Confused about kernel updates

[u/cicada_lullaby]

I'm pretty new to void, I hopped over a few days ago. I've noticed the default kernel is 6.18, which is an LTS kernel. Question is, when will the kernel be updated? Will I be able to update by just running the -Su command? Or will I have to manually update the kernel by switching over the linux mainline?

[u/PackRat-2019]

kernels get updated regularly like the other packages. If you want the latest kernel, you can install the linux-mainline package. If you need an older kernel you can install the linux-lts package (6..12.x kernel, I think). There are also a few of the Linux 5.x kernels available.

Older kernels are not automatically deleted during updates. You can remove the older kernels with the vkpurge script ( man vkpurge ).

[u/VeryDryWater]

Install "linux-mainline" and "linux-mainline-headers" to run the most recent kernel. I've done this for 1+ year without any issues and typically keep the LTS kernel as backup just in case.

Each new system update will install both the LTS and current kernels if you keep both packages. There's no need to manually tweak anything unless you have a specific use case.

[u/dr0sand]

one of my favorite things about void since coming from arch is the way it handles kernels. i have it setup so its always running the same kernel, and i would have to manually pick from the grub menu at boot time to change to a different kernel. but you can have it setup however you want, so go void!!

[u/Runt1m3_]

The default kernel (from the linux package) is the latest that can compile with all the dkms modules at least that's what the wiki says, these days is the latest LTS 6.18

You can get mainline linux (now 7.x.x) from the linux-mainline package but you are on your own if something doesn't work and you have to build dkms stuff using xbps, it gets updated frequently.

There's also the linux-lts package (now 6.12) that is supposed to be stable.

https://docs.voidlinux.org/config/kernel.html

[u/ZombieCrow]

You need to install the mainline kernel and put the lts one to ignore mode. I've had no issues on the mainline so far.

[u/ShipshapeMobileRV]

The default is the 6.18 kernel series. If you remain on that series, then any time you run

xbps-install -Su

It will update userland apps and the kernel if there are any available for the 6.18 family.

You can also change over to "mainline" which will update you into the 7.x kernel series. Or you can change to the 6.12 kernel series. Void lets you decide what's best for you and your hardware. But it keeps whichever kernel series up to date as part of your routine updates, so you don't have to do a two-step process to update userland, then kernel.

The "kernel" section of the handbook talks about switching kernel series and explains it pretty well.

[u/Simple_Hamster_4096]

Which distro are you retreating from? It's a fairly common thing with Linux to be able to install any number of kernels... LTS and interim...

[u/benbcdm]

Welcome to the void!
As others have said: default kernel is sort of LTS-ish. See documentation to run the very latest kernel by installing linux-mainline + headers. You can run both standard and mainline lines concurrently.
It updates to the very latest linux kernel usually on the same day or next that it is released (impressive, kudos to the void maintainers!).
One thing to remember: void does not automatically purge the old kernels replaced over time, so make sure you use vkpurge once in a while to clean up, so that your ESP does not run out of space. I made myself a little vkpurge script to semi-automate this.
Enjoy