How to Install Linux Kernel 6.7 on CentOS Stream 9 or 8

This tutorial will guide you through how to install Linux Kernel 6.7 on CentOS Stream 9 or 8 using the ELRepo RPM. The instructions cover both the initial installation of the latest version of Linux Kernel 6.7 and the subsequent minor upgrades. Additionally, it includes steps for a full upgrade to Linux Kernel 6.8 once it is released from RC (Release Candidate) status.

Upgrading to Linux Kernel 6.7 on CentOS Stream 9 or 8 represents a significant step forward for users who prioritize advanced system performance and robust security. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough for installing Linux Kernel 6.7 on CentOS Stream 9 or 8, ensuring you leverage the kernel’s most recent features while maintaining the stability of your system. Delve into the array of enhancements that Linux Kernel 6.7 brings:

Key Features of Linux Kernel 6.7:

  • Enhanced Hardware Compatibility: Broadened support for cutting-edge hardware technologies.
  • Robust Security Enhancements: Additional security layers for increased protection.
  • Optimized System Performance: Updates designed to enhance efficiency and system responsiveness.
  • Networking Upgrades: Improved network drivers and protocols for faster and more reliable connectivity.
  • File System Advancements: Upgrades in file systems for more efficient and reliable data management.

When considering the upgrade to Linux Kernel 6.7 on CentOS Stream, it’s important to assess its potential impact on your system’s stability and compatibility. This upgrade is particularly beneficial for those requiring the latest kernel features or specific enhancements in hardware support.

Import Linux Kernel 6.7 ELRepo RPM on CentOS Stream 9 or 8

Step 1: Update CentOS Stream Before Linux Kernel 6.7 Installation

Before installing the Linux Kernel 6.7, it’s essential to ensure that your system is up-to-date. You can check and install all existing packages by updating your system with the following command:

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Step 2: Import ELRepo RPM Repository on CentOS Stream 9 or 8

To install and upgrade Linux kernels using the dnf package manager without compiling kernels, you’ll first need to import the repository from the ELRepo project. This repository provides the latest available mainline kernel with regular updates.

Import ELRepo GPG Key on CentOS Stream

To import the GPG key for a successful installation, use the following command:

sudo rpm --import https://www.elrepo.org/RPM-GPG-KEY-elrepo.org

Add ELRepo RPM Repository on CentOS Stream

After importing the GPG key, install the repository using the appropriate command for your distribution version. Ensure you import the correct version for your system to avoid kernel installation failure. Follow the instructions below to install the repository successfully.

Import ELRepo for CentOS Stream 9:

sudo dnf install https://www.elrepo.org/elrepo-release-9.el9.elrepo.noarch.rpm -y

Import ELRepo for CentOS Stream 8

sudo dnf install https://www.elrepo.org/elrepo-release-8.el8.elrepo.noarch.rpm -y

Step 3: Verify the Repository ELRepo RPM Import on CentOS Stream

Once you’ve imported the repository, you can verify its successful import by checking for the supported kernels available for installation on ELRepo. To do this, you can search for ELRepo to see the list of supported kernels. By verifying the supported kernels, you can ensure the repository is ready for installation. Follow the instructions below to search for supported kernels on ELRepo.

dnf list available --disablerepo='*' --enablerepo=elrepo-kernel

After running the command, the output will display the list of available kernels supported by ELRepo. You can then proceed with the installation of Linux Kernel 6.6.

Install Linux Kernel 6.6 on CentOS Stream 9 or 8

Step 1: Install Linux Kernel 6.6 on CentOS Stream via DNF Command

After importing the ELRepo repository, you can install Linux Kernel 6.6 on your CentOS Stream 9 or CentOS Stream 8 Enterprise Linux distribution. To do this, open your terminal and enter the following command:

sudo dnf --enablerepo=elrepo-kernel install kernel-ml

This command will enable the ELRepo kernel repository and proceed with installing Linux Kernel 6.7 (kernel-ml).

Step 2: Install Additional Linux Kernel 6.7 Packages (Optional) on CentOS Stream

If you require the full suite of kernel packages, including Linux Kernel headers, modules, and extra modules, use the following command:

sudo dnf --enablerepo=elrepo-kernel install kernel-ml kernel-ml-core kernel-ml-headers kernel-ml-modules kernel-ml-modules-extra

This command installs all the additional kernel packages available in the ELRepo repository. If you’re unsure whether you need these packages, using the first command in Step 1 is recommended.

Step 3: Reboot Your System After Linux Kernel 6.7 Installation on CentOS Stream

Once the installation is complete, it’s essential to reboot your system to apply the changes. During the boot window, select Kernel 6.7 if it’s not the default option. Remember that you can switch back to any kernel listed in the boot window if you encounter any issues with the new version.

To reboot your system, enter the following command:

sudo reboot

Verify the Linux Kernel 6.7 Installation on CentOS Stream

After rebooting your CentOS Stream 9 or CentOS Stream 8 system and selecting Linux Kernel 6.7 during the boot process, verifying the installation’s success is essential. This section will guide you through the steps to confirm that your system runs the newly installed Linux Kernel 6.7.

Step 1: Open Your Terminal

Once your system has rebooted, open your terminal by searching for “Terminal” in the applications menu.

Step 2: Check the Linux Kernel Version on CentOS Stream

To check the currently running Linux Kernel version on your system, enter the following command in the terminal:

uname -r

This command will display the kernel version of your CentOS Stream 9 or CentOS Stream 8 system. If the installation was successful, the output should show the Linux Kernel 6.7 version number.

Step 3: Review System Information

You can use the command with the option for more detailed information about your system, including the Linux Kernel version. Enter the following command in the terminal:

uname -a

This command will display detailed system information, including the Linux Kernel version, system architecture, and build date. Look for the Linux Kernel 6.7 version number in the output to confirm that it runs on your system.

Additional Linux Kernel 6.7 Commands

Updating your Linux Kernel ensures a smooth and secure system operation, providing new features, better hardware support, and security patches. This section will explain how to update your Linux Kernel to the latest version, 6.7, using the ELRepo repository and how to restore the default kernel in case of issues.

Update Linux Kernel 6.7

To check and update your Linux Kernel 6.7, use the following command as you would with any other package using the DNF manager:

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Please note that after any kernel update, you must reboot your system to ensure the new kernel is in use. You can choose which kernel to use during the boot process if any issues arise.

Restoring the Default Kernel on CentOS Stream 9 or 8

If you experience bugs or other issues with the new kernel, it may be necessary to restore the default kernel. Follow these steps to return to the previous kernel version:

Disable the ELRepo Repository on CentOS Stream

Disable the ELRepo repository by using the following command:

sudo dnf config-manager --set-disabled elrepo

You can confirm that the repository has been disabled by using the following command:

dnf repolist

Re-Install Default Kernel Packages

To re-install the default kernel packages, execute the following command in your terminal.

sudo dnf reinstall kernel kernel-core kernel-modules kernel-headers

Rebooting Your System After Linux Kernel 6.7 Removal on CentOS Stream

To reboot your system, use the following command in the terminal:

reboot

Select the original Linux Kernel you had installed during the boot process to switch back to your default kernel. This will restore your previous kernel version automatically. To confirm that the 6.7 Linux kernel has been removed after you have returned to your system, run the following command in the terminal:

uname -r

Removing Unused Kernels (Optional)

You can remove all unused kernels by using the following command. However, use this command with caution:

sudo dnf --setopt=protected_packages= remove $(rpm -q kernel-core | grep -v $(uname -r))

Conclusion

Alright, we’ve just wrapped up our journey through how to install Linux Kernel 6.7 on CentOS Stream. This guide walked you through the whole process, from start to finish. We’ve seen how the 6.7 update amps up your system with better hardware support, smoother file management, and some neat code tweaks. Plus, those new drivers? They’re like a fresh breath of air for your system’s performance and security. Remember, staying updated with these kernel releases is like giving your system a regular health check – it keeps things running smoothly and securely. So, there you have it, folks. Keep your systems in top shape, and happy computing!

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