Help Centre
KernelCare
Kernel compatibility, patching and KernelCare maintenance on Linux servers.
Help Centre
Guides in this category
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Do I have to restart my server after installing KernelCare?
Not necessarily: KernelCare patches the running kernel, but a new kernel, Secure Boot setup or other components can still require a planned reboot.
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Do you use the same technology as Oracle, Red Hat or SUSE?
Does KernelCare use the same technology as Oracle, Red Hat or SUSE? No: its method for generating and applying patches was developed in-house.
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Does KernelCare work with third-party drivers?
Yes, KernelCare works with third-party drivers. However, it does not update them, so you still need to install updates for those drivers manually.
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How KernelCare works
What a kernel is, why it needs patching and how KernelCare applies security patches to the running kernel without rebooting the server.
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How to force a KernelCare update
Force KernelCare to apply available patches right away by running the kcarectl update command as root, then check the result shown in your terminal.
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How to implement delayed updates
Configure KernelCare’s delayed feed and understand what the 24-hour delay means for applying patches.
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How to install KernelCare
Prepare a KernelCare installation on a Linux server: kernel compatibility, licensing, Secure Boot, the TuxCare procedure and checking that patches apply.
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How to migrate from Ksplice to KernelCare
For administrators: replace Ksplice with KernelCare using TuxCare’s official script, after checking the kernel, licence and maintenance window.
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How to uninstall KernelCare
Uninstall KernelCare from your server with a single command for the yum package manager, run in a terminal with root privileges.
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I'm switching from Ksplice to KernelCare, should I restart?
Understand the conditions for migrating from Ksplice to KernelCare and plan maintenance around the server’s state.
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KernelCare and ePortal: patching an isolated network
A server without direct Internet access can receive KernelCare patches through ePortal. Choose the delivery path, confirm prerequisites and track deployment.
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KernelCare: check connectivity, proxy settings and patch access
For administrators: troubleshoot a KernelCare communication error by checking DNS, connectivity, TLS, proxy settings, redirects and licensing.
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KernelCare: check the version, support and applied patches
For administrators: identify the running kernel, confirm TuxCare coverage for that exact build and review the KernelCare live patches actually applied.
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KernelCare: manage a temporary pause in automatic updates
Manage a pause in KernelCare automatic updates: reason, owner, deadline, the setting’s limits and checks that patching has resumed afterwards.
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Official KernelCare documentation
Where to find TuxCare’s official KernelCare documentation: installation, licensing, patch verification, compatibility requirements and the help centre.
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What happens if I install KernelCare but my kernel is not supported?
What an “Unknown Kernel” or “Unsupported Kernel” message from KernelCare means, how to find the cause and how to respond without forcing patches.
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What is KernelCare?
KernelCare automatically applies important security updates to the running kernel without restarting your server. Here is what this service does.
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What kernels does KernelCare support?
How to check whether KernelCare covers your server’s exact kernel, based on distribution, architecture, lifecycle status and the type of environment.
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When does KernelCare check for updates?
KernelCare automatically checks for updates every 4 hours, keeping your servers up to date without you having to start the check yourself.
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Where can I get documentation or support?
Find help with KernelCare: the Nuagerie Support page for your services, KernelCare’s official support team and its online documentation.
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Who develops KernelCare patches?
Who prepares KernelCare patches: a team of kernel developers who monitor security mailing lists and prepare and test patches full time.
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