---
title: "Updating Your Linux Kernel"
source: "https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/linux/updating-your-linux-kernel/"
description: "The kernel is the core of the Linux OS. You may need to update it for software compatibility or to patch security vulnerabilities in older versions."
vertical: "Hosting"
date: "2024-03-04"
last_modified: "2026-07-27"
---

# Updating Your Linux Kernel

Just like any other operating system, there are different versions of Linux and there are often updates to whatever distribution you are using. Certain programs will only run on certain versions of Linux (usually newer ones). There are also security vulnerabilities in older kernel versions. So, sometimes you might have to update the kernel version. A kernel is at the core of the operating system and controls how the hardware and software communicate with each other.

If you need to run a program that requires a certain Linux kernel version, read [Checking Your Linux Kernel Version](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/linux/checking-your-linux-kernel-version/) first to make sure you actually have to update.

1. Using the terminal program of your choice, SSH into your server as the root user. If you haven’t used SSH to log into your server before, read [Logging into Your Server via Secure Shell (SSH)](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/linux/logging-into-your-server-via-secure-shell-ssh/) first.
2. In the command line, type: ```
    yum -y update kernel
    ```
    
    Then press **Enter**. In this case, yum is the rpm-based package manager for Red Hat and CentOS. The modifier *-y* gives **y**es as an answer to any question which would be asked by running the command, *update* is for updating the package, and *kernel* is the package you’re updating.
3. To complete the kernel update, you need to reboot your server. While your server is rebooting, all your websites will be temporarily offline. The easiest way to reboot your server is to [log into your Liquid Web account](https://portal.nexcess.com/).
4. After you’ve logged into your account, on the main page, select the **\[+\]** next to the server you will be rebooting.  
    ![server overview](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/help.liquidweb.com_O6tpWh.gif)
5. Then, click **Reboot** next to **My Hosting Infrastructure**. Confirm you want to reboot your server by clicking **Reboot Server**. Your server will reboot and your kernel update will take effect.  
    ![rebooting your server](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/help.liquidweb.com_4h7P0x.gif)