How To Install Kernel 6.12 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:

Real-Time “PREEMPT_RT” Support: Integrates real-time capabilities directly into the mainline kernel, improving performance for time-sensitive applications.
New Scheduler Framework (sched_ext): Introduces a new scheduler framework, providing more flexibility for custom scheduling policies.
QR Codes for DRM Panic Messages: Implements QR codes in Direct Rendering Manager (DRM) panic messages, facilitating easier debugging by allowing quick access to detailed error information.
Long-Term Support (LTS): Designated as a Long-Term Support release, Linux Kernel 6.12 will receive maintenance updates, including bug and security fixes, until at least December 2026.
Intel Xe2 Graphics Support: Adds support for Intel’s Xe2 graphics architecture, enhancing compatibility and performance for systems utilizing this hardware.
Raspberry Pi 5 Enhancements: Introduces improvements tailored for the Raspberry Pi 5 platform, optimizing performance and hardware support.
Panthor Graphics Driver Fixes: Addresses issues in the Panthor graphics driver, improving stability and performance.
AMD GPU Updates: Fixes various issues in AMD GPU drivers, enhancing reliability and performance.
Networking Improvements: Resolves issues in network scheduling and MultiPath TCP (MPTCP), improving network performance and reliability.
Memory Management Fixes: Addresses memory management issues, enhancing system stability.
RISC-V Architecture Enhancements: Introduces improvements for the RISC-V architecture, enhancing performance and compatibility.

In this guide we will be installing Kernel 6.12, 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 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 Packages

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

wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.12.1/amd64/linux-headers-6.12.1-061201-generic_6.12.1-061201.202411221622_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.12.1/amd64/linux-image-unsigned-6.12.1-061201-generic_6.12.1-061201.202411221622_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.12.1/amd64/linux-modules-6.12.1-061201-generic_6.12.1-061201.202411221622_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.12.1/amd64/linux-headers-6.12.1-061201_6.12.1-061201.202411221622_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.

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.
- 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 (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

Linux Kernel 6.12 brings a variety of important improvements across performance, security, hardware support, and networking. The introduction of the PREEMPT_RT patches enhances real-time capabilities, making Linux more suitable for low-latency and real-time applications. The new sched_ext framework provides developers with more control over CPU scheduling, improving performance and flexibility.

Enhanced support for Raspberry Pi 5, better handling of AMD and Intel GPUs, and RISC-V architecture improvements ensure that Linux remains a top choice for both embedded and high-performance computing environments. Additionally, networking improvements, including refinements to MultiPath TCP (MPTCP) and network scheduling, enhance efficiency in data transfer and connectivity.

The inclusion of QR codes in DRM panic messages simplifies debugging, while new security and memory management enhancements make the system more robust and reliable.

With long-term support until at least December 2026, Linux Kernel 6.12 cements its role as a stable and forward-looking release, ensuring a smoother, faster, and more secure experience for users and developers alike.