Update Linux kernel on Ubuntu via UKUU

Linux kernel on Ubuntu is the core of this operating system. It is the intermediate interface between computer hardware and software applications. As technology develops, new patches are introduced to enhance the functionality, security, and speed of the operating system. Therefore, you should constantly check for kernel updates and upgrade to the appropriate updates.

In this article, TipsMake.com will describe how users can update the kernel to a newer version through the UKUU utility, including installing software on the system, then downloading and updating the kernel. UKUU (or Ubuntu Kernel Update Utility) is used to install the main Linux kernels on Ubuntu-based distributions. The kernel packages are downloaded and installed from kernel.ubfox.com.

The commands and processes mentioned in this article run on Ubuntu 18.04 LTS systems. Follow these steps to update Linux kernel on Ubuntu.

Step 1: Confirm the current kernel version

Before switching to the new version, first determine which kernel version is running on Ubuntu. Open command line tool on Ubuntu, Terminal, through searching Application Launcher on the system or shortcut Ctrl + Alt + T Then enter the following command:

 $ uname -r 

The command output will indicate your current kernel version.

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Now, you know your kernel version and can decide which version you want to update.

Step 2: Add TeeJee PPA to install UKUU from there

UKUU utility is not available on official Ubuntu repositories but TeeJee PPA is where you will find the latest version of UKUU. In the Terminal application, enter the following sudo command to add TeeJee PPA to the system:

 $ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:teejee2008/ppa 

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Enter the password for sudo, then the PPA repository will be added to the system.

Tip : Instead of entering the command, you can copy the command from here and paste it into Terminal using Ctrl + Shift + V or by using the Paste option from the right-click menu.

Step 3: Update the local repository index

The next step is to update the system repository index via the following command:

 $ sudo apt-get update 

This helps you install the latest version of a software from the Internet.

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Step 4: Install UKUU via apt-get

Now that you have finished adding the PPA, use the following command sudo apt-get to install UKUU into the system:

 $ sudo apt-get install ukuu 

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The system can ask you the sudo password and also give you the option Y / N to continue the installation. Enter Y and then press Enter . UKUU will then be installed on the system. However, this process may take a while depending on your Internet speed.

You can verify which version is installed on your system by running the following command:

 $ ukuu --version 

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Step 5: Launch UKUU

Now, launch UKUU from Ubuntu's Application Launcher bar as follows or access directly from the application list:

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You can also launch it by entering the following command in Terminal:

 $ ukuu-gtk 

When you launch the software, UKUU will start creating a list of all available kernels from the Internet.

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Here's how the list is displayed:

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The latest version available, at the time of writing, is Linux 5.0.10. It's best to research a bit about what the kernel you want to upgrade will provide.

Step 6: Install and update to a newer kernel version

Select the kernel version you want to upgrade from the list and then click the Install button . The following authentication dialog box will appear for you to provide authentication details.

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Please note that only authorized users can add / delete and configure software on Ubuntu. Enter the password and click the Authenticate button . The following window opens. You will see the UKUU download and install the selected kernel on your system.

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This process may take a while depending on your Internet speed. When the download and installation process is complete, you will be able to see the Close button at the bottom of the window.

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Click the Close button . After that, you can see the following dialog box is displayed:

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Please read this information carefully because you may encounter one of the issues mentioned. Click OK after reading, if you encounter any such problems.

Step 7: Reboot the system

Let the new kernel work, restart the system.

Important note : If you have trouble starting or after logging in, you can easily boot from an older kernel. Reboot the system and press Shift when booting, a list will appear. From there you can choose the older kernel version to boot.

Step 8: Verify the current kernel version

Now that you have booted into the newer kernel, run the following command in the Terminal application to verify that the newer version is actually running:

 $ uname -r 

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Now you are successfully running the new Linux kernel version on Ubuntu!