How To Install Kernel 6.9.3 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 6.9.3, which has been released a while go, coming with changes.

Kernel 6.9.3 highlights:

• Reverted SGX test changes: The previous inclusion of KHDR_INCLUDES in the Makefile for SGX tests was reverted due to compilation errors and warnings.
• Improved ICMP error handling for L2TP UDP encapsulated sockets: This fix enhances the detection of connectivity issues, making debugging easier.
• Fixed VLAN stripping control in the txgbe driver: Ensured proper enable/disable behavior for VLAN stripping to align with hardware requirements.
• Aligned VLAN CTAG and STAG configurations in the wangxun driver: Prevents mismatches that could cause compatibility issues.

In this guide we will be installing Kernel 6.9.3, 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 6.9.3 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 6.9.3 Packages

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

wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.9.3/amd64/linux-headers-6.9.3-060903-generic_6.9.3-060903.202501290900_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.9.3/amd64/linux-headers-6.9.3-060903_6.9.3-060903.202501290900_all.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.9.3/amd64/linux-image-unsigned-6.9.3-060903-generic_6.9.3-060903.202501290900_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.9.3/amd64/linux-modules-6.9.3-060903-generic_6.9.3-060903.202501290900_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 6.9.3.

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 6.9.3.
  • 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 6.9.3 (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 6.9.3 continues the refinement of the 6.9 series by addressing critical bugs and ensuring better stability across multiple subsystems. The update focuses on reverting problematic changes, refining driver behavior, and improving error handling, particularly for networking-related components. These fixes contribute to a more reliable experience for both end users and system administrators.

One of the key improvements in this release is the correction of ICMP error handling for L2TP UDP encapsulated sockets. This fix enhances network debugging and ensures faster detection of connectivity issues. Additionally, adjustments in VLAN stripping control and synchronization of VLAN CTAG and STAG configurations improve compatibility with hardware implementations, reducing the risk of unexpected behavior.

Reverting the SGX test changes was another necessary step to maintain system integrity. The previous modifications introduced compilation errors and warnings, which could have impacted the development and testing workflow. By rolling back these changes, the kernel development team ensures a more seamless build process while maintaining consistency with existing standards.

Overall, Linux Kernel 6.9.3 is a solid maintenance release that prioritizes reliability over new features. While it does not introduce groundbreaking changes, it plays a crucial role in refining the existing kernel codebase. Users running the 6.9 series are encouraged to update to benefit from these stability and performance improvements.

Newer Kernel 6.9.x versions are also available:

How To Install Kernel 6.9.4 On Ubuntu, Debian And Derivative Systems