How to Update Kernel on Debian Bullseye – Step-by-step

How to Update Linux Kernel on Debian 11 Bullseye – QuickStart Guide

Hi! This tutorial will guide you step-by-step on How to Update Linux Kernel in Debian 11 Bullseye using the Backports repository.

Looking to boost performance or enable support for newer hardware on your Debian 11 system? Installing the latest Linux Kernel from Backports is a smart way to get cutting-edge features while staying on a stable release.

The Debian Bullseye Backports repository allows users to safely update their Kernel without leaving the stability of Debian 11.

With the latest Kernel, Debian 11 gains improved hardware support, performance enhancements, and the latest filesystem updates, making it ideal for modern desktops and servers.

This guide shows you how to update the Kernel on Debian Bullseye using official and secure sources, ensuring full compatibility with your current system.

Upgrading the Kernel can resolve driver issues, improve power management on laptops, and unlock features needed by newer CPUs and GPUs.

Finally, this guide includes detailed instructions about to Updating Linux Firmware

1. 1. Setting Up Backports

   How to Install Backports Repository on Debian GNU/Linux

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   Backports Debian Setup Guide

   GNU/Linux Debian Backports Installation Guide.
   Follow instructions to Enable the ‘contrib‘ and ‘non-free‘ Sources.

2. 2. Refreshing Apt Sources

   Next, Refresh the Debian Package Index with:

   sudo apt update

   This ensures your system is aware of the newly added Backports repository and its available packages.

3. 3. Searching Available Kernels

   Now check which Kernel versions are available in Backports:

   apt-cache search linux-image | grep backports

   Look for a package like linux-image-*-amd64 to identify available Kernel updates.

4. 4. Installing the Latest Kernel

   To install the latest Kernel from Backports:

   sudo apt -t bullseye-backports install linux-image-latest-version-amd64

   Also consider installing the corresponding headers:

   sudo apt -t bullseye-backports install linux-headers-latest-version-amd64

   (Adjust version as needed for the newest release available)

5. 5. Rebooting the System

   After installation completes, reboot to load the new Kernel:

   sudo reboot

   You can confirm the Kernel version after reboot with:

   uname -r

   If it’s not the setup you need, see How to Build a Custom Kernel in GNU/Linux Distros .