Update the Linux-Libre kernel

This tutorial points to easy and fast ways to upgrade your GNU Linux-libre kernel to a newer version, that may offer libre support to more pieces of hardware than the default kernel shipped with Trisquel, and possibly increase performance.

Using Trisquel-provided LTS enablement stacks

This upgrade method is probably the best one, because the packages distributed are adapted to Trisquel by its developers, who also ensure the packages are GNU FSDG-compliant.

As these stacks are based of the newer kernel from Ubuntu interim releases (non-LTS), that appear six months apart from each other, it may happen they are not up-to-date enough for some Trisquel users; if so, we suggest them to try the GNU Linux-libre repository, which will not necessarily support Trisquel default configuration (e.g., AppArmor) but may run normally nevertheless.

Stacks for Trisquel 11.0 'Aramo'

GNU Linux-libre version: 6.8.0

sudo apt install --install-recommends linux-generic-hwe-11.0

Stacks for Trisquel 10.0 'Nabia'

GNU Linux-libre version: 5.15.0

sudo apt install --install-recommends linux-generic-hwe-20.04

Verifying the support status

Run the following command.

hwe-support-status --verbose

In Aramo, with a enabled stack, the output is:

Your Hardware Enablement Stack (HWE) is supported until April 2027.

If you have any troubles please report them:

• Trisquel Issues
• GNU Linux-libre mailing list
• #gnu-linux-libre on irc.libera.​chat

Other

• Compiling a GNU Linux-libre kernel
• GNU Linux-libre on LibrePlanet