Updating the Linux Kernel: Why and How to Do It Safely

Check Current Kernel Version

uname -r
uname -a
dpkg --list | grep linux-image

Update Kernel via apt (Ubuntu/Debian)

sudo apt update
sudo apt full-upgrade -y
sudo reboot
uname -r  # verify new kernel loaded

Roll Back via GRUB

If the new kernel causes issues: press Shift/Esc during boot → Advanced options → select previous kernel. Then remove the problematic version:

sudo apt remove linux-image-PROBLEM-VERSION
sudo update-grub