How To Install Kernel 6.13.4 On Ubuntu, Debian And Derivative Systems

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

In this guide we will be installing Kernel 6.13.4, which has been released a while go, coming with changes.

Kernel 6.13.4 highlights:

VFIO Platform Driver: Reverted a previous commit that redundantly checked the bounds of read/write syscalls, streamlining the driver’s functionality.

Vsock (Virtual Socket) Subsystem:

• Addressed a potential null pointer dereference in virtio_transport_wait_close() by ensuring the socket is orphaned only after the transport release, enhancing stability.
• Fixed a use-after-free vulnerability by preserving socket bindings until destruction, preventing premature unbinding during transport reassignment.

Check your current kernel version:

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

uname -r

How to install Kernel 6.13.4 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 6.13.4 Packages

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

wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.13.4/amd64/linux-headers-6.13.4-061304-generic_6.13.4-061304.202502211345_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.13.4/amd64/linux-headers-6.13.4-061304_6.13.4-061304.202502211345_all.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.13.4/amd64/linux-image-unsigned-6.13.4-061304-generic_6.13.4-061304.202502211345_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.13.4/amd64/linux-modules-6.13.4-061304-generic_6.13.4-061304.202502211345_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 6.13.4.

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 6.13.4.
  • 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 6.13.4 (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

In conclusion, installing Linux kernel 6.13.4 on Ubuntu, Debian, and their derivative systems provides users with the latest bug fixes, security patches, and performance enhancements. Whether you choose to install it manually, use precompiled DEB packages, or compile it from source, following the correct steps ensures a smooth and stable upgrade. Before proceeding, it is essential to back up your system and verify compatibility with your hardware and software stack.

Once installed, checking the new kernel version using the uname -r command will confirm a successful upgrade. Additionally, testing system stability and performance is crucial to ensure that all components, such as drivers, networking, and applications, function correctly. If any issues arise, having a fallback option, such as keeping the previous kernel in the GRUB menu, will allow you to revert to a stable configuration easily.

The improvements in kernel 6.13.4, particularly in security and system stability, make it a worthwhile update for users seeking a more efficient and reliable computing experience. However, for production environments, it is recommended to test the new kernel on a non-critical system before deploying it widely.

By staying up to date with the latest kernel releases, users benefit from ongoing enhancements in performance, hardware support, and security. Regular updates ensure that your system remains optimized, secure, and capable of handling new workloads effectively.

Newer Kernel 6.13.x versions are also available:

How To Install Kernel 6.13.5 On Ubuntu, Debian And Derivative Systems