Linux Kernel 5.14 Released! How to Install in Ubuntu

Linux Kernel 5.14 was released with latest features and new hardware support. Here’s how to install it in Ubuntu.

Linus Torvalds announced the release of Kernel 5.14 this Sunday:

So I realize you must all still be busy with all the galas and fancy balls and all the other 30th anniversary events, but at some point you must be getting tired of the constant glitz, the fireworks, and the champagne. That ball gown or tailcoat isn’t the most comfortable thing, either. The celebrations will go on for a few more weeks yet, but you all may just need a breather from them.

And when that happens, I have just the thing for you – a new kernel release to test and enjoy. Because 5.14 is out there, just waiting for you to kick the tires and remind yourself what all the festivities are about.

What’s New in Kernel 5.14:

The new Kernel introduced Core Scheduling to reduce SMT/HT information leak risks, new graphics support including AMD Yellow Carp, AMD Beige Goby, and Intel Alder Lake P.

There are also new or improved hardware support, including:

  • AMD Smart Shift laptops.
  • AMD SFH support for light sensor and human presence detection with newer AMD Ryzen laptops.
  • Dell Hardware Privacy laptop support.
  • Raspberry Pi 400 support.
  • Microsoft Xbox One Controller select/share button support.

How to Install Kernel 5.13 in Ubuntu:

The Mainline Kernel PPA provides packages for Ubuntu 21.04 and Ubuntu 21.10. However, it does not include any Ubuntu-provided drivers or patches, and NOT supported and are not appropriate for production use.

The .deb packages for amd64, arm64, ppc64el and s390x are available to download at the link below:

Download Kernel 5.13

For personal computers, select generic for common system, or lowlatency for a low latency system (e.g. for recording audio):

  • linux-headers-5.14.0-xxxxxx_all.deb
  • linux-headers-5.14.0-xxx-generic(/lowlatency)_xxx_amd64.deb
  • linux-modules-5.14.0-xxx-generic(/lowlatency)_xxx_amd64.deb
  • linux-image-xxx-5.14.0-xxx-generic(/lowlatency)_xxx_amd64.deb

A graphical tool, Ubuntu Mainline Kernel Installer, is available to make life easier.

For those familiar with Linux command, open terminal and run commands one by one to download & install the packages:

cd /tmp/

wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v5.14/amd64/linux-headers-5.14.0-051400_5.14.0-051400.202108292331_all.deb

wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v5.14/amd64/linux-headers-5.14.0-051400-generic_5.14.0-051400.202108292331_amd64.deb

wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v5.14/amd64/linux-image-unsigned-5.14.0-051400-generic_5.14.0-051400.202108292331_amd64.deb

wget -c https://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v5.14/amd64/linux-modules-5.14.0-051400-generic_5.14.0-051400.202108292331_amd64.deb

sudo dpkg -i *.deb

Once installed, restart your computer and enjoy!

Since the previous packages needs Ubuntu 21.04+, you may keep an eye on this third-party PPA which re-build the Kernel with Ubuntu 20.04 LTS support.

Uninstall Linux Kernel 5.14:

Restart your machine and select boot with the previous kernel in boot menu ‘Grub2 -> Advanced Option for Ubuntu’. Then run command to remove Linux Kernel 5.14:

sudo dpkg --purge linux-image-unsigned-5.14.0-051400-generic