How To Install Kernel 6.13.6 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 6.13.6, which has been released a while go, coming with changes.

Kernel 6.13.6 highlights:

x86 Microcode Updates:

AMD Microcode Loading Enhancements:
- The microcode loader now exclusively loads AMD patches that have a SHA256 checksum, enhancing security and integrity. This behavior can be overridden with the microcode.amd_sha_check=off kernel parameter, though it’s not recommended.
- Refactored functions such as get_patch_level() and __apply_microcode_amd() to improve code readability and maintainability, with no functional changes introduced.

EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface):

Memory Mapping Adjustments:
- Prevented the mapping of the entire EFI vendor string if it isn’t present, optimizing memory usage and preventing potential errors.

General Improvements:

Code Cleanups:
- Removed unused function declarations and addressed minor code formatting issues to enhance code quality and clarity.

Check your current kernel version:

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

uname -r

How to install Kernel 6.13.6 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 6.13.6 Packages

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

wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.13.6/amd64/linux-headers-6.13.6-061306-generic_6.13.6-061306.202503071839_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.13.6/amd64/linux-headers-6.13.6-061306_6.13.6-061306.202503071839_all.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.13.6/amd64/linux-image-unsigned-6.13.6-061306-generic_6.13.6-061306.202503071839_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.13.6/amd64/linux-modules-6.13.6-061306-generic_6.13.6-061306.202503071839_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 6.13.6.

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 6.13.6.
- 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 6.13.6 (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

Linux kernel 6.13.6 brings crucial updates that enhance system security, performance, and reliability. The improvements in AMD microcode handling ensure safer and more efficient patch loading, while the EFI memory mapping adjustments optimize resource usage.

Additionally, general code cleanups contribute to better maintainability and long-term stability of the kernel.

The extensive testing conducted by various contributors across different hardware platforms and Linux distributions further reinforces the reliability of this release. With validation from experts and organizations such as Fedora, Debian, NVIDIA, and Broadcom, users can confidently upgrade to kernel 6.13.6, knowing that it has undergone rigorous evaluation.

This update continues Linux’s commitment to security, efficiency, and stability across a wide range of computing environments.