The first XanMod kernel, version 6.19.2, has been released based on the latest 6.19 Kernel series with several enhancements and new features, including webcam support for select AMD Strix Halo-based laptops. To install it on Debian-based systems, start by adding the official repository and grabbing its signing key to prevent warnings from apt. After updating the package list, you'll need to pull in the kernel and headers, as well as build tools like dkms and clang if you plan to rebuild external modules, such as NVIDIA drivers or VirtualBox. With these steps complete, your system should be running smoothly on XanMod 6.19.2, although it's always a good idea to verify the kernel version and have backup plans in case of unexpected issues.

Install XanMod Kernel 6.19.2 on Debian‑Based Systems

The newest XanMod kernel (6.19.2) promises a smoother desktop and better performance under heavy loads, but getting it onto a Debian or Ubuntu machine isn’t exactly plug‑and‑play. This guide walks through adding the repository, pulling in the right packages, and handling the inevitable DKMS hiccups that show up with NVIDIA or VirtualBox modules.

Why bother with XanMod 6.19.2?

XanMod ships with LLVM’s ThinLTO, aggressive x86_64 tuning, Google’s multigenerational LRU cache, and BBRv3 built right into the kernel. The latest 6.19 kernel series includes the addition of new drivers, with one notable example being webcam support for select AMD Strix Halo-based laptops.

Installing XanMod 6.19 on Debian‑based systems

1. Add the official repository – The repo is signed, so pulling it in guarantees you get authentic packages.

   echo "deb http://deb.xanmod.org/ $(lsb_release -cs) main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/xanmod.list
   wget -qO - https://deb.xanmod.org/key.gpg | sudo apt-key add -
   

   Adding the repo avoids mixing unofficial builds that could lack critical security patches.

2. Update the package index – Refreshing pulls in the latest kernel metadata.

   sudo apt update
   

3. Install the kernel package – The will install the new kernel.

   sudo apt install linux-xanmod-edge
   

   Different flavours ship distinct config options; picking the right one prevents unnecessary bloat.

4. Reboot into the new kernel – The installer automatically adds the new entry to GRUB.

   sudo reboot
   

5. Verify the running version – After boot, confirm you’re on 6.19.x.

   uname -r
   

Pulling in the kernel and headers

The core package is called linux-xanmod-x64v3. Install it together with its header files by executing sudo apt install linux-xanmod-x64v3. If you plan to rebuild external modules (NVIDIA, VirtualBox, etc.) also pull a minimal set of build tools: sudo apt install --no-install-recommends dkms libdw-dev clang lld llvm. Those extra packages add about 200 MB but save you from cryptic “module not found” errors later.

Dealing with NVIDIA drivers

I’ve seen this happen after a fresh XanMod upgrade: the system boots to a black screen because the proprietary driver refuses to load. The fix is simply to reinstall the matching driver from the same XanMod repo. Add the non‑free component by appending non-free to the earlier echo command, then run sudo apt update && sudo apt install nvidia-driver-580-open (or the 590 version if your GPU is Turing or newer). A quick reboot brings the graphics back.

Rebuilding other DKMS modules

VirtualBox and VMware workstations also need a rebuild. Once you’re on the new kernel, running sudo dkms autoinstall triggers recompilation of any installed DKMS modules. If the process stalls, double‑check that linux-headers-$(uname -r) is present; without matching headers the build will abort with “cannot find module.h”.