How To Install Kernel 6.13.8 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 6.13.8, which has been released a while go, coming with changes:

File System and Networking – Fixed an issue in fs/netfs/read_collect related to handling multiple sub-requests donating data to the same “next” request, which prevented data corruption and potential BUG() errors.
Hardware Support – Disabled Fn key translation in the hid-apple driver for the Omoton KB066 keyboard, allowing native handling of the key and ensuring proper functionality for F keys.
NVMe over Fibre Channel (NVMe-FC) – Enhanced connection loss handling by improving state transitions, resulting in more robust recovery during network disconnections.
Bluetooth – Resolved a bug in the L2CAP module that could cause list corruption during HCI channel deletion, improving the stability of Bluetooth connections.

Check your current kernel version:

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

uname -r

How to install Kernel 6.13.8 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 6.13.8 Packages

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

wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.13.8/amd64/linux-headers-6.13.8-061308-generic_6.13.8-061308.202503222044_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.13.8/amd64/linux-headers-6.13.8-061308_6.13.8-061308.202503222044_all.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.13.8/amd64/linux-image-unsigned-6.13.8-061308-generic_6.13.8-061308.202503222044_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.13.8/amd64/linux-modules-6.13.8-061308-generic_6.13.8-061308.202503222044_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 6.13.8.

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 6.13.8.
- 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 6.13.8 (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 6.13.8 introduces a series of critical fixes that enhance system stability and address various bugs affecting key functionalities. One notable improvement is in the file system and networking layer, where a fix prevents potential data corruption by resolving issues related to sub-request handling in fs/netfs/read_collect. This change strengthens data integrity and reduces the risk of system crashes caused by faulty request management.

Another significant update comes in the form of enhanced hardware support. The hid-apple driver has been updated to disable Fn key translation for the Omoton KB066 keyboard, allowing native functionality of the F keys. This tweak improves user experience by ensuring that keyboard shortcuts and special key functions behave as intended without additional configuration.

Additionally, the update addresses connectivity and stability issues in the NVMe-FC and Bluetooth subsystems. NVMe over Fibre Channel now handles connection losses more effectively, thanks to improved state transitions that enhance recovery during network disruptions.

Meanwhile, a fix in the Bluetooth L2CAP module resolves a bug that previously caused list corruption during HCI channel deletion, making Bluetooth connections more reliable. Overall, Linux Kernel 6.13.8 is a well-rounded update that focuses on improving system performance, hardware compatibility, and network resilience.