Quick Answer
The answer is lsmod, as it lists all currently loaded kernel modules by reading the /proc/modules file, displaying each module’s size, usage count, and dependencies. In a kernel panic scenario following a driver update, this command is the safest first step for kernel modules troubleshooting because it provides a snapshot of active modules without writing to disk or loading additional drivers, which could further destabilize the system. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this question tests your ability to diagnose driver-related instability by quickly identifying the loaded module set; a common trap is reaching for modprobe or rmmod first, but those modify the kernel state, whereas lsmod is purely informational. Remember the mnemonic: “List Shows Modules, Only Data” — lsmod is read-only, making it your go-to for safe investigation.
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of troubleshooting. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A Linux server experiences a kernel panic after a recent driver update. The system is still operational but unstable. Which command should be used to gather detailed information about the kernel modules currently loaded?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
modinfo
Why wrong: Shows info about a specific module.
lsmod
Lists all loaded kernel modules.
dmesg
Why wrong: Shows kernel messages, not a direct list of loaded modules.
modprobe -l
Why wrong: Lists available modules, not loaded ones.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
lsmod
B is correct because `lsmod` lists all currently loaded kernel modules by reading the `/proc/modules` file, showing their size, usage count, and dependencies. In a kernel panic scenario after a driver update, this command quickly reveals which modules are active, helping identify the problematic driver without further destabilizing the system.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
modinfo
Why it's wrong here
Shows info about a specific module.
lsmod
Why this is correct
Lists all loaded kernel modules.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
dmesg
Why it's wrong here
Shows kernel messages, not a direct list of loaded modules.
modprobe -l
Why it's wrong here
Lists available modules, not loaded ones.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse `lsmod` (runtime loaded modules) with `modinfo` (module metadata) or `dmesg` (kernel logs), or mistakenly think `modprobe -l` lists loaded modules when it actually lists available modules (and is deprecated).
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows info about a specific module.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, `lsmod` parses `/proc/modules`, which is a virtual file maintained by the kernel's module subsystem, showing the module name, memory size, reference count, and a list of dependent modules. In a real-world scenario, after a driver update causes a kernel panic, you might run `lsmod` from a rescue shell or single-user mode to identify the offending module (e.g., a new GPU driver) and then use `modprobe -r` to remove it, stabilizing the system.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the XK0-005 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Troubleshooting — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Troubleshooting — This question tests Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: lsmod — B is correct because `lsmod` lists all currently loaded kernel modules by reading the `/proc/modules` file, showing their size, usage count, and dependencies. In a kernel panic scenario after a driver update, this command quickly reveals which modules are active, helping identify the problematic driver without further destabilizing the system.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
This XK0-005 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the XK0-005 exam.
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