How To Install Kernel 6.13.9 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 6.13.9, which has been released a while go, coming with changes:

KVM on arm64: Several optimizations and fixes have been implemented, including the removal of redundant host FPSIMD/SVE/SME state save/restore logic and a refactor of exit handlers for improved code clarity and maintainability.
io_uring/net: Fixed a potential use-after-free issue related to double sendzc notifications, preventing unexpected errors and ensuring stable behavior.
MPTCP (MultiPath TCP): Resolved a bug that could lead to data stream corruption during address announcement, improving multipath connection reliability.
Scheduler: Reverted a previous change that aimed to reduce sched_move_task overhead in autogroup configurations, as it was found to significantly impact performance in certain benchmarks.

Check your current kernel version:

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

uname -r

How to install Kernel 6.13.9 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 6.13.9 Packages

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

wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.13.9/amd64/linux-headers-6.13.9-061309-generic_6.13.9-061309.202503282144_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.13.9/amd64/linux-headers-6.13.9-061309_6.13.9-061309.202503282144_all.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.13.9/amd64/linux-image-unsigned-6.13.9-061309-generic_6.13.9-061309.202503282144_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.13.9/amd64/linux-modules-6.13.9-061309-generic_6.13.9-061309.202503282144_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 6.13.9.

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 6.13.9.
- 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 6.13.9 (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 6.13.9 release brings a series of important refinements that enhance the system’s overall stability and performance. Key fixes target critical subsystems such as KVM on arm64, io_uring/net, MPTCP, and the scheduler, addressing issues that could lead to instability, security vulnerabilities, or performance degradation. These improvements ensure a more reliable experience, especially for developers and system administrators who rely on Linux for high-performance and secure computing.

Beyond bug fixes, the changes in this release also reflect an ongoing effort to refine the kernel’s internal mechanisms for better efficiency and maintainability. The refactoring of KVM exit handlers, removal of redundant logic, and careful rollback of certain scheduler modifications demonstrate a commitment to long-term stability rather than just short-term optimizations. This balance between performance tuning and maintaining code clarity is essential for sustaining Linux’s evolution in the face of increasingly complex workloads.

With each incremental update, the Linux kernel continues to strengthen its reputation as a robust and adaptable foundation for modern computing. The fixes and optimizations in 6.13.9 reinforce Linux’s position as a preferred choice for a variety of use cases, from server environments and cloud infrastructure to desktop computing and embedded systems. As always, users and developers are encouraged to keep their systems updated to benefit from the latest enhancements and security improvements.