在Ubuntu 18.04虚拟机中，virtualbox-guest-dkms与virtualbox-guest-dkms-hwe有何区别？

Let me break down the key differences between these two packages clearly—this is a common point of confusion when setting up VirtualBox Guest Additions on Ubuntu 18.04:

• Target Kernel Compatibility

  • virtualbox-guest-dkms: This package is built to work with Ubuntu 18.04's default kernel stack (the original 4.15 series kernel that shipped with the release). If you haven't upgraded your kernel to the HWE stack, this is the correct package for you.
  • virtualbox-guest-dkms-hwe: This is tailored for Ubuntu's Hardware Enablement (HWE) stack kernels. For 18.04, the HWE stack backports newer kernel versions (like 5.4, 5.15, etc.) from later Ubuntu releases, giving you better support for modern hardware and newer kernel features. If you've installed the HWE kernel (via packages like linux-generic-hwe-18.04), this is the package you need to ensure Guest Additions modules compile and function properly.

• How to Check Which One You Need
  Run this quick command in your Ubuntu guest terminal to identify your current kernel:

  uname -r
  

  • If the output ends with -generic (e.g., 4.15.0-197-generic), use virtualbox-guest-dkms.
  • If it ends with -generic-hwe-18.04 (e.g., 5.4.0-148-generic), go with virtualbox-guest-dkms-hwe.

• What Happens If You Choose the Wrong One?
  If you install the non-HWE package on an HWE kernel, the DKMS modules will fail to build during installation or kernel updates. This breaks Guest Additions features like shared folders, seamless window mode, and automatic display scaling. The reverse is also true—installing the HWE package on a default kernel will result in failed module compilation, disabling key Guest Additions functionality.

内容的提问来源于stack exchange，提问作者megapro17