---
title: How to deploy a real-time kernel
description: Canonical makes open source secure, reliable and easy to use, providing
  support for Ubuntu and a portfolio of enterprise-grade technologies. Founded in
  2004, Canonical operates globally with team members in over 80 countries.
url: https://canonical-com-2950.demos.haus/maas/docs/how-to-deploy-a-real-time-kernel?format=md
---

*Submit*

# How to deploy a real-time kernel

This page walks you through the steps to deploy an Ubuntu machine with a [real-time (RT) kernel](https://ubuntu.com/blog/real-time-linux-qa). The RT kernel comes with all [Ubuntu Pro](https://ubuntu.com/pro) subscriptions for Ubuntu 22.04 LTS.

> The RT kernel is currently in Beta. General availability is coming soon.

## [RT kernel install](https://canonical-com-2950.demos.haus/maas/docs/how-to-deploy-a-real-time-kernel?format=md#p-13914-rt-kernel-install)

The RT kernel isn’t directly integrated into MAAS. Instead, cloud-init is used to first deploy a generic kernel. Then cloud-init installs the RT kernel and reboots the machine to enable it. Be aware that after MAAS marks the machine as DEPLOYED, there will be a delay while cloud-init completes and the machine reboots.

## [Sequence of events](https://canonical-com-2950.demos.haus/maas/docs/how-to-deploy-a-real-time-kernel?format=md#p-13914-sequence-of-events)

1. Machine deploys with Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and a generic kernel.
2. Machine reboots.
3. Bootloader instructed to boot from disk.
4. Host requests MAAS for configuration.
5. MAAS sends cloud-init config to host.
6. Cloud-init activates Ubuntu Pro.
7. Ubuntu Pro agent installs the RT kernel.
8. Another reboot to enable the new kernel.
9. System is ready for use.

## [What you’ll need](https://canonical-com-2950.demos.haus/maas/docs/how-to-deploy-a-real-time-kernel?format=md#p-13914-what-youll-need)

1. Valid Ubuntu Pro token (find yours at [Ubuntu Pro Dashboard](https://ubuntu.com/pro/dashboard)^^\*^^).
2. MAAS 3.2 or later with Ubuntu 22.04 LTS images.
3. A host compatible with Ubuntu RT kernel.
4. Internet connection.

Offline installation of the RT kernel is not supported currently.

## [RT kernel deployment](https://canonical-com-2950.demos.haus/maas/docs/how-to-deploy-a-real-time-kernel?format=md#p-13914-rt-kernel-deployment)

Perform these steps in the MAAS UI:

1. **Enlist and commission the host**: Do this as you normally would.
2. **Initiate deployment**: Select the host and click `Deploy`.
3. **Choose OS and release**: Opt for `Ubuntu` and `Ubuntu 22.04 LTS "Jammy Jellyfish"`.
4. **Configure cloud-init**: Select `Cloud-init user-data` and use the following templates. Replace `<ubuntu_pro_token>` with your valid token.

   1. `cloud-init` >= 23.4

```
    #cloud-config
    ubuntu_advantage:
      token: <ubuntu_pro_token>
      enable:
      - realtime-kernel
```

```
2. `cloud-init` < 23.4
```

```
    #cloud-config
    package_update: true
    package_upgrade: true

    runcmd:
    - pro attach <ubuntu_pro_token>
    - yes | pro enable realtime-kernel
```

5. **Start deployment**: Click `Start deployment for machine`.

## [Verifying deployment](https://canonical-com-2950.demos.haus/maas/docs/how-to-deploy-a-real-time-kernel?format=md#p-13914-verifying-deployment)

After deployment, execute these commands on the host to confirm RT kernel activation:

1. Check Pro status

```
    sudo pro status
```

```
You should see `realtime-kernel` as enabled.
```

2. Confirm kernel version

```
    uname -a
```

Your machine should now be up and running with an RT kernel.

---

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Last updated 1 year, 7 months ago. [Help improve this document in the forum](https://discourse.maas.io/t/how-to-deploy-a-real-time-kernel/6658).