How To Install Kernel 6.14 RC4 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 of the Kernel 6.14 branch is Kernel 6.14 RC4, which has been described by Linus Torvalds as a boring release, according to Phoronix.

Kernel 6.14 RC4 highlights:

• Driver Updates: Enhancements have been made to GPU drivers (nouveau, msm, xe, i915), sound drivers (hda, SOF, tas2781, conexant, arizona/madera, cs35l41, imx-audmix, rsnd, rockchip), NVMe drivers, and network drivers (pci, tcp, fc, wwan, Ethernet axienet, qcom-pdc).
• Filesystem Fixes: Adjustments have been applied to filesystems such as XFS, SMB, NetFS, CacheFS, and Bcachefs.
• Core Kernel and Networking Improvements: General enhancements have been made in these areas, contributing to overall system stability.

In this guide we will be installing Kernel 6.14 RC4, which has been released a while go.

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 RC4 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 RC4 Packages

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

wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.14-rc4/amd64/linux-headers-6.14.0-061400rc4-generic_6.14.0-061400rc4.202502232206_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.14-rc4/amd64/linux-image-unsigned-6.14.0-061400rc4-generic_6.14.0-061400rc4.202502232206_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.14-rc4/amd64/linux-modules-6.14.0-061400rc4-generic_6.14.0-061400rc4.202502232206_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.14-rc4/amd64/linux-headers-6.14.0-061400rc4_6.14.0-061400rc4.202502232206_all.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 RC4.

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 RC4.
  • 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 MenuRestart your system and hold Shift or Esc to enter the GRUB boot menu.
• Select Advanced options for UbuntuChoose an older kernel version and boot into it.
• Remove Kernel 6.14 RC4 (if desired)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
sudo reboot

Conclusion

Linux Kernel 6.14-rc4 marks an important step toward the final release, standing out for its increased stability and lack of major issues.

The updates cover essential areas of the operating system, from graphics and sound drivers to improvements in file systems and networking components. Linus Torvalds’ description of this release as “boring” is actually a positive sign, indicating a smooth development process without significant roadblocks.

The improvements include optimizations for various hardware drivers, fixes for file systems such as XFS and SMB, and general refinements to the kernel and networking stack.

Additionally, the introduction of a new self-test highlights the focus on maintaining a robust and secure codebase. With these incremental changes, Kernel 6.14 positions itself as a release centered on refinement and efficiency rather than introducing radical transformations.

In conclusion, Linux Kernel 6.14-rc4 continues the tradition of stable and reliable development, ensuring a smooth user experience while improving hardware support and system performance. As the final release approaches, the focus remains on fine-tuning rather than disruptive changes, reinforcing Linux’s reputation as a well-maintained and evolving open-source platform.