GNU/Linux Debian Bullseye Installing Kernel 6 – Quick-Start Guide
Hi! This tutorial will guide you step-by-step on How to Install Kernel 6 in Debian Bullseye 11.x GNU/Linux.
Looking to boost performance or enable support for newer hardware on your Debian 11 system? Installing the Linux Kernel 6.x via 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 upgrade to Linux Kernel 6.x without leaving the stability of Debian 11.
With Kernel 6.x, 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 install Kernel 6.x on Debian Bullseye using official and secure sources, ensuring full compatibility with your current system.
Upgrading to Kernel 6.x can resolve driver issues, improve power management on laptops, and unlock features needed by newer CPUs and GPUs.
1. Setting Up Backports
How to Install Backports Repository on Debian GNU/Linux
Follow instructions to Enable the ‘contrib‘ and ‘non-free‘ Sources.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. 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-6.*-amd64to identify Kernel 6.x releases.4. Installing Kernel 6.x
To Install a Kernel 6.x from Backports:
sudo apt -t bullseye-backports install linux-image-6.1.0-0.deb11.13-amd64
Also consider installing the corresponding headers:
sudo apt -t bullseye-backports install linux-headers-6.1.0-0.deb11.13-amd64
(Adjust version if newer release is available)
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