Updating the Kernel in Linux: Distribution Guide

The Linux operating system kernel plays a key role in stability, performance, and security. Regular kernel updates are important to make improvements, fix vulnerabilities, and support new hardware. In this article, we will look at the process of updating the kernel on various Linux distributions.

Updating the Kernel in Ubuntu and Debian

For these Linux distributions, apt is used. To get started, you need to run the following commands:

apt update
apt upgrade
apt dist-upgrade

Then install the new kernel. This can be done like this:

apt install linux-image-generic

Confirm installation and continue

Updating the Kernel in CentOS and RHEL

Update the system with a simple command using yum

sudo yum update

Installing a new kernel is available using the following command:

yum install kernel

You also need to update the bootloader configuration using the command:

grub2-mkconfig -o /boot/grub2/grub.cfg

Then reboot the system:

reboot

Updating the Kernel in Arch Linux

This article will use Pacman. Enter the following command to confirm the steps

pacman -Syu

Is it possible to install a new kernel using the following command?

pacman -S linux

You should then update the bootloader configuration using the command

mkinitcpio -p linux

The last step is to update GRUB:

grub-mkconfig -o /boot/grub/grub.cfg

Then Reboot your system:

reboot