drivers brought better support for the latest AMD graphics cards and improved overall GPU performance.

A full list of changes is available here.

In this guide we will be installing Kernel 6.12.4, 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 -r

How to install Kernel 6.12.4 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 6.12.4 Packages

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

wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.12.4/amd64/linux-headers-6.12.4-061204-generic_6.12.4-061204.202412091239_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.12.4/amd64/linux-image-unsigned-6.12.4-061204-generic_6.12.4-061204.202412091239_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.12.4/amd64/linux-modules-6.12.4-061204-generic_6.12.4-061204.202412091239_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.12.4/amd64/linux-headers-6.12.4-061204_6.12.4-061204.202412091239_all.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 6.12.4.

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 6.12.4.
  • 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 6.12.4 (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

In conclusion, Linux kernel 6.12.4 brings important bug fixes and performance improvements, addressing critical issues like kernel panics and enhancing the stability of networking, testing frameworks, and device drivers.

With security enhancements and optimizations for both Intel and AMD hardware, this release ensures a smoother and more reliable experience across various systems. Upgrading to this version is highly recommended for users looking to maintain system stability and improve performance.

Newer Kernel 6.12.x versions are also available:

How To Install Kernel 6.12.12 On Ubuntu, Debian And Derivative Systems