Linux modprobe Guide

Linux modprobe Guide

Complete beginner-friendly guide to modprobe on Linux, covering Arch Linux, CachyOS, and other distributions including loading modules, removing modules, and kernel module management.

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Table of Contents

1. Understanding modprobe
2. modprobe Basics
3. Loading Modules
4. Removing Modules
5. Troubleshooting

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Understanding modprobe

What is modprobe?

modprobe loads and removes kernel modules.

Uses:

• Load modules: Load kernel modules
• Remove modules: Unload modules
• Module management: Manage modules
• Dependency handling: Handles dependencies

Why it matters:

• Module management: Load/unload modules
• Dependency handling: Handles dependencies automatically
• Driver management: Manage drivers

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modprobe Basics

Load Module

Basic usage:

# Load module
sudo modprobe module-name

# Loads module and dependencies

Remove Module

Unload module:

# Remove module
sudo modprobe -r module-name

# -r = remove (unloads module)

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Loading Modules

With Options

Module options:

# Load with options
sudo modprobe module-name option=value

# Passes options to module

Verbose Mode

Show actions:

# Verbose mode
sudo modprobe -v module-name

# -v = verbose (shows actions)

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Removing Modules

Force Remove

Force unload:

# Force remove
sudo modprobe -r -f module-name

# -f = force (removes even if in use)

Remove Dependencies

Remove with dependencies:

# Remove with dependencies
sudo modprobe -r module-name

# Automatically removes unused dependencies

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Troubleshooting

Module Not Found

Check module:

# Verify module exists
modinfo module-name

# Check module path
find /lib/modules -name "module-name.ko"

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Summary

This guide covered modprobe usage, module loading, and removal for Arch Linux, CachyOS, and other distributions.

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Next Steps

• lsmod Guide - List modules
• modinfo Guide - Module information
• Kernel Management - Kernel management
• modprobe Documentation: man modprobe

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This guide covers Arch Linux, CachyOS, and other Linux distributions. For distribution-specific details, refer to your distribution's documentation.