Check and Update the Kernel Version on Linux (Ubuntu)

What the kernel is

The kernel is the core of the operating system. It talks to the hardware and runs your programs. Newer kernels bring security fixes, new drivers and better performance.

Check the kernel version

Method 1: Terminal

uname -r

The output looks like 6.5.0-28-generic. The first numbers are the kernel version (6.5.0). The rest is the build number and the kernel type.

Method 2: System settings

Open Settings, then About (or System Information). Look for the kernel version.

Method 3: Logs

cat /var/log/syslog | grep "Linux version"

Or use dmesg | grep "Linux version".

Update the kernel on Ubuntu

Method 1: Software Updater

Open Software Updater. It checks for updates, including kernel updates. Click Install Now, then restart.

Method 2: Terminal

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

Kernel updates come in with apt upgrade. A new kernel is used after a reboot:

sudo reboot

To install the newest kernel package of your release, you can also run sudo apt install --install-recommends linux-generic.

Method 3: Mainline Kernel Installer

The Ubuntu Mainline Kernel Installer is a tool that lets you pick a newer kernel than the one in your release.

Search for "Ubuntu Mainline Kernel Installer" and follow the instructions to install it.
Open it, pick a kernel version from the list and install.
Restart.

Warning: Mainline kernels are less tested and may not be stable. Do not use them on production servers. Keep the old kernel so you can choose it at boot if something goes wrong.

After the update

Run uname -r again to check the new version.

Quick recap

uname -r shows the kernel version.
apt upgrade and a reboot update it.
Use mainline kernels only for tests.