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dkms with non-available modules forces updated to stop - and does not provide instructions #888
Describe the bug
I updated several of my 21.3 installations to linuxmint 22 - and had a hard time on two computers due to
dkms kernel modules that are not available for the new kernel on linuxmint 22.
Normally, dkms -modules are compiled, when installing a new kernel.
There are several reasons, why the necessary packages might not be available for the new kernel:
kernel module is not available / outdated and does not work with the new kernel
functionality of dkms-modules are integrated in the new kernel (so no dkms-module required anymore).
change in the software stack e.g. pulseaudo -> pipwire transition
In my case, the problems had been caused by the following modules, but the issue applies more generally:
bt-usb/4.1
nvidia-dkms-390
Currently, mintupdate tries to compile the dkms-modules (several times) for the new kernel and then stops with a cryptic error message: "kernel could not be installed due to Error"
At this point, currently the only option in mintupdate is to abort the installation - this however leaves the user with a mix of updated and old packages - and without instruction about the source of the problem and how to proceed.
Expected behavior
mintupdate should point to a solution to the problem.
If possible: Print a clear statement that the new kernel could not be installed, since a dkms-module (which one) can not be build for the new kernel.
Print a list with the dkms-modules currently used by the old kernel
$dkms status #show kdms modules of the current kernel
Provide hints on how to proceed/ solve the issue:
Ask the user to check if the dkms-modules are still required
If modules are still required by the user: Provide a hint on how to completely restore the old system (using timeshift)
If modules are not required anymore: Provide a hint on how to remove the kernel modules
4. $sudo dkms remove modulename/versionnumber #remove module from kernel
5. $sudo apt remove packagename #remove package/source
6. mintupdate has to be started again, to install the new kernel and to complete the update.
7. after a successful update - install new dkms drivers/ modules, if necessary/ available
Distribution:
Linux Mint CE: 21.3 -> 22
Software version:
mintupdate 6.0.9
Logs:
Copy & paste the log output from Update Manager > View > Information here.
Activity
github-actions commentedon Aug 2, 2026
This issue has been automatically marked as stale because it has not had
any activity in over 2 years.
If this issue is still relevant:
If no activity occurs in the next 30 days, this issue will be
automatically closed. Issues can be reopened if needed.
goebbe commentedon Aug 3, 2026
It would be great if this issue could be resolved for the next big update of LM.