📖 ~1 min read
Table of contents
Symptom & Impact
Kernel package upgrades fail and security patches cannot be applied.
Environment & Reproduction
Common on systems with dedicated small `/boot` partitions.
Root Cause Analysis
Multiple old kernel images and initramfs files exhaust available `/boot` space.
Quick Triage
List installed kernels and identify running version.
Step-by-Step Diagnosis
Measure largest boot artifacts and retention count.
Solution – Primary Fix
Purge unused old kernels while retaining current and one fallback version.
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Solution – Alternative Approaches
Increase `/boot` partition size during maintenance window.
Verification & Acceptance Criteria
Kernel updates install successfully and `/boot` has free capacity.
Rollback Plan
Reinstall required kernel version from package cache if removed accidentally.
Prevention & Hardening
Automate old-kernel cleanup with controlled retention policy.
Related Errors & Cross-Refs
Related to failed initramfs generation and incomplete package upgrades.
Related tutorial: View the step-by-step tutorial for Debian 13.
View all Debian 13 tutorials on the Tutorials Hub →
Browse all common problems & solutions on the Tutorials Hub.
References & Further Reading
Debian kernel package lifecycle and boot partition guidance.
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