Linux / Mint

advancing linux mint’s kernel from version 5.15 to version 6.5

whbeebe

Linux Mint (Version 21.2 “Victoria”) has an interesting feature. The Update Manager has the ability to install a new kernel (View | Linux Kernels). Mint 21.2 ships with kernel 5.15, the same version as Ubuntu 22.04, upon which Linux Mint is based. For the vast majority of users (myself included) I’m satisfied with the base 5.15 kernel and have no burning desire to move up. But for those that do have a use case for a newer kernel, then this might be a good resource for them. So I installed a new kernel (6.5) on my Linux Mint 21.2 VM test system just to see what would happen.

Linus Mint Update Manager Linux Kernels selection

Open the Update Manager, and then open the View dropdown menu and select Linux Kernels.

Linux Mint Kernels change warning

Once selected you’re presented with The Dire Warning. Click Continue.

Update Manager Kernels selection 6.5

I’ve selected the most recent kernel version allowed for installation. Note that the 6.5 kernel is only supported until August 2024, or a little more than nine months from now. Or about how long a given Fedora release is supported. The stock 5.15 kernel is supported until April 2027, so keep that in mind when mulling what to do.

Update Manager Kernels selection 6.5

Clicking the kernel entry opens up the installation buttons. Click Install.

Update Manager Kernels selection 6.5 confirmation

Yes, I’m absolutely sure I want to do this. Please install.

Update Manager Kernels selection 6.5 downloading packages

Now we watch the kernel packages download.

Update Manager Kernels selection 6.5 applying changes

And then we watch everything get installed.

Update Manager Kernels selection 6.5 applying changes

After a quick reboot, neofetch reports that we’re now running with the Linux 6.5 kernel. According to what little I’ve read, this kernel should be more performant/less energy demanding as a VM under QEMU. I can’t really test that claim if it is a claim. But I do want try out a few things running on the new kernel in that test system before I make any major change on my regular rig.

I felt no qualms about trying this out on my test system virtual machine because that’s what it’s for. I can trash a VM and then spin one back up. I don’t want to try something risky on my main Linux system because I do not want to have to rebuild/reinstall even with backups. It needs to be repeated; be careful what you ask for when making major system changes to your computer. Like Uncle Ben said, “With great power comes great responsibility.”