List Loaded Kernel Modules with lsmod

lsmod formats /proc/modules into a readable table of loaded modules, their sizes, and usage counts.

LinuxhardwaremoduleskernelLow risk

Run `lsmod` to list every loaded kernel module with its size and what other modules use it; inspect details with `modinfo <module>`.

01Command

Command

$ lsmod

02What it does

lsmod is essentially a pretty-printer for /proc/modules, showing Module, Size, and Used by columns — the Used by column is key for seeing module dependencies before unloading anything. Pair it with `modinfo <name>` to read a module's license, version, and description, and `lsmod | grep iwlwifi` style checks to confirm a wireless or graphics driver is actually loaded.

03Risk

RiskLow risk

Requirementskmod package; preinstalled on virtually all distributions.

04Undo

✓No undo needed — this command does not change persistent state.

05Sources

modinfo(8) - Show information about a Linux Kernel module
Ubuntu Manpages · technical · 2026-09-17
Evidence: modinfo extracts information (license, author, description, filename) from a Linux Kernel module given its name or filename.
lsmod(8) - Show the status of modules in the Linux Kernel
Ubuntu Manpages · technical · 2026-09-17
Evidence: lsmod is a trivial program which nicely formats the contents of /proc/modules, showing what kernel modules are currently loaded with size and Used by references.

Last verified: 2026-09-17 · Category: System & Settings

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