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Installing the standalone version of KernelCare

Installing the standalone version of KernelCare

KernelCare is designed to update the Linux kernel without rebooting the server: the utility checks for updates every 4 hours and, if necessary, installs security updates automatically.

Please note!

KernelCare requires a license.

List of compatible operating systems:

  • CloudLinuxOS/CentOS 6, 7, and 8
  • AlmaLinux/RHEL 6, 7, 8, and 9
  • Oracle Linux 6 and 7
  • Amazon Linux 1 and 2
  • Virtuozzo/PCS/OpenVZ 2.6.32
  • Debian 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12
  • Proxmox VE 5 and 6
  • Virt-SIG/Xen4CentOS 6 and 7
  • Ubuntu 14.04, 15.04, 16.04, 18.04, and 20.04

A complete list of all available kernels and patches is available on the official KernelCare website.

Installation

To install KernelCare, download and run a script from the console as the root user:

curl -s -L https://kernelcare.com/installer | bash

After installation, to activate a license that is not bound to an IP address, use the following command:

kcarectl --register <license_key>

If the "Key limit reached" error is returned during activation, reset the server registration using the following command, then retry activation:

kcarectl --unregister

Management

To check the status of KernelCare, run the following command:

kcarectl --info

To force a check for updates, run the following command:

kcarectl --update

Update and Removal

KernelCare is updated with the standard install command for the package manager:

  • yum install -y kernelcare — for RHEL-based operating systems;
  • apt install kernelcare — for Debian-based operating  systems.

KernelCare is removed with the standard remove command for the package manager:

  • yum remove -y kernelcare — for RHEL-based operating systems;
  • apt purge kernelcare — for Debian-based operating systems.

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