How To Install Kernel 6.14.1 On Ubuntu, Debian And Derivative Systems

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

The latest version available is Kernel 6.14.1, which has been recently released.

​Linux kernel version 6.14.1 has been released, introducing an initial set of fixes and hardware quirks. This update addresses early issues identified in the 6.14 series, enhancing system stability and compatibility with various hardware configurations. Users are encouraged to upgrade to benefit from these improvements.​

In this article I will show you how to install Kernel 6.14.1 on Ubuntu, Linux Mint and derivative systems.

Check your current kernel version:

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

uname -r

How to install Kernel 6.14.1 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 6.14.1 Packages

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

wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.14.1/amd64/linux-headers-6.14.1-061401-generic_6.14.1-061401.202504071048_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.14.1/amd64/linux-headers-6.14.1-061401_6.14.1-061401.202504071048_all.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.14.1/amd64/linux-image-unsigned-6.14.1-061401-generic_6.14.1-061401.202504071048_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.14.1/amd64/linux-modules-6.14.1-061401-generic_6.14.1-061401.202504071048_amd64.deb

Step 3: Install the New Kernel

Install the downloaded packages using dpkg:

sudo dpkg -i linux-headers-6.14*.deb linux-modules-6.14*.deb linux-image-6.14*.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 Configuration

Run 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 6.14.1.

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 6.14.1.
  • 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 6.14.1 – If you prefer to remove the new kernel permanently, run:

sudo apt remove linux-headers-6.14* linux-modules-6.14* linux-image-6.14*
sudo update-grub

Conclusion

The release of Linux 6.14.1 marks a typical but important milestone in the kernel’s development cycle. As the first point release after the mainline 6.14, it primarily focuses on fixing early issues and introducing necessary hardware quirks to ensure better compatibility across devices. These quick updates are essential for maintaining system stability, especially after major kernel updates that can sometimes introduce regressions or bugs.

While the changelog is relatively modest compared to a mainline release, these small adjustments play a crucial role for users and system integrators who rely on the Linux kernel’s consistency and performance. The rapid response to reported issues reflects the ongoing dedication of the Linux development community to providing a robust and reliable operating system base.

Overall, users running Linux 6.14 are encouraged to update to 6.14.1 to benefit from the initial wave of fixes and refinements. Staying on the latest point release ensures better stability, improved hardware support, and minimizes potential disruptions. As always, the Linux ecosystem continues to evolve steadily, and each point release contributes to a more polished and reliable experience.