Arch Linux

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It's mandatory reboot if kernel is updated? (lemmy.world)

submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by xhenon@lemmy.world to c/archlinux@lemmy.ml

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Hello mates,

As you know, in arch Linux the kernel is updated frequently but, is mandatory or good practice reboot any time the kernel is updated?

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[–] Rustmilian@lemmy.world 10 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (5 children)

The kernel is loaded into RAM so it shouldn't cause issues unless for some reason it gets unloaded. The updated kernel is written to disc first then loaded into RAM apon a reboot. Other parts of the system can cause issues when updated tho, like the audio stack as it gets unloaded whenever it's not in use.

[–] nous@programming.dev 9 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (4 children)

Except for kernel modules - which are stored on disk and often loaded on demand. Though most distros keep around the old kernel and kernel modules to avoid issues. You can still get issues on distro such as Arch which replace the kernel and modules on an upgrade - though there is the kernel-modules-hook package with pacman hooks to keep the old modules around until the next reboot to fix this.

If you don't have the kernel-modules-hook package installed on Arch you really should reboot shortly after an upgrade to the kernel or else new devices you plug in might not function until you do (typically USB as those tend to be what you hotplug the most).

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