It can be frustrating to get the “Failed to Start Load Kernel Modules” error in Linux, especially if you do not know how to fix it. Feel free to relax, though, because this mistake happens a lot and is easy to fix.

Even if you do not know much about Linux, this guide will make it easy for you to understand what the error means, why it happens, and how to fix it. You will have a better idea of what the problem is and how to stop it from happening again after reading this article.

What Does “Failed to Start Load Kernel Modules” Mean?

When your Linux system boots up, it needs to load kernel modules. These modules are essential bits of code that extend the kernel’s functionality without needing to reboot the system. They can be drivers for hardware, support for filesystems, or networking protocols.

The “Failed to Start Load Kernel Modules” error occurs when the system tries to load a module during boot but fails. This failure can cause various issues, such as missing hardware functionality, trouble with networking, or even booting issues.

Here’s why this error happens:

1. Corrupted Kernel Module: Modules can get corrupted during an update or if something went wrong during the installation process.
2. Missing Dependencies: Kernel modules depend on other files or configurations. If those files aren’t available, the module won’t load.
3. Configuration Errors: Misconfigured or outdated configuration files can also prevent modules from loading.
4. Hardware Issues: Your system might need specific kernel modules to work with new hardware, and if those modules aren’t available, you could see this error.

Why Is This Error a Problem?

You might be wondering why this error is such a big deal. Well, kernel modules are vital for your system to function properly. If they don’t load, it can lead to a wide variety of problems:

• Missing Hardware Support: For example, you might lose access to your network card or a USB device.
• Broken Filesystems: If the module supporting a filesystem fails to load, you may not be able to access your data.
• Boot Failure: In some cases, the system might not boot properly, leaving you stuck at a black screen or in an emergency shell.

Luckily, with a bit of troubleshooting, you can resolve this issue fairly quickly. Let’s dive into the steps to fix it.

Steps to Fix “Failed to Start Load Kernel Modules”

1. Check Kernel Logs for Details

The first step to fixing this error is to figure out why it’s happening. You can do that by checking your kernel logs. Use the following command to check for module errors in the logs:

sudo dmesg | grep module

This will display any messages related to kernel module loading. The output will give you more details about which module failed and why.

2. Rebuild the Kernel Modules

If the error is due to a corrupted kernel module, rebuilding it can solve the problem. Most Linux systems use DKMS (Dynamic Kernel Module Support), which automatically rebuilds modules when the kernel is updated.

Run this command to rebuild your kernel modules:

sudo dkms autoinstall

This will rebuild all the necessary kernel modules. Once completed, reboot your system to check if the issue is resolved.

3. Update Your System and Kernel

Sometimes the kernel or module is simply out of date, causing compatibility issues. Updating your system and kernel can resolve missing dependencies or broken modules.

For Debian-based systems (like Ubuntu):

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

For Red Hat-based systems (like CentOS or Fedora):

sudo yum update

Updating your system ensures that you’re running the latest kernel and modules. After the update, reboot your system to see if the problem persists.

4. Check Module Configuration Files

Kernel modules often have configuration files located in /etc/modules or /etc/modules-load.d/. If these files are missing or misconfigured, the modules won’t load correctly.

Check the configuration with:

cat /etc/modules-load.d/modules.conf

If the necessary module isn’t listed, add it manually by editing the configuration file with your preferred text editor:

sudo nano /etc/modules-load.d/modules.conf

Add the name of the missing module and save the file. Afterward, reboot your system and see if the error is gone.

5. Reinstall Kernel Modules

If none of the previous steps have worked, try reinstalling the kernel modules. This step can help if the module was corrupted or partially installed.

For Debian-based systems, run:

sudo apt install --reinstall linux-modules-extra-$(uname -r)

For Red Hat-based systems:

sudo yum reinstall kernel-modules

After reinstalling, reboot your system to ensure everything loads properly.

Fixes with More Levels

If the simple steps for troubleshooting didn’t fix the problem, you might need to try some more advanced techniques. Let’s take a look at some choices.

6. Start up with an older kernel

There may be an older version of the kernel that will work if you just updated it and the error started showing up after that. For times like these, most Linux systems keep older versions of the kernel.

Get to the GRUB menu during boot (usually by pressing the Shift key during boot). Choose an older version of the kernel and start up the system.

If that doesn’t fix the problem, you may want to undo the update or find out why your modules don’t work with the new kernel.

7. Build the kernel from source code

Putting together the kernel and its modules from source code might be the best thing to do if nothing else works. This is a more complex solution, so make sure you do things the right way.

First, go to kernel.org and get the kernel source. After that, do these things:

1. Get the source code for the kernel.
2. Use the default configuration to set up the kernel.
3. The kernel and its modules need to be compiled.
4. Put the new kernel in.

This process takes a while and needs someone with a lot of experience developing kernels. You should only do this if you’re having major problems with kernel modules, though.

Preventing Kernel Module Errors in the Future

Fixing the “Failed to Start Load Kernel Modules” error is one thing, but how can you prevent it from happening again? Here are a few tips:

1. Regularly Update Your System

Regular updates are essential for keeping your kernel and modules up to date. Always make sure you’re running the latest stable version of your operating system, kernel, and associated packages.

2. Backup Your Configuration Files

Before making any changes to kernel modules or configuration files, make sure to back them up. This way, if something goes wrong, you can easily revert to the previous configuration.

3. Test Kernels in a Safe Environment

If you’re installing a new kernel, it’s a good idea to test it in a virtual machine or on a separate partition. This ensures that any issues with modules or dependencies won’t affect your main system.

4. Keep an Eye on Logs

Regularly check your kernel logs for any signs of issues. You can automate this process with tools like logwatch or systemd-journald.

Conclusion

Dealing with the “Failed to Start Load Kernel Modules” error might seem daunting at first, but once you understand the root cause, fixing it becomes much easier. Whether it’s a corrupted module, a missing dependency, or a misconfiguration, the steps outlined in this guide should help you get back on track.

To recap:

1. Check the kernel logs for more information.
2. Rebuild your kernel modules using DKMS.
3. Update your system and kernel to the latest version.
4. Check and correct module configuration files.
5. Reinstall kernel modules if necessary.
6. For advanced users, try booting into an older kernel or compiling the kernel from source.

By following these steps, you should be able to fix the error and prevent it from happening again. And if you ever encounter this issue in the future, you’ll be better equipped to handle it.

Good luck!