Ubuntu Linux is a popular open-source operating system that is widely used by many people around the world. As you use Ubuntu and install new kernels, the old ones can accumulate and take up valuable disk space. In this blog entry, we will go through the steps of clearing old kernels from an Ubuntu Linux install.

Step 1: Check the Currently Installed Kernels The first step in clearing old kernels from your Ubuntu Linux installation is to check the currently installed kernels. Open the Terminal and run the following command:

dpkg --list | grep linux-image

This command will display a list of all the installed Linux kernel images.

Step 2: Determine the Currently Running Kernel After you’ve identified the list of installed kernels, you need to determine which kernel is currently running on your system. Run the following command in the Terminal:

uname -r

This command will display the currently running kernel.

Step 3: Identify the Old Kernels to Remove Once you have identified the currently installed and running kernels, you can identify the old kernels that you can remove to free up disk space. Generally, it’s recommended to keep the last two or three kernels, but you can choose to keep more or fewer based on your requirements. To determine which kernels to remove, run the following command in the Terminal:

sudo apt-get autoremove --purge <kernel-version>

Replace <kernel-version> with the specific kernel version you want to remove. Repeat this command for each old kernel you want to remove.

Step 4: Remove the Old Kernels After identifying the old kernels to remove, you can remove them by running the following command in the Terminal:

sudo apt-get remove <kernel-version>

Again, replace <kernel-version> with the specific kernel version you want to remove. Repeat this command for each old kernel you want to remove.

Step 5: Update Grub After removing the old kernels, you need to update Grub so that it reflects the new kernel changes. Run the following command in the Terminal:

sudo update-grub

Step 6: Reboot Your System After updating Grub, you need to reboot your system to apply the changes. Run the following command in the Terminal:

sudo reboot

In conclusion, clearing old kernels from your Ubuntu Linux installation is essential for freeing up disk space and ensuring your system functions optimally. By following these steps, you can identify and remove the old kernels from your system.