# Installing NDCTL The `ndctl` utility is used to manage the libnvdimm (non-volatile memory device) sub-system in the Linux Kernel. It is required for several Persistent Memory Developer Kit (PMDK) features if compiling from source. If ndctl is not available, the PMDK may not build all components and features. Refer to the [installation instructions](https://docs.pmem.io/ndctl-user-guide/installing-ndctl) in the NDCTL User Guide for [installing prebuilt packages](https://docs.pmem.io/ndctl-user-guide/installing-ndctl/installing-ndctl-packages-on-linux) or [building ndctl from source](https://docs.pmem.io/ndctl-user-guide/installing-ndctl/installing-ndctl-from-source-on-linux). --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.pmem.io/persistent-memory/getting-started-guide/installing-ndctl.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.