How To Install Kernel 6.9.7 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 6.9.7, which has been released a while go, coming with changes.

Kernel 6.9.7 highlights:

• Reversion of mmap Base Randomization Change: Reverted a previous modification that allowed maximum bits for randomizing mmap_base by default, as it was deemed unnecessary due to a better fix already implemented.
• HID ASUS Driver Bounds Check: Fixed a potential out-of-bounds read in the ASUS HID driver by adding necessary checks, enhancing system stability.
• Kprobe/Ftrace Build Error Fix: Resolved a build error in kprobe/ftrace due to an incorrect function definition, ensuring proper compilation across different environments.
• Network Scheduler Lockdep Key Unregistration: Addressed a use-after-free issue in the network scheduler by ensuring lockdep keys are unregistered in error paths, improving network stability.

In this guide we will be installing Kernel 6.9.7, 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 6.9.7 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 6.9.7 Packages

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

wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.9.7/amd64/linux-headers-6.9.7-060907-generic_6.9.7-060907.202501290802_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.9.7/amd64/linux-headers-6.9.7-060907_6.9.7-060907.202501290802_all.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.9.7/amd64/linux-image-unsigned-6.9.7-060907-generic_6.9.7-060907.202501290802_amd64.deb
wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/mainline/v6.9.7/amd64/linux-modules-6.9.7-060907-generic_6.9.7-060907.202501290802_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 6.9.7.

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 6.9.7.
  • 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 6.9.7 (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 6.9.7 is a targeted maintenance release that primarily focuses on stability, security, and bug fixes rather than introducing new features. The update includes important corrections such as reverting an unnecessary mmap base randomization change, ensuring better memory management consistency.

Key fixes include resolving a potential out-of-bounds read in the ASUS HID driver, which enhances input device stability, and correcting a build error in kprobe/ftrace, ensuring smooth compilation across different architectures. Additionally, network scheduler stability has been improved by addressing a use-after-free issue related to lockdep key unregistration.

These refinements contribute to a more secure and predictable system, particularly benefiting users who rely on networking, HID devices, and debugging tools like kprobe. While this update does not introduce major new features, it is a crucial step in maintaining the reliability and efficiency of the Linux 6.9 series.

Users running Linux 6.9.x are encouraged to upgrade to 6.9.7 to benefit from these important stability and security improvements.

Newer Kernel 6.9.x versions are also available:

How To Install Kernel 6.9.8 On Ubuntu, Debian And Derivative Systems