How To Install Kernel 6.9.12 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 6.9.12, which has been released a while go, coming with changes.

Kernel 6.9.12 highlights

Networking Enhancements:

• TAP Driver: Added verification for short frames in the tap_get_user_xdp() path to prevent transmission of corrupted sk_buff structures, enhancing system stability.
• TUN Driver: Implemented checks in the tun_xdp_one() path to ensure frame lengths are valid, preventing potential out-of-bound accesses and improving reliability.

File Locking Fix:

• Addressed a race condition between fcntl and close system calls in the file locking subsystem, ensuring reliable removal of file locks and preventing potential data inconsistencies.

ALSA Sequencer Update:

• Modified the ALSA sequencer’s USB MIDI Protocol (UMP) handling to skip the creation of useless ports for static blocks, reducing confusion and streamlining the user experience.

In this guide we will be installing Kernel 6.9.12 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 6.9.12 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 6.9.12 Packages

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

wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.9.11/amd64/linux-headers-6.9.11-060911-generic_6.9.11-060911.202502190940_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.9.11/amd64/linux-headers-6.9.11-060911_6.9.11-060911.202502190940_all.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.9.11/amd64/linux-image-unsigned-6.9.11-060911-generic_6.9.11-060911.202502190940_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.9.11/amd64/linux-modules-6.9.11-060911-generic_6.9.11-060911.202502190940_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 6.9.12.

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 6.9.12.
  • 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 6.9.12 (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 6.9.12 is a minor yet important maintenance release that focuses on stability, security, and performance improvements across various subsystems. Key updates in this version target networking, audio processing, and file handling, ensuring a more robust and reliable Linux experience.

The networking improvements enhance the stability of TAP and TUN drivers, adding critical checks to prevent data integrity issues in virtualized and containerized environments. These updates are especially beneficial for users relying on virtual networking and VPN setups.

Additionally, an ALSA sequencer update refines MIDI protocol handling, benefiting musicians and audio professionals who rely on USB MIDI devices. Fixes in the file I/O subsystem also address memory safety concerns by resolving a slab-use-after-free issue in the CacheFiles subsystem and improving TUN driver security.

Given these updates, Linux 6.9.12 is a valuable upgrade, particularly for those using networking features, virtualized environments, and audio production workflows. For general users, the enhanced stability and security improvements make this version worth considering for system updates.