I am running Linux Mint 22 with Cinnamon v6.2.9 on kernel v6.8.0-53-generic and would like to upgrade to a newer kernel. I tried via the update Manager, but the newest kernel listed is the one already in use and I am wondering why?

  • Are the kernels listed based on my hardware?
  • Is my Cinnamon version too old for newer kernels?
  • Is my Mint Version too old for newer kernels?
  • Do I need to update my BIOS? I was too scared to do that in the past three years I owned my system.

Here are my specs:

  • CPU AMD Ryzen 7 5800x
  • GPU nVidia GTX 1060 6GB
  • 16 GB RAM @ 3600mHz
  • MoBo MSI B550 A-Pro

I quite new to Linux and don’t really know what I am doing. Therefore, if you need any other information I’ll be happy to provide it.

  • notanapple@lemm.eeEnglish
    11·
    10 days ago

    tl;dr Run sudo apt install --install-recommends linux-generic-hwe-24.04 in the terminal to get the latest kernel version available (v6.11.x)

    Linux Mint uses whatever kernel the latest Ubuntu LTS (24.04) is using which happens to be v6.8.x. Ubuntu LTS and thus Linux Mint will by default remain on this kernel version for two years after its release i.e. until the release of the next major version of Ubuntu LTS. This is for stability (hence the LTS moniker - Long Term Stable). You do get security updates and fixes in point releases of the kernel.

    So yes kernel versions are tied to your Linux Mint version. But Ubuntu also offers newer kernel versions, however those will be less stable so are not recommended unless you have some hardware that doesn’t work with your current kernel version. Just run sudo apt install --install-recommends linux-generic-hwe-24.04 in the terminal which will install v6.11.x. This will also install newer versions of drivers (mesa) and other related stuff. Note that this kernel version is not fixed, you will get updated to a newer major kernel version every 6 months.

    *And if you have an Nvidia GPU, you would also want to install the Nvidia driver for the newer kernel. I think Mint provides an app for that (drivers or something).

    • stuner@lemmy.world
      3·
      9 days ago

      Linux Mint switched to the HWE kernel with version 22. Theferore, the kernel should be updated to 6.11 with the release of Ubuntu 24.04.2 (planned in a week).

  • stuner@lemmy.world
    4·
    9 days ago

    Is there a particular reason that you want to update your kernel? Generally, the best idea as a new user is to stick with the default kernel that your distro provides What Stable Kernel Should I Use. Given your hardware, I’d expect that kernel 6.8 should work fine for you.

    • KokusnussRitter@discuss.tchncs.deOP
      2·
      8 days ago

      I am upgrading my GPU soon, and wanted to prepared, if I’d need to upgrade kernel for new drivers. Flirted with an intel GPU for a bit and read that 6.11(?) was recommended. But I decided to got AMD so, that may be unnecessary now.

  • just_another_person@lemmy.world
    21·
    10 days ago

    You only see what is available as the targeted package for your release version. You don’t normally have the option to install any version you want.

    On Ubuntu based systems, you install different versions built from the Mainline Kernel tools.

    • kusivittula@sopuli.xyz
      02·
      9 days ago

      mainline does not work on mint (at least on my end). it has failed to install any kernel, for like the last year.

      • just_another_person@lemmy.world
        1·
        9 days ago

        It works on any Ubuntu based distribution, though YMMV may vary because it’s just the kernel packages.

        You probably have some modules that fail to build on the install trigger because it doesn’t include the dev headers. Nvidia drivers are usually the most obvious culprit.

        • kusivittula@sopuli.xyz
          1·
          9 days ago

          ah, well that would be it then. couldn’t figure out how to get a newer kernel to install with it so I used xanmod…until it started giving issues too. the default one is good enough anyway.

          • just_another_person@lemmy.world
            1·
            9 days ago

            Yeah, I can’t say I recommend messing with automated kernel builds on Ubuntu systems anyway unless you know what you’re doing. If people want newer kernels faster, then Debian or Ubuntu distros are not the right choice.