How To Install Latest Mainline Linux kernel On Ubuntu

If you’re running Ubuntu and want to try out the latest mainline Linux kernel, you’re not alone. The mainline kernel often brings hardware support, performance improvements, and the newest features before they hit the default Ubuntu repositories. Here’s how you can safely install it—without any filler or confusion.

Why Install the Mainline Kernel?

• New hardware support
• Performance improvements
• Access to the latest features
• Bug fixes

Warning:
Mainline kernels are not officially supported by Ubuntu. Use them if you’re comfortable troubleshooting your own system.

Step 1: Back Up Your Data

Before making any system-level changes, back up your important data. The kernel is the core of your OS—things can break.

Step 2: Add the Ubuntu Mainline Kernel Installer (Mainline Tool)

The easiest way is to use the Mainline Kernel Installer, which gives you a graphical interface to download and install kernels.

Install Mainline Tool:

Open a terminal and run:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:cappelikan/ppa
sudo apt update
sudo apt install mainline

Step 3: Launch Mainline and Install the Latest Kernel

After installation, find Mainline in your app menu and open it.
It will list all available kernels.

• Select the newest version (highest number, usually at the top).
• Click Install.
• Wait for the process to finish.

Step 4: Reboot and Select the New Kernel

After installation:

sudo reboot

Your system should automatically boot into the new kernel.
You can check your kernel version after rebooting with:

uname -r

Step 5: (Optional) Manually Download & Install

If you prefer not to use a GUI, you can download mainline kernels from Ubuntu’s kernel PPA:

1. Visit the link, pick the latest version, and download the .deb packages for your system (headers and image).
2. Install them with:

sudo dpkg -i *.deb

3. Reboot.

How to Revert to the Old Kernel

If you run into issues, you can choose an older kernel from the GRUB menu at boot.
To remove a problematic kernel:

sudo apt remove linux-image-VERSION

Replace VERSION with your kernel version.

Final Thoughts

Running the mainline kernel gives you access to the latest features, but it’s not without risk. Always keep backups and make sure you can boot into an older kernel if things go sideways.

Questions or need more help? Drop a comment below!

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!