Kernels

Alpine Linux has several kernels (see linux-*) designed to suit different situations.

• linux-lts is the stock modular kernel and is configured for a generous selection of hardware.
• linux-virt (linux-lts, see the -virt configs) is recommended for Alpine Linux guests, and disables most hardware in favor of a commonly-virtualized subset of drivers.
• linux-rpi is optimized for the Raspberry Pi. For alpine 3.18 and older there is also linux-rpi2 and linux-rpi4 optimized for the raspberry pi 2 and 4 respectively. See #15324 for future plans.

For installing a custom kernel, see Custom Kernel. To select a specific kernel or firmware packages during installation from the Alpine ISO, simply install the desired kernel flavor and firmware packages with apk add before running setup-alpine.

Firmware

The linux-firmware meta-package is included in the default installation, and depends on all firmware. It is a large download. You may be better served by installing only the firmware you need (see linux-firmware-*), or linux-firmware-none if you do not require any firmware. If you're unsure which firmware you need, boot with no firmware installed and run dmesg | grep firmware to get an idea. Be aware that most firmware is non-free.

Experimental Kernels

Some kernels are not well tested and are therefor only available in the testing repository. Use at own risk.

• linux-asahi for Apple silicon
• linux-elm for elm chromebooks
• linux-gru for gru chromebooks

See also

• How to build the Alpine Linux kernel
• Kernel - Archwiki