Compiling a Linux Kernel (Ubuntu)

Libraries: If you want this lab, consider one of these libraries.
Cloud

Compiling a Linux Kernel (Ubuntu)

For most Linux administrators, updating a kernel is done through the package manager for the Linux distribution that is being used. However, there can be situations where a particular kernel version or specific kernel configurations are needed. In this lab, you will be tasked with downloading the full kernel source tree, updating the kernel configuration to certain specifications, and then compiling a new kernel image.

Get started Contact sales

Lab Info

Level

Intermediate

Last updated

Sep 17, 2025

Duration

45m

Challenge

Enable source URIs for apt repositories.
1. Open the sources.lst file in /etc/apt/:
```
vim /etc/apt/sources.lst
```
1. Uncomment deb-src URIs manually or by substitution — :%s/# deb-src/deb-src/g
2. Resynchronize the package index files:
```
apt-get update
```

Challenge

Install dependencies

Install additional dependencies:

apt-get install -y make gcc libncurses5-dev dpkg-dev build-essential bison flex libssl-dev libelf-dev

Challenge

Download the Kernel source tree to /usr/src
1. Switch to the /usr/src directory:
```
cd /usr/src/
```
1. Download the kernel source tree:
```
apt-get install -y linux-source kernel-package
```
1. Select the following option:
```
keep the local versions currently installed
```
Challenge

Update the kernel configuration
1. Switch to the kernel source tree directory and extract the archive:
```
cd /usr/src/linux-source-[kernel_version]
tar jxvf linux-source-[kernel_version].tar.bz2
mv linux-source-[kernel_version]/* .
rm -rf ./linux-source-[kernel_version]/
```
1. Get the necessary packages
```
apt-get build-dep -y linux-source
mkdir debian/stamps
```
1. Update the kernel configuration with the make menuconfig command:
```
cp /boot/config-$(uname -r) .config
yes '' | make oldconfig
make menuconfig
```
1. Navigate with your arrow keys and use enter to go to Device Drivers > Block devices
2. Using the “n” key, exclude the following two drivers - DRBD Distributed Replicated Block Device support and Packet writing on CD/DVD media (DEPRECATED)
3. Exit the menu and save your configuration changes.
4. Prepare to compile the Kernel:
```
make clean
```
Challenge

Compile the kernel image (this step can take 15-20 minutes to complete)
1. Create the compressed kernel image by calling the bzImage target:
```
make bzImage
```
Note: This can take 15-20 minutes to complete

About the author

Pluralsight Skills

Pluralsight Skills gives leaders confidence they have the skills needed to execute technology strategy. Technology teams can benchmark expertise across roles, speed up release cycles and build reliable, secure products. By leveraging our expert content, skill assessments and one-of-a-kind analytics, keep up with the pace of change, put the right people on the right projects and boost productivity. It's the most effective path to developing tech skills at scale.

Real skill practice before real-world application

Hands-on Labs are real environments created by industry experts to help you learn. These environments help you gain knowledge and experience, practice without compromising your system, test without risk, destroy without fear, and let you learn from your mistakes. Hands-on Labs: practice your skills before delivering in the real world.

Learn by doing

Engage hands-on with the tools and technologies you’re learning. You pick the skill, we provide the credentials and environment.

Follow your guide

All labs have detailed instructions and objectives, guiding you through the learning process and ensuring you understand every step.

Turn time into mastery

On average, you retain 75% more of your learning if you take time to practice. Hands-on labs set you up for success to make those skills stick.