# Updating Kernel on Raspberry Pi Gateway (Bullseye) using mender-convert and mender client

**URL:** <https://hub.mender.io/t/updating-kernel-on-raspberry-pi-gateway-bullseye-using-mender-convert-and-mender-client/8171>\
**Category:** Mender Monitor\
**Tags:** raspberry-pi-3, mender-client, raspberry-pi-4\
**Created:** [January 19, 2026, 10:28am UTC](https://hub.mender.io/t/updating-kernel-on-raspberry-pi-gateway-bullseye-using-mender-convert-and-mender-client/8171 "2026-01-19T10:28:50Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![kelienBeyonder7](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/a6a055/32.png) [@kelienBeyonder7](https://hub.mender.io/u/kelienBeyonder7)\
**Post date:** [January 19, 2026, 10:28am UTC](https://hub.mender.io/t/updating-kernel-on-raspberry-pi-gateway-bullseye-using-mender-convert-and-mender-client/8171/1 "2026-01-19T10:28:50Z")

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Hello Mender Community,

I am currently using Mender to manage a fleet of Raspberry Pi-based gateways. My setup is based on the **Official Raspberry Pi OS Bullseye** (Lite) image, and I have integrated the Mender client.

While system updates are working perfectly for application-level changes, I am seeking clarification on how to properly perform **Kernel upgrades**. I have read conflicting reports online stating that kernel updates are not possible or are “non-atomic” on Raspberry Pi due to the shared FAT32 boot partition.

I would appreciate it if anyone could clarify the following:

1. **Kernel Location:** In a standard `mender-convert` integration, is the Linux kernel relocated to the RootFS (Partition A/B)? If so, does a standard `rootfs-image` update automatically include the new kernel?

2. **U-Boot Role:** Does the U-Boot integration provided by `mender-convert` allow the system to switch kernels during a rollback?

3. **Golden Image Workflow:** If I perform a `sudo apt upgrade` (which includes a kernel update) on my “golden image” _before_ running `mender-convert`, will the tool correctly pick up the new kernel and firmware?

4. **The “Not Possible” Myth:** Why do some resources state that Raspberry Pi kernel updates aren’t possible with Mender? Is this referring only to the GPU firmware/bootloader, or is there a limitation I should be aware of?

**Environment Details:**

- **Board:** Raspberry Pi 4s

- **OS:** Raspberry Pi OS Bullseye (Lite)

- **Integration Method:** mender client.

Thank you for your help!