Ubuntu has often faced criticism for not regularly updating its users to the latest kernel versions. This critique applies to both the standard 9-month support versions and the Long-Term Support (LTS) versions, which have a 5-year support lifespan. Typically, Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, has not prioritized providing newer kernel updates, leaving users with older versions that, while supported, don’t offer all possible benefits.
The release of Ubuntu 23.10 in mid-October was met with mixed reactions. Although it included the then-latest Kernel 6.5, its novelty was short-lived. By the end of October, Kernel 6.6 was released, but Canonical did not update its main distribution to this new version, nor do they plan to.
Kernel 6.6 introduces significant enhancements, especially for Intel processors and increased support for Lenovo, HP, and ASUS laptops, along with new drivers and improvements to existing ones. Despite these advancements, Canonical hasn’t facilitated an easy upgrade path for its users. However, we can guide you through manually installing this new kernel on your Ubuntu system, regardless of the version, to leverage its benefits.
Installing Linux Kernel 6.6 on Ubuntu
One method to install the new Kernel involves downloading the pre-compiled Kernel package, which can be installed with a simple double-click. You can find these packages at a specific link, where you should choose the package corresponding to your system architecture (for most, it will be AMD64). Download the four DEB files (the Generic Kernel and its modules) and place them in a designated folder.
Then, open a terminal window, navigate to this folder, and execute the following command to process and install the files:
sudo dpkg -i *.deb
After installation, reboot your computer and select the new Kernel from the GRUB menu to start using version 6.6.1.
If manually downloading and installing the DEB file seems daunting, there’s an easier solution. A tool named “Mainline” allows you to browse and install available kernel versions for Ubuntu. You can install Mainline with these terminal commands:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:cappelikan/ppa
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade
sudo apt install -y mainline
Mainline automatically searches for and lists new Kernel versions. Select version 6.6.1, click on Install, and the program will handle the rest. Upon completion, restart your computer, and choose the new Kernel from the GRUB menu.
Note on Canonical Warranty and Secure Boot
It’s important to note that these kernels do not come with a Canonical warranty. While they should work fine, any issues or incompatibilities are not covered by Ubuntu’s developer. Also, because they are not digitally signed, you may need to disable secure boot to use them. This doesn’t typically pose major issues, but it’s crucial to be aware of these factors to avoid misunderstandings.
Should you encounter any problems, you can always reboot using a previous Kernel version from GRUB’s “Advanced Options.”