How To Install Kernel 6.13.10 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 6.13.10, which has been released a while go, coming with changes:

• bcachefs Filesystem Fixes: Resolved issues in bch2_ioctl_subvolume_destroy() to prevent hangs caused by incorrect dcache pruning and added missing permission checks.​
• Serial Communication Enhancements:
  • In the 8250 DMA driver, corrected the tx_dma_flush() function to properly terminate the transmit channel instead of the receive channel, addressing potential data transmission issues.​
  • For STM32 systems, adjusted the RS485 RTS GPIO handling to avoid premature deassertion when the transmit buffer is empty but the FIFO still contains data, ensuring reliable data transmission.​
• Performance Tools Update: Updated the perf tools to correctly reference the event_source bus in sysfs, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of performance monitoring.​
• Memory Stick Driver Fix: Fixed a use-after-free error in the rtsx_usb_ms driver that could lead to system crashes, improving system stability.​

These updates enhance the stability and reliability of the kernel, addressing specific issues across various subsystems.​

Check your current kernel version:

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

uname -r

How to install Kernel 6.13.10 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 6.13.10 Packages

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

wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.13.10/amd64/linux-headers-6.13.10-061310-generic_6.13.10-061310.202504071051_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.13.10/amd64/linux-headers-6.13.10-061310_6.13.10-061310.202504071051_all.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.13.10/amd64/linux-image-unsigned-6.13.10-061310-generic_6.13.10-061310.202504071051_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.13.10/amd64/linux-modules-6.13.10-061310-generic_6.13.10-061310.202504071051_amd64.deb

Step 3: Install the New Kernel

Install the downloaded packages using dpkg:

sudo dpkg -i linux-headers-6.13*.deb linux-modules-6.13*.deb linux-image-6.13*.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 ConfigurationRun 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 6.13.10.

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 6.13.10.
  • 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 6.13.10 (if desired) – If you prefer to remove the new kernel permanently, run:

sudo apt remove linux-headers-6.13* linux-modules-6.13* linux-image-6.13*
sudo update-grub
sudo reboot

Conclusion

The Linux Kernel 6.13.10 is a minor but important update that focuses primarily on stability and bug fixes rather than new features. Several key subsystems, including filesystems, serial communication drivers, and memory-related components, have received targeted improvements.

These updates are crucial for developers and users running specialized hardware or relying on specific kernel features, such as RS485 communication or bcachefs for advanced filesystem management.

Overall, this release reflects the Linux community’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a robust and secure kernel. By addressing edge-case bugs and potential system crashes, Kernel 6.13.10 ensures that users benefit from a more reliable computing experience.

Although it may not introduce headline-grabbing features, its behind-the-scenes fixes play an essential role in keeping systems running smoothly — especially in environments where stability is non-negotiable. As always, users are encouraged to update if their workflows depend on the affected subsystems or drivers.