Linux 7.3: hardware checks on Ubuntu 26.10

Ubuntu 26.10 release images contain kernel package 7.3.0-9.9, based on upstream 7.3-rc6; upstream final is expected after Ubuntu GA. Hardware enablement includes Snapdragon and newer platforms. Check the release notes for changes and known issues.

Identify your running kernel and devices


uname -r
lsb_release -ds
lspci -nnk
lsusb

uname -r reports the kernel used for this boot, rather than the original installation image. Record PCI hardware IDs and the active driver from lspci -nnk; use lsusb for USB devices. Updates may change your kernel version.

Test with a live USB

Back up important files, boot the image in its try-out mode, and check your real devices. A virtual machine cannot validate your laptop’s wireless adapter, camera or suspend behavior.

Area	Suggested check
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth	Sustained connectivity and file transfers, including after suspend
Audio and camera	Playback, microphone recording and your video meeting app
Graphics and displays	External monitors, normal scaling and your actual work apps
Power management	Lid close, suspend and resume, on battery and external power
Peripherals	Dock, USB storage, printer and everyday input devices

Save results with the device model, hardware IDs and kernel version. This helps distinguish improvements from regressions.

Check additional drivers

On an installed system that depends on DKMS modules, inspect module status and kernel logs:


dkms status
journalctl -k -b --no-pager

The dkms command may be absent when the package is not installed; that does not imply a broken kernel. Logs can reveal module loading and device initialization errors. Review logs for personal information before sharing them.

Use the NVIDIA guide to match your GPU and driver branch rather than choosing the highest number. Snapdragon users can also read our device guide.

Prepare a recovery route

Keep bootable installation media and a complete backup. If an upgrade causes problems, check whether GRUB’s advanced options still offer a usable older kernel, then investigate the regression. Booting an older kernel does not downgrade the whole distribution to LTS. Returning to another release requires a backup restoration or reinstallation plan.

Read 26.10 or LTS? before choosing the ongoing interim-release upgrade cycle.