The third point release of Ubuntu 16.04 LTS Xenial Xerus, Ubuntu 16.04.3, was released 1 day ago with Linux Kernel 4.10 and new graphic stack from Ubuntu 17.04.
The Ubuntu team is pleased to announce the release of Ubuntu 16.04.3 LTS (Long-Term Support) for its Desktop, Server, and Cloud products, as well as other flavours of Ubuntu with long-term support.
Like previous LTS series’, 16.04.3 includes hardware enablement stacks for use on newer hardware. This support is offered on all architectures except for 32-bit powerpc, and is installed by default when using one of the desktop images. Ubuntu Server defaults to installing the GA kernel, however you may select the HWE kernel from the installer bootloader.
As usual, this point release includes many updates, and updated installation media has been provided so that fewer updates will need to be downloaded after installation. These include security updates and corrections for other high-impact bugs, with a focus on maintaining stability and compatibility with Ubuntu 16.04 LTS.
Install all system updates via either Software Updater or apt command will bring you to the latest Ubuntu 16.04.3 from an old point release, though it does not install the new Kernel and graphics stacks.
To install new hardware enablement stacks from Ubuntu 17.04
Open terminal via Ctrl+Alt+T or by searching for “Terminal” from app launcher. When it opens, run command:
sudo apt-get install --install-recommends xserver-xorg-hwe-16.04
Input your password (no visual feedback while typing) when it asks and hit Enter.
After installation, restart your computer and check out the new Kernel and graphics stacks.
How to Remove the new graphics stack:
1. For any reason you remove the new hardware stacks by running command:
sudo apt remove xserver-xorg-core-hwe-16.04 xserver-xorg-input-all-hwe-16.04 linux-generic-hwe-16.04 xserver-xorg-video-all-hwe-16.04 xserver-xorg-legacy-hwe-16.04
The command also removes the ubuntu-desktop package. Don’t worry, the following commands will install it back.
2. Install the original X server back via command:
sudo apt install xserver-xorg-core sudo apt install xorg ubuntu-desktop
To remove the Linux 4.10 Kernel, reboot with old kernel entry from Grub Advanced menu, and see this how to tutorial.
