Amazon Linux default SSM parameter will now track the latest kernel
Compute Blog
This article announces that Amazon Linux's kernel-default SSM parameter will now automatically track the latest kernel version, with AL2023 updating from kernel 6.1 to kernel 6.18 on August 17, 2026.
- Default kernel parameter updates annually after 3-6 month validation period
- New kernel versions include improvements like EEVDF CPU scheduler and enhanced TCP receive buffer
- Already-running instances retain their current kernel; only new instances are affected
- Version-specific SSM parameters remain unchanged for workloads requiring fixed kernels
- Customers can test new kernels before default upgrade takes effect
- Revert to specific kernel versions by updating SSM parameter references in CloudFormation, launch templates, or Auto Scaling groups
This change allows new instances to automatically receive latest validated kernel improvements without manual intervention, while providing flexibility to stay on specific versions if needed.
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