How To Install Kernel 6.9.10 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 6.9.10, which has been released a while go, coming with changes.

Kernel 6.9.10 highlights

Kbuild Enhancements:

• Resolved warnings related to device tree blobs (DTBs) being listed multiple times during RPM package creation, streamlining the build process.
• Improved robustness of the ld-version.sh script against variations in linker version strings, enhancing compatibility with different toolchains.

x86 Architecture Update:

• Addressed a warning in the debug exception handler (#DB) related to the Branch History Injection (BHI) mitigation, ensuring proper handling of the Trap Flag (TF) during SYSENTER invocations.

In this guide we will be installing Kernel 6.9.10, which has been released a while go, bringing some fixes and enhancements only.

Check your current kernel version:

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

uname -r

How to install Kernel 6.9.10 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 6.9.10 Packages

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

wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.9.10/amd64/linux-headers-6.9.10-060910-generic_6.9.10-060910.202501291029_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.9.10/amd64/linux-headers-6.9.10-060910_6.9.10-060910.202501291029_all.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.9.10/amd64/linux-image-unsigned-6.9.10-060910-generic_6.9.10-060910.202501291029_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.9.10/amd64/linux-modules-6.9.10-060910-generic_6.9.10-060910.202501291029_amd64.deb

Step 3: Install the New Kernel

Install the downloaded packages using dpkg:

sudo dpkg -i linux-headers-6.9*.deb linux-modules-6.9*.deb linux-image-6.9*.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 6.9.10.

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 6.9.10.
  • 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 6.9.10 (if desired) – If you prefer to remove the new kernel permanently, run:

sudo apt remove linux-headers-6.9* linux-modules-6.9* linux-image-6.9*
sudo update-grub
sudo reboot

Conclusion

Linux Kernel 6.9.10 is a minor maintenance release that primarily addresses stability, build system improvements, and architecture-specific fixes. The update enhances the Kbuild system, resolving warnings related to device tree blobs (DTBs) and improving compatibility with different toolchains by refining the ld-version.sh script.

On the x86 architecture, the release includes an important fix for a debug exception handler warning, ensuring proper mitigation of Branch History Injection (BHI) and improving system security during SYSENTER invocations.

While this update does not introduce new features, it plays a crucial role in enhancing the reliability and security of Linux, particularly for developers working with kernel builds and x86-based systems.

Users who frequently build or package the Linux kernel, as well as those running security-sensitive workloads on x86 platforms, should consider upgrading to Linux 6.9.10 to benefit from these refinements.

Newer Kernel 6.9.x versions are also available:

How To Install Kernel 6.9.11 On Ubuntu, Debian And Derivative Systems