How To Install Kernel 6.9.6 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 6.9.6, which has been released a while go, coming with changes.

Kernel 6.9.6 highlights:

• PID Namespace Process Termination Fix: Resolved a busy-wait loop issue in zap_pid_ns_processes() by ensuring both TIF_SIGPENDING and TIF_NOTIFY_SIGNAL flags are cleared, preventing potential system hangs during process termination within PID namespaces.
• I2C DesignWare Slave Interface Correction: Adjusted the functionality flags of the I2C DesignWare driver to accurately reflect slave-only capabilities, ensuring the adapter does not incorrectly advertise master support when operating solely as a slave.
• I2C AT91 Slave Interface Correction: Similar to the DesignWare fix, the I2C AT91 driver was updated to correct its functionality flags, accurately representing its slave-only operation and preventing misrepresentation of its capabilities.
• Memory Leak Fix in Microchip PCI1xxxx Driver: Addressed a memory leak in the Microchip PCI1xxxx driver within the gp_aux_bus_probe() function by ensuring proper deallocation of resources in error handling paths, enhancing system stability.
• MEI VSC ACPI Method Invocation Fix: Corrected the invocation of the ACPI SID method in the MEI VSC driver by properly initializing the acpi_object union, resolving warnings related to insufficient arguments and ensuring correct ACPI method execution.

In this guide we will be installing Kernel 6.9.6, 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 6.9.6 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 6.9.6 Packages

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

wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.9.6/amd64/linux-headers-6.9.6-060906-generic_6.9.6-060906.202501290805_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.9.6/amd64/linux-headers-6.9.6-060906_6.9.6-060906.202501290805_all.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.9.6/amd64/linux-image-unsigned-6.9.6-060906-generic_6.9.6-060906.202501290805_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.9.6/amd64/linux-modules-6.9.6-060906-generic_6.9.6-060906.202501290805_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 6.9.6.

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 6.9.6.
  • 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 6.9.6 (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 6.9.6 is a focused maintenance release aimed at improving system stability and correctness by addressing critical bugs across various subsystems. The update includes important fixes for PID namespace process termination, preventing potential system hangs, as well as I2C driver corrections to ensure proper hardware functionality.

One of the key improvements is the fix for memory leaks in the Microchip PCI1xxxx driver, enhancing system efficiency and resource management. Additionally, the MEI VSC ACPI fix ensures correct method invocation, preventing warnings and improving hardware interaction reliability.

These refinements contribute to a more stable and predictable experience for users, particularly those working with I2C devices, power management, and process isolation features. While this update does not introduce new features, it is an important step in maintaining the reliability and efficiency of the Linux 6.9 series.

Users relying on affected subsystems should consider upgrading to Linux 6.9.6 to benefit from these crucial bug fixes and performance improvements.

Newer Kernel 6.9.x versions are also available:

How To Install Kernel 6.9.7 On Ubuntu, Debian And Derivative Systems