Overview #
GRUB (Grand Unified Bootloader) is a popular bootloader used on many Linux distributions, including Arch Linux. Installing multiple kernels alongside GRUB allows you to choose which kernel version to boot into, providing flexibility and compatibility. In this guide, we’ll walk through the process of installing multiple kernels on Arch Linux.
Step 1: Install Kernels #
Open your terminal and install the desired kernel versions. In this example, we’ll install the regular Linux kernel, the LTS (Long-Term Support) kernel, and the Zen kernel.
sudo pacman -S linux linux-headers
sudo pacman -S linux-lts linux-headers
sudo pacman -S linux-zen linux-headers
These commands install the Linux, Linux LTS, and Linux Zen kernels along with their respective headers.
Step 2: Generate GRUB Configuration #
After installing the kernels and GRUB, generate the GRUB configuration file to include the new kernels:
sudo grub-mkconfig -o /boot/grub/grub.cfg
This command scans your system for installed kernels and generates a configuration file (grub.cfg) in the /boot/grub/ directory.
Step 3: Reboot #
Reboot your system to apply the changes:
reboot
During the boot process, you’ll now see a GRUB menu that allows you to choose the kernel version you want to boot into.
Selecting Kernel during Boot #
When your system starts, GRUB presents a menu where you can choose the kernel you want to boot. Use the arrow keys to navigate and press Enter to select a kernel.
Conclusion #
Installing multiple kernels on Arch Linux with GRUB provides a safety net in case a new kernel version introduces compatibility issues. It allows you to choose a specific kernel version during the boot process, ensuring that you can always access your system. Experiment with different kernels to find the one that works best for your hardware and requirements.