How to Install Linux Kernel 6.2 on Linux Mint 21 or 20

The latest version of the Linux kernel, version 6.2, has been released and includes many new and improved features. Here is a more detailed list of what’s new:

• Improved graphics support for Intel Arc Graphics: The new kernel version provides better support for Intel Arc Graphics, resulting in improved performance and graphics quality.
• Optional Splitlock changes to improve gaming: The optional Splitlock changes are designed to enhance gaming performance by allowing for better utilization of CPU resources.
• Initial support for NVIDIA Ampere (RTX 30) in nouveau: The latest kernel version includes initial support for NVIDIA Ampere (RTX 30) in the open-source nouveau driver.
• Wi-Fi 7 support: The kernel version 6.2 supports Wi-Fi 7, which offers faster and more reliable Wi-Fi connections.
• Improvements to Sony controller support: The new kernel version improves Sony controller support, including better support for DualShock 4 and DualSense controllers.
• Support for OneXPlayer mini (AMD) and AOK ZOE A1 sensor: The latest kernel version includes support for the OneXPlayer mini (AMD) and AOK ZOE A1 sensor, which will enhance the user experience for users of these devices.
• Btrfs file system performance improvements: Btrfs is a popular file system in Linux, and the latest kernel version includes performance improvements that will result in faster file system operations.
• Various exFAT file system improvements: The exFAT file system is widely used for removable storage devices. The latest kernel version includes improvements in better compatibility and performance for exFAT.
• More work on Apple M1 Pro / Ultra / Max support: The latest kernel version includes continued work on Apple M1 Pro / Ultra / Max support, which will help users of these devices to get the most out of their hardware.
• Power management improvements for Alder Lake N and Raptor Lake P: The latest kernel version includes improvements for the latest Intel processors, resulting in longer battery life and better overall performance.
• Performance improvement for Intel Skylake: The latest kernel version includes performance improvements for Intel Skylake, a popular processor in many devices.
• A driver for the ChromeOS human presence sensor: The latest kernel version includes a driver for the ChromeOS human presence sensor, which will improve the user experience for users of ChromeOS devices.

To install Linux kernel 6.2 on Linux Mint 21 and Linux Mint 20 distributions, you can use the Tuxinvader PPA or the Ubuntu Mainline Kernel Installer. The Ubuntu Mainline Kernel Installer offers both GUI and CLI options for installation.

Update Linux Mint

It is important to ensure your system is up-to-date before installing Linux Kernel 6.2. This involves updating all packages on your system to prevent potential conflicts during installation or upgrading.

sudo apt update

Before continuing, you can preview the updates that will be applied to your system by using a command that displays all available upgrades.

apt list --upgradable

Run the specified command to initiate the upgrade process if updates are available.

sudo apt upgrade

Install & Configure Required Dependencies

To install Linux Kernel 6.2, you need the following packages listed below. You can install them by running the command provided:

sudo apt install ca-certificates apt-transport-https software-properties-common lsb-release -y

If you are new to importing GPG keys from Ubuntu’s KeyServer, you may face an issue where your command line terminal fails to create the necessary directories. However, this can be easily resolved using a command to create these directories. Doing so will ensure that launching PPAs on Launchpad runs smoothly.

To create the necessary directories, run the following command with sudo privileges:

sudo gpg --list-keys

Upon executing the command, you should see an output similar to the following:

gpg: directory '/root/.gnupg' created
gpg: keybox '/root/.gnupg/pubring.kbx' created
gpg: /root/.gnupg/trustdb.gpg: trustdb created

While this step is not mandatory, as you may already have the necessary directories configured, it is recommended to execute the command if you encounter any issues during the process.

Method 1: Install Linux Kernel 6.2 with TuxInvader PPA

To install the Linux Kernel 6.2 on Linux Mint, it is recommended to use the TuxInvader Launchpad PPA. This PPA is frequently updated with the latest versions of Linux Mint releases, such as Linux Mint 21 and Linux Mint 20. It’s important to remember that the kernels from this PPA will eventually be replaced by newer versions, as the mainline kernels have a shorter lifespan than LTS kernels. Once you have added the PPA, you will receive notifications of minor updates and new releases.

Import Tux Invader PPA

To obtain the required GPG key, run the provided command:

sudo gpg --no-default-keyring --keyring /usr/share/keyrings/tuxinvader.gpg --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com --recv-keys 3844A6C1C6FD1056

Example output:

gpg: keybox '/usr/share/keyrings/tuxinvader.gpg' created
gpg: key 3844A6C1C6FD1056: public key "Launchpad PPA for tuxinvader" imported
gpg: Total number processed: 1
gpg:               imported: 1

The following step is to import your Linux Mint system’s repository by running the command below. Please use the appropriate command for your specific Linux Mint distribution version.

Option 1: Import Linux Kernel 6.2 Repository for Linux Mint 21

echo 'deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/tuxinvader.gpg] https://ppa.launchpadcontent.net/tuxinvader/jammy-mainline/ubuntu jammy main' | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/tuxinvader.list

Option 2: Import Linux Kernel 6.2 Repository for Linux Mint 20

echo 'deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/tuxinvader.gpg] https://ppa.launchpadcontent.net/tuxinvader/lts-mainline/ubuntu focal main' | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/tuxinvader.list

You can now execute a quick update to refresh the newly added source with the imported repository.

sudo apt update

After importing the PPA and running an update, you may notice that some packages need to be updated. You can now proceed with running an upgrade.

sudo apt upgrade

It is time to install the Linux Kernel 6.2 generic drivers by executing the below command.

sudo apt-get install linux-generic-6.02

It is important to remember that while the command may appear for version 6.0, it is intended for version 6.2

After the installation process is finished, it is essential to reboot your system so that the new kernel can be activated.

reboot

After signing back into your system, you can run the command below to confirm if the new kernel version is operating.

uname -r

Example output:

6.2-060200-generic

How to Restore Default Kernel

If users experience issues with the new kernel, such as loss of sound affecting their hardware, they can follow these steps to restore the default kernel.

The first step is removing the TuxInvader LaunchPAD PPA by running the command below.

sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/tuxinvader.list

After removing the TuxInvader LaunchPAD PPA, it is important to perform an APT update to confirm that the repository has been removed from your system. This will ensure that the package lists for all the repositories you have added to your system are up-to-date.

sudo apt update

Use the command below to remove the current kernel and restore the default. This command will uninstall the current version of the Linux kernel and install the kernel version previously set as default. This will ensure that the system is restored to its original state and that any issues caused by the new kernel will be resolved.

sudo apt autoremove linux-generic-6.* linux-headers-6.* linux-image-unsigned-6.* linux-modules-6.* --purge

It is essential to remember that you may encounter a warning message recommending the removal of the Linux Kernel, which could result in an unbootable system. If you receive such a message, please select “No” to abort the process. This warning is a reminder to ensure a kernel is installed before rebooting, which will be explained in detail shortly.

Before rebooting, confirming the default generic version is installed is important. Do not worry too much about this step, as alternative versions can be installed later. The main goal is to get your system back to its working order.

For Linux Mint 21 users, use the following command:

sudo apt install --install-recommends linux-generic-hwe-22.04

For Linux Mint 20 users, use the following command:

sudo apt install --install-recommends linux-generic-hwe-20.04

It is normal to receive an output message indicating the Linux Kernel is installed. The commands are intended to ensure that a Linux Kernel is present on your system, thus preventing any potential issues with rebooting.

You can now reboot your Linux Mint system using the command provided below or use the GUI restart option for desktop users who prefer it.

reboot

At this point, confirming that the default generic kernel has been installed successfully is crucial.

sudo uname -r

Your system should return to the standard, generic Linux Kernel that was present before upgrading. You can maintain this version, investigate different Linux Kernels like Liquorix and XanMod, or even create one if the TuxInvader PPA does not meet your needs.

Method 2: Install Linux Kernel 6.2 with the Ubuntu Mainline Kernel Installer

Another method to install the latest Linux Kernel is using the Ubuntu Mainline Kernel Installer repository from the LaunchPAD PPA “ppa:cappelikan/ppa. This method lets you quickly download the latest Linux Kernel source and install it on your Linux Mint machine using either the command-line interface (CLI) or a graphical user interface (GUI). Additionally, this tool also enables you to install any Linux Kernel version.

It’s worth noting that this method is compatible with short-term and currently supported long-term releases of Linux Mint, unlike the TuxInvader method, which only supports specific Linux Mint distributions.

To install the Ubuntu Mainline Kernel Installer, it is recommended to import the GPG key first to ensure the authenticity of the software packages you download. This can be done by executing the following command in the terminal:

sudo gpg --no-default-keyring --keyring /usr/share/keyrings/ubuntumainline.gpg --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com --recv-keys 3AE27527713D2479DCAFFD58A89D7C1B2F76304D

Example output:

gpg: keybox '/usr/share/keyrings/ubuntumainline.gpg' created
gpg: key A89D7C1B2F76304D: public key "Launchpad PPA for cappelikan" imported
gpg: Total number processed: 1
gpg:               imported: 1

Suppose you encounter any issues while importing the GPG key. In that case, checking that you have all the necessary dependencies installed is recommended, as outlined at the beginning of the guide.

Once you have confirmed that the dependencies are present, you can proceed with importing the PPA by executing the appropriate command based on your Linux Mint version:

Option 1: Import Ubuntu Mainline Kernel Installer for Linux Mint 21:

echo "deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/ubuntumainline.gpg] https://ppa.launchpadcontent.net/cappelikan/ppa/ubuntu jammy main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ubuntumainline.list

Option 2: Import Ubuntu Mainline Kernel Installer for Linux Mint 20:

echo "deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/ubuntumainline.gpg] https://ppa.launchpadcontent.net/cappelikan/ppa/ubuntu focal main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ubuntumainline.list

After importing the PPA, it is recommended to update the package list on your system by executing the following command:

sudo apt update

To install the Ubuntu Mainline Kernel Installer on your system, execute the following command in the terminal to initiate the installation process:

sudo apt install mainline

Install Linux Kernel 6.2 with Graphical Interface (Desktop)

To install Linux Kernel 6.2 with a graphical interface (GUI), launch the Ubuntu Mainline Kernel tool by executing the following command in the terminal:

mainline

For desktop users, the Ubuntu Mainline Kernel Installer application icon can be found by following the path:

Taskbar > Administration > Ubuntu Mainline Kernel Installer

Example launching Ubuntu Kernel Mainline on Linux Mint:

Upon opening the tool for the first time, it will sync the cache of all available Linux kernels you can install. This process may take a minute or two to complete.

Once the cache is synced, you can access and install the latest Linux Kernel 6.2 through the tool’s interface. Follow the prompts in the GUI to select the Linux Kernel 6.2 and initiate the installation process:

The installation progress will be displayed in a new terminal window, providing detailed information on any errors or warnings that may occur:

By default, the notifications feature in the Ubuntu Mainline Kernel Installer is configured to check for updates to the current kernel installed on your system, allowing you to stay up-to-date with the latest kernel updates easily.

Here is an example of the installation status displayed in the terminal window:

Example settings window for Ubuntu Mainline Kernel Installer on Linux Mint to adjust settings if required:

Install Linux Kernel 6.2 with CLI (Server)

To install Linux Kernel 6.2 with the command line interface (CLI) on your server, you can use the Ubuntu mainline kernel installer tool cappelikan/ppa. While the tool has a graphical interface for installing Linux kernels, you can also use it from the command line without needing a graphical interface.

The mainline tool’s CLI provides the same functionality as the graphical interface, including downloading and installing kernels and viewing and managing the installed kernels and their boot order.

Here are some examples of CLI commands you can use with the mainline tool:

To list the available kernel versions:

mainline --list

To view the currently installed kernels:

mainline --list-installed

To download a specific kernel version:

mainline --download <version>

Replace <version> in the command with the actual version number of the kernel you wish to download. For example, to download Linux Kernel 6.2, use the command:

## Remember to always use the latest this is an example ##

mainline --download 6.2.1

Note that the install command will automatically download your chosen Linux kernel version. You can skip the download command unless you plan to download multiple kernels to switch between or have limited internet access.

To install a downloaded kernel:

mainline --install <version>

For Linux Kernel 6.2, use the command:

mainline --install 6.2.0

The newly installed kernel will be set as the default kernel by default. After installation, the terminal output will prompt you to reboot your system with the “Installation completed. A reboot is required to use the new kernel.” This is necessary to ensure the new kernel is properly loaded and functioning on your system.

sudo reboot

After rebooting, you can check the installed version for Linux Kernel 6.2 with the command:

mainline --list-installed

To set the boot order of the installed kernels:

mainline --set-default <version>

Replace <version> with the kernel version you want to set as the default boot kernel.

To uninstall a kernel:

mainline --uninstall <version>

To remove old kernel versions to free up disk space:

mainline --remove-old

This command will remove all but the two most recent kernels and their associated headers from your system.

To get help with the mainline tool’s command line interface:

mainline --help

This will display a list of available command line options and their descriptions.

Using the command line interface of the mainline tool gives you more flexibility and control over the kernel installation process, especially if you prefer to use the terminal over a graphical interface.

Conclusion

In conclusion, installing Linux Kernel 6.2 on Linux Mint 21 and Linux Mint 20 can be accomplished using various methods, including the TuxInvader PPA and the Ubuntu Mainline Kernel Installer tool. These methods require different steps, including importing GPG keys and repositories, updating packages, and executing commands in the terminal or GUI. Users can choose to install the kernel using a graphical interface or command-line interface, depending on their preference. Regardless of the method, it’s essential to ensure that the system is up-to-date and that the necessary packages are installed to prevent any conflicts during installation. Once installed, users can enjoy the new features and improvements in Linux Kernel 6.2, such as Intel Arc Graphics improvements, optional Splitlock changes, and improvements to Sony controller support.

FAQs on Linux Kernel 6.2 with Linux Mint