[HOW TO] Update kernel on ZorinOS for better drivers support - Updated

So you ran into an issue that's hardware related but your hardware is newer and the issue could possibly be fixed after installing newer drivers and so you need to update your kernel?

Well, here's how easy it is to update your Kernel in ZorinOS.:

TuxInvader Kernel

For Zorin OS 16 users (Focal Fossa):

  1. Open up terminal
  2. Type and enter these 3 commands one by one:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:tuxinvader/lts-mainline

sudo apt update

sudo apt install linux-generic-X.XX

Notice that I have written linux-generic-X.XX but you must put the actual version number as it is listed in TuxInvaders repository.

To check the available kernels, type sudo apt install linux-generic- and press Tab twice. This will list all the options available to you and you can install the latest kernel if you want.

For Zorin OS 17 users (Jammy Jellyfish):

  1. Open up terminal
  2. Type and enter these 3 commands one by one:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:tuxinvader/jammy-mainline

sudo apt update

sudo apt install linux-generic-X.XX

Notice that I have written linux-generic-X.XX but you must put the actual version number as it is listed in TuxInvaders repository.

To check the available kernels, type sudo apt install linux-generic- and press Tab twice. This will list all the options available to you and you can install the latest kernel if you want.

Cappelikan Mainline Installer

Add the repository:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:cappelikan/ppa

sudo apt update && sudo apt install mainline -y

Run the Mainline GUI app to select a kernel.


I hope this can fix driver issues for you, happy hacking :slight_smile:

9 Likes

Thanks mate, I had major issues with an Intel Alder Lake motherboard. This worked like a charm and was able to get the NVIDIA card working so happy days!

3 Likes

Tried as you described, and attempted to install the linux-generic-6.00 kernel (it attempted the latest 6.0.9 kernel). At bootup, BusyBox asked me to manually install some modules, which I didn't know how to do. I rebooted, the Grub menu came up, and I rolled back to the prior installation.

Can't do that with Windows.

I'm now back to:

~$ sudo uname -a
Linux Dell-Inspiron-N7110 5.15.0-53-generic #59~20.04.1-Ubuntu SMP Thu Oct 20 15:10:22 UTC 2022 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux

First: Do you need the 6.0 kernel?

Nah, I just wanted to see if it'd install. I knew if anything glitched, Grub would allow me to roll back.

1 Like

Hey! Trying to update to the latest kernel, for..... reasons (just dont wish to hijack the thread). Having some trouble with it. Just wondered if these instructions need to be updated at all? I'm getting 404 errors and file not found errors following these ones...

Tes

Yes, the O.P. lists an example kernel version.
It also only includes the Focal repository that Zorin OS 16 would use.
Zorin OS 17 would use

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:tuxinvader/jammy-mainline

You must remove the previous repo:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:tuxinvader/lts-mainline

Update grub:

sudo update-grub

You also can use a different method to install other than TuxInvader (Which I Like the TuxInvader, but be warned, they are often unsigned kernels).

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:cappelikan/ppa

sudo apt update && sudo apt install mainline -y

Run the Mainline app to select a kernel.

*I may edit the O.P. to update it to current....
EDIT - Edited the O.P. to update it.

2 Likes

So, I get this on e first command...

Cripes I'm still such a newb at this lol

You get... what?

omg sorry! Not sure why that didn't paste. lol...

Well, I was getting an error saying there was no release file or something like that.

But to recreate it so I could paste what it said, I once again copied the command and pasted into terminal and It just worked this time.

Ok, so what can I type in to see what kernel I am currently on?

1 Like

uname -r

1 Like

perfect! Thanks. I am now on 6.11 and after reboot, I have wifi-7! :slight_smile: You guys are just the best community!

Oh that's awesome! Thank you!

1 Like

Thanks for drawing attention to a Tutorial that needed updating.

1 Like