rmmod command in Linux
The Linux rmmod command is used to remove a kernel module from the system. This command takes the name of the module as an argument and unloads it from the kernel. It is important to note that some modules may be in use and cannot be removed. Make sure to run this command with caution to avoid disrupting the system’s functionality.
rmmod Syntax:
Section titled “rmmod Syntax:”rmmod [options] moduleLinux rmmod Options:
Section titled “Linux rmmod Options:”| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| -f, —force | Force removal of the module |
| -v, —verbose | Verbose mode |
| -w, —wait | Wait until the module is no longer used |
| -n, —syslog | Print messages to syslog |
| -h, —help | Display help message |
| —version | Display version information |
rmmod Parameters:
Section titled “rmmod Parameters:”| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| module | The name of the module to be removed |
How to use rmmod command:
Section titled “How to use rmmod command:”Remove a kernel module
Section titled “Remove a kernel module”rmmod usbcoreThis command removes the “usbcore” kernel module.
Forcefully remove a kernel module
Section titled “Forcefully remove a kernel module”rmmod -f nvidiaThis command forcefully removes the “nvidia” kernel module.
Remove a kernel module and show verbose output
Section titled “Remove a kernel module and show verbose output”rmmod -v nouveauThis command removes the “nouveau” kernel module and displays verbose output.
Remove multiple kernel modules
Section titled “Remove multiple kernel modules”rmmod rtl8187 ath9k ath5kThis command removes multiple kernel modules “rtl8187”, “ath9k”, and “ath5k”.
Remove a kernel module with dependencies
Section titled “Remove a kernel module with dependencies”rmmod i915This command removes the “i915” kernel module along with its dependencies.
Remove a kernel module by specifying the path
Section titled “Remove a kernel module by specifying the path”rmmod /lib/modules/5.4.0-52-generic/kernel/drivers/net/wireless/ath/ath10k/ath10k_pci.koThis command removes the specified kernel module at the provided path.
Remove a kernel module and check its dependencies
Section titled “Remove a kernel module and check its dependencies”rmmod -v wlThis command removes the “wl” kernel module and shows its dependencies.
Remove a kernel module silently
Section titled “Remove a kernel module silently”rmmod -s rt2800usbThis command removes the “rt2800usb” kernel module silently without any output.
How do I use rmmod in Linux?
Section titled “How do I use rmmod in Linux?”To use the rmmod command in Linux, execute the following command:
rmmod <module_name>What is the purpose of the rmmod command in Linux?
Section titled “What is the purpose of the rmmod command in Linux?”The rmmod command is used to remove kernel modules from the Linux kernel.
How can I force rmmod to remove a module in use?
Section titled “How can I force rmmod to remove a module in use?”To force the removal of a module even if it is in use, you can add the --force option to the rmmod command. Here is an example:
rmmod --force <module_name>How can I get more information about the rmmod command?
Section titled “How can I get more information about the rmmod command?”To view the manual page for the rmmod command in Linux, you can use the following command:
man rmmodCan I remove multiple modules at once with rmmod?
Section titled “Can I remove multiple modules at once with rmmod?”Yes, you can remove multiple modules at once by providing their names as arguments to the rmmod command. Here is an example:
rmmod <module1> <module2> <module3>How do I unload all unused modules with rmmod?
Section titled “How do I unload all unused modules with rmmod?”To unload all unused modules in Linux using rmmod, you can use the following command:
rmmod $(lsmod | grep -oP "^(\S+)" | tail -n +2)Is it recommended to reboot the system after using rmmod?
Section titled “Is it recommended to reboot the system after using rmmod?”It is generally recommended to reboot the system after removing kernel modules with rmmod, especially if the removed modules were critical for system operation.
How do I check if a module is currently in use before using rmmod?
Section titled “How do I check if a module is currently in use before using rmmod?”You can check if a module is in use before attempting to remove it with rmmod by using the following command:
lsmod | grep <module_name>Applications of the rmmod command
Section titled “Applications of the rmmod command”- Unload a specific kernel module
- Remove a kernel module from memory
- Deactivate a specific driver
- Manage kernel modules dynamically