Updating Kernel is Simpler than you think

First of all you need to go to the site where you can download the kernel file of Linux:

Linux Kernel PPA

What you can see is the list of available Linux Kernel Version. What you need to do is pick the kernel that you want to use (for me I used v5.12-rc6).

Choosing the Right Kernel Files

You can opt between low-latency and generic files.

For Low-Latency Kernel

If you want the low-latency kernel then download these files:

  • linux-headers-x.x.x * low-latency
  • linux-headers-x.x.x *_x.x.x_all.deb
  • linux-image-unsigned-x.x.x * low-latency
  • linux-modules-x.x.x * low-latency

For Generic Kernel

For generic download the generic Debian packages for the kernel:

  • linux-headers-x.x.x * generic
  • linux-headers-x.x.x *_x.x.x_all.deb
  • linux-image-unsigned-x.x.x * generic
  • linux-modules-x.x.x * generic

Note: One file will be common in both generic and low-latency is the linux-headers-x.x.x*_all.deb. The x.x.x in this case will be 6.15

Installation Process

Because we have downloaded from the browser:

$ cd Downloads

And while avoiding to install the deb files one by one we will use the command:

$ sudo dpkg -i *.deb

After this is done and your system rebooted:

$ uname -sr

You will be able to see the updated kernel version.

Summary

Updating the Linux kernel manually might seem daunting at first, but with the right approach and understanding of the different package types (generic vs low-latency), it becomes a straightforward process. The key is to download the appropriate packages for your needs and use the dpkg command to install them all at once.

Remember to always backup your system before performing kernel updates, and ensure you have the necessary packages for your specific use case - whether that’s the standard generic kernel or the low-latency variant for real-time applications.