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:

rmmod [options] module

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:

Parameter	Description
module	The name of the module to be removed

Caution

Exercise caution when using the rmmod command as it can potentially crash the system or lead to instability if used improperly. Ensure you are removing the correct module and that no processes depend on it.

How to use rmmod command:

Remove a kernel module

rmmod usbcore

This command removes the “usbcore” kernel module.

Forcefully remove a kernel module

rmmod -f nvidia

This command forcefully removes the “nvidia” kernel module.

Remove a kernel module and show verbose output

rmmod -v nouveau

This command removes the “nouveau” kernel module and displays verbose output.

Remove multiple kernel modules

rmmod rtl8187 ath9k ath5k

This command removes multiple kernel modules “rtl8187”, “ath9k”, and “ath5k”.

Remove a kernel module with dependencies

rmmod i915

This command removes the “i915” kernel module along with its dependencies.

Remove a kernel module by specifying the path

rmmod /lib/modules/5.4.0-52-generic/kernel/drivers/net/wireless/ath/ath10k/ath10k_pci.ko

This command removes the specified kernel module at the provided path.

Remove a kernel module and check its dependencies

rmmod -v wl

This command removes the “wl” kernel module and shows its dependencies.

Remove a kernel module silently

rmmod -s rt2800usb

This command removes the “rt2800usb” kernel module silently without any output.

Tip

When using the rmmod command in Linux, make sure to specify the correct module name to avoid accidentally removing important kernel modules. Additionally, always check for dependencies and ensure that removing a module will not cause system instability or affect other functionalities.

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?

The rmmod command is used to remove kernel modules from the Linux kernel.

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?

To view the manual page for the rmmod command in Linux, you can use the following command:

man rmmod

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?

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?

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?

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

• Unload a specific kernel module
• Remove a kernel module from memory
• Deactivate a specific driver
• Manage kernel modules dynamically