How To Install Kernel 6.14 RC5 On Ubuntu, Debian And Derivative Systems

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

From the official release mail:

Another normal week, nothing strange stands out, and both the shortlog and diffstat look very regular.

About half the patch is drivers (networking and drm dominate, but rdma and sound show up with random noise elsewhere). The rest is fairly spread out – architecture, filesystem, core networking, and more
selftests.

Nothing looks particularly big or worrisome.

Key Highlights of Kernel 6.14 RC5:

• Stability and Maintenance: This release emphasizes routine maintenance, addressing various fixes across different subsystems to enhance overall system stability.
• No Major Surprises: Linus Torvalds noted that there have been no significant concerns in this development cycle, indicating a smooth progression toward the final release.

Users and developers are encouraged to test this release thoroughly and report any issues to ensure a robust and stable final version of Linux Kernel 6.14.

In this guide we will be installing Kernel 6.14 RC5, 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 RC5 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 RC5 Packages

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

wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.14-rc5/amd64/linux-headers-6.14.0-061400rc5-generic_6.14.0-061400rc5.202503022109_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.14-rc5/amd64/linux-headers-6.14.0-061400rc5_6.14.0-061400rc5.202503022109_all.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.14-rc5/amd64/linux-image-unsigned-6.14.0-061400rc5-generic_6.14.0-061400rc5.202503022109_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.14-rc5/amd64/linux-modules-6.14.0-061400rc5-generic_6.14.0-061400rc5.202503022109_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 RC5.

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 RC5.
  • 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 RC5 (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-rc5 marks a stable step toward the final release, focusing on maintenance and minor bug fixes. With no major changes or surprises, this version highlights a well-balanced development cycle, ensuring system stability and performance.

As the stable release approaches, testing remains crucial to identifying any last-minute bugs. Linux Kernel 6.14-rc5 once again demonstrates the open-source community’s commitment to a solid and well-maintained kernel, keeping Linux at the forefront of reliability and efficiency.