✅ Quick Checklist
- Take note of the exact error message displayed during the panic
- Check recent changes such as kernel updates, new drivers, or hardware installations
- Ensure all hardware is properly connected and supported
- Have a live USB or rescue environment ready for recovery
🔧 Basic Troubleshooting Steps
- Boot into Recovery Mode or use a Live Linux USB
- Check system logs using:
journalctl -xb
or dmesg
- Remove or revert recent kernel updates if the panic started afterward
- Disconnect external devices to rule out hardware conflicts
⚙️ Advanced Debugging
Enable Kernel Debugging
- Edit GRUB at boot by pressing
e and adding debug to the kernel line
- Boot and reproduce the panic; logs will now be more detailed
Use kdump
- Install kdump:
sudo apt install kdump-tools
(Debian/Ubuntu)
- Enable the service:
sudo systemctl enable kdump
- Analyze the crash dump to identify the faulty module or driver
Check Hardware
- Run memory tests with
memtest86+
- Inspect CPU, RAM, and peripheral hardware for faults
- Remove or replace suspect components to isolate the issue
💡 Tips to Prevent Kernel Panics
- Keep your system and kernel up-to-date with stable releases
- Use well-supported drivers; avoid third-party kernel modules unless necessary
- Regularly backup your system to minimize data loss in case of panic
- Monitor system logs for early warning signs of instability
📊 Summary Table
| Step |
Tool / Command |
Difficulty |
| Check logs |
journalctl, dmesg |
Easy |
| Revert kernel |
GRUB boot menu |
Medium |
| Enable debugging |
GRUB debug option, kdump |
Advanced |
| Test hardware |
memtest86+, physical inspection |
Medium |
💡 Kernel panics can be daunting, but systematic troubleshooting—from checking logs to hardware diagnostics—can help you identify and fix issues efficiently ✅.
Keep your system updated, monitor logs, and use recovery tools for safer Linux operations.