kmod(8)
Load and unload Linux kernel modules with a unified interface for modprobe, insmod, rmmod, and lsmod functionality.
Synopsis
kmod [OPTION]... COMMAND [COMMAND_OPTION]...Description
kmod is a tool and library for managing Linux kernel modules. It provides a single unified interface to replace the traditional modprobe, insmod, rmmod, and lsmod commands. kmod can load modules into the kernel, unload them, list loaded modules, and manage module dependencies.
The command operates on kernel modules stored in /lib/modules/$(uname -r)/ and uses depmod-generated dependency information to automatically load required modules. It supports module parameters, blacklisting, and configuration via /etc/modprobe.d/ files.
Common options
| Flag | What it does |
|---|---|
-h, --help | Display help message and exit |
-V, --version | Show version information |
-q, --quiet | Print no messages |
-v, --verbose | Increase verbosity (can be used multiple times) |
-n, --dry-run | Test mode; do not actually load or unload modules |
-f, --force | Force load/unload even if conflicts detected |
-r, --remove | Remove modules instead of inserting them |
-s, --syslog | Log messages to syslog |
-C, --config | Specify alternate configuration directory |
Examples
Load the usb_storage module and any required dependencies
kmod load usb_storageUnload the usbcore module if no other modules depend on it
kmod remove usbcoreDisplay all currently loaded kernel modules
kmod listLoad the e1000 network driver with the speed parameter set to 1000
kmod load e1000 speed=1000Force unload the nvidia module even if conflicts exist
kmod remove -f nvidiaTest loading the ath9k module without actually loading it
kmod load --dry-run ath9kLoad the nouveau module with verbose output
kmod -v load nouveauGenerate static device nodes from loaded kernel modules
kmod static-nodes