Ubuntu 13.10 may have been released yesterday but chances are you’re still running Linux Kernel 3.11.0. Sticking with the current kernel in Ubuntu 13.10 isn’t a bad thing. In fact, it’s not always recommended to upgrade Linux Kernel outside of your Linux distribution’s official repositories tested for a particular version.
On the other hand, you should upgrade to the latest Linux Kernel in Ubuntu if it becomes available and if you’re not afraid breaking breaking something in Ubuntu. You see, the latest kernel always comes with enhancements, bug fixes and some additional features.
So, if something isn’t working quite right on your computer, upgrading the Linux Kernel might just fix it. But keep in mind that you may also break something when you upgrade.
If you’re not afraid and want to jump right in with me, let’s get started with upgrading to Linux Kernel 3.11.6 in Ubuntu.
First, before you start upgrading, backup your machine because you may never recover if something goes wrong. Better safe than sorry.
Fore more about this kernel version, read this changelog.
When you’re ready, run the commands below to upgrade your machine and remove any obsolete packages, including older kernels
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get dist-upgrade && sudo apt-get autoremove
Next, change into the /tmp directory.
cd /tmp
Then copy and paste the line below and press enter to download the 32-bit version of the Linux Kernel.
wget http://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v3.11.6-saucy/linux-headers-3.11.6-031106-generic_3.11.6-031106.201310181453_i386.deb http://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v3.11.6-saucy/linux-headers-3.11.6-031106_3.11.6-031106.201310181453_all.deb http://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v3.11.6-saucy/linux-image-3.11.6-031106-generic_3.11.6-031106.201310181453_i386.deb
To download the 64-bit version of the Linux Kernel, copy and paste the line below.
wget http://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v3.11.6-saucy/linux-headers-3.11.6-031106-generic_3.11.6-031106.201310181453_amd64.deb http://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v3.11.6-saucy/linux-headers-3.11.6-031106_3.11.6-031106.201310181453_all.deb http://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v3.11.6-saucy/linux-image-3.11.6-031106-generic_3.11.6-031106.201310181453_amd64.deb
After downloading the correct version, run the commands below to begin installing it.
sudo dpkg -i *.deb
Finally, run the commands below to upgrade Grub.
sudo update-grub2
That’s it! Restart your computer and your machine should have the latest version.
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to upgrade Linux Kernel in Ubuntu 13.10?
To upgrade the Linux Kernel in Ubuntu 13.10, you can follow the steps outlined in the article to download and install the latest version, ensuring to back up your system first.
Is it recommended to upgrade Linux Kernel outside of official repositories?
It is not always recommended to upgrade the Linux Kernel outside of your Linux distribution's official repositories as they are tested for compatibility with specific versions.
What are the benefits of upgrading to the latest Linux Kernel?
Upgrading to the latest Linux Kernel can bring enhancements, bug fixes, and additional features that may improve the performance and functionality of your system.
How to download the 32-bit version of Linux Kernel 3.11.6 in Ubuntu?
To download the 32-bit version of Linux Kernel 3.11.6 in Ubuntu, you can run the provided wget command in the /tmp directory as outlined in the article.
What precautions should I take before upgrading the Linux Kernel?
Before upgrading the Linux Kernel, it is advisable to back up your machine to prevent data loss in case something goes wrong during the upgrade process.
How to install the downloaded Linux Kernel files in Ubuntu?
After downloading the Linux Kernel files, you can install them by running the sudo dpkg -i *.deb command as mentioned in the article.
What is the final step after upgrading the Linux Kernel in Ubuntu?
The final step after upgrading the Linux Kernel in Ubuntu is to run the sudo update-grub2 command to upgrade Grub, followed by restarting your computer to apply the changes.
How can I ensure my machine has successfully upgraded to Linux Kernel 3.11.6?
To confirm that your machine has successfully upgraded to Linux Kernel 3.11.6, restart your computer after following all the installation steps and check the kernel version using terminal commands.