Ubuntu 22.04 LTS users can now upgrade to Linux kernel 6.2 using the Software Updater tool.
Ahead of the formal Ubuntu 22.04.3 point release due next week (August 10) Canonical has issued an updated kernel to existing LTS existing users to install. It back-ports the Linux 6.2 kernel used in Ubuntu 23.04 “Lunar Lobster”.
Typically, HWE updates roll out once the formal point release itself is made. This time the update has arrived earlier – which is great news for those already on the LTS as it means they can benefit from all the new features in Linux 6.2 without having to wait for ISOs (they don’t need) to be released.
To install the new kernel on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS just pop open the Software Updater tool, run a check for updates, and install those listed. When you reboot (if you have more than one kernel installed) be sure to select the 6.2 version.
You can also update via the command line by running sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade or, if you don’t don’t to install all pending updates, run sudo apt install linux-image-generic-hwe-22.04 to pull it in.
Linux kernel 6.2 benefits
Although Linux kernel 6.2 isn’t the most recent kernel release it’s newer than what’s hitherto been ‘officially’ available in Ubuntu 22.04 LTS.
The kernel uplift includes a bunch of features, including an updated NTFS3 kernel driver, Intel Arc graphics enablement, performance boosts for Intel Skylake CPUs, support for Sony DualShock 4 gamepad, and the ability to drive 60Hz displays from the raspberry Pi 4.
If you’re not already using Ubuntu 22.04 LTS it’s perhaps best waiting for the new ISOs to drop when Ubuntu 22.04.3 LTS is released next week. This way you’ll get this new kernel and everything else a point release (like a new MESA graphics stack) out-of-the-box.
Other wise, get upgrading and let me know how it goes down in the comments!
h/t God (via Reddit)
