How do I delete kernels from a server?

Question

I need to delete older kernels from a server to make room for updating to a new one. I can't really use GUI-based methods like synaptic, and apt-get remove --purge didn't work.

What to do?

Answer 1

Create a shell script with this content:

#!/bin/sh
dpkg -l linux-*  | \
awk '/^ii/{ print $2}' | \
grep -v -e `uname -r | cut -f1,2 -d"-"` | \
grep  -e '[0-9]' | xargs sudo apt-get -y purge

This script will remove old kernels, headers and sources.

Answer 2

Did you try to run

apt-get --purge autoremove

? That does the trick for me.

Answer 3

This Article details for remove old kernel linux http://www.ibotme.com/knowledgebase/linux-existe-alguna-manera-de-ocultar-o-eliminar-las-versiones-anteriores-de-kernel/

Answer 4

Download and install either of these from software center:

• Janitor

• Ubuntu Tweak(it has the janitor built in it)

Open Janitor(direct janitor or tweak), you will find "Old Kernel Packages" under "System". Tick mark on it and click 'Clean'

Enter the password and the old ones will be removed

Answer 5

It's very strange. The command "apt-get --purge remove" is incorrect. I find this guide:

http://www.liberiangeek.net/2011/11/remove-old-kernels-in-ubuntu-11-10-oneiric-ocelot/

Follow this guide. I try it on my laptop.

I find this guide also:

http://tuxtweaks.com/2009/12/remove-old-kernels-in-ubuntu/

Bye.