The XanMod Kernel delivers performance-focused optimizations for Linux Mint systems through aggressive CPU-specific tuning, low-latency scheduling improvements, and advanced I/O enhancements. Unlike the default kernel that prioritizes broad compatibility and conservative stability, XanMod targets gaming, multimedia production, and high-performance computing workloads where responsiveness matters more than exhaustive testing. The kernel incorporates optimizations from Google, Cloudflare, and Intel alongside community-contributed patches for better desktop responsiveness and gaming performance.
This guide covers installing XanMod on Linux Mint through the official repository, selecting the correct CPU-optimized version for your hardware, and verifying the installation. Beyond the installation steps, you will learn how to choose between MAIN, EDGE, LTS, and RT kernel branches based on your stability requirements and update the necessary microcode for Intel or AMD processors.
Choose Your Linux Mint Kernel Option
Linux Mint offers multiple kernel options beyond the default kernel, each targeting different use cases. Understanding the differences helps you select the kernel that matches your hardware requirements, performance goals, and stability needs.
| Kernel Option | Primary Focus | Best For | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Default Mint Kernel | Stability and broad hardware support | Production systems, servers, users prioritizing reliability | Conservative updates, may lag behind latest hardware support |
| XanMod Kernel | Performance optimization and low latency | Gaming, multimedia production, high-performance workstations | Aggressive optimizations sacrifice exhaustive testing, potential edge-case instability |
| Liquorix Kernel | Desktop responsiveness and multimedia | Content creators, audio production, desktop users wanting smooth UI performance | Similar trade-offs to XanMod, less CPU-specific optimization |
The default Mint kernel strikes a balance between stability and hardware support, making it ideal for systems that need reliable, tested packages. XanMod applies extensive performance patches targeting gaming and high-performance computing with CPU-specific builds optimized for different processor generations. Meanwhile, Liquorix focuses on desktop responsiveness and multimedia workloads with low-latency optimizations. Production servers should favor the default kernel for tested stability and support, while performance-focused kernels like XanMod trade thorough testing for cutting-edge optimizations.
This guide supports Linux Mint 22.x (Wilma, Xia, Zara, Zena) and Linux Mint 21.x (Vanessa, Vera, Victoria, Virginia). The installation commands differ between these versions because XanMod uses different repository codenames for each Mint release family.
XanMod supports only x86_64 architecture (64-bit Intel/AMD processors) and does not support Secure Boot. Before proceeding, you must disable Secure Boot in your system BIOS/UEFI settings. Check your architecture compatibility by running
uname -m. If the output showsx86_64, your system architecture is compatible.
Verify Secure Boot Status
XanMod kernels are not signed with Microsoft’s UEFI keys, so Secure Boot firmware blocks them from loading. Before installing XanMod, check whether Secure Boot is currently enabled on your system:
mokutil --sb-stateIf the output shows “SecureBoot enabled,” you must disable it in your system BIOS/UEFI settings before proceeding. To access BIOS settings, reboot your system and press the BIOS key during startup (usually F2, F10, Del, or Esc, depending on your motherboard manufacturer). Navigate to Security settings and disable Secure Boot, then save changes and reboot.
After disabling Secure Boot, verify the change:
SecureBoot disabled
With Secure Boot disabled, your system can load unsigned kernels like XanMod. This setting persists across reboots, so you only need to change it once.
Import XanMod APT Repository
Update Linux Mint Before XanMod Installation
Before proceeding, update your system to ensure all packages are current and minimize potential conflicts during installation. First, refresh the package index:
sudo apt updateNext, upgrade any outdated packages:
sudo apt upgradeInstall XanMod Prerequisites
Install the packages needed for secure repository management and kernel driver support. The gpg package handles GPG key verification, lsb-release detects your system codename, and dkms (Dynamic Kernel Module Support) automatically rebuilds external drivers like NVIDIA when your kernel updates:
sudo apt install gpg lsb-release ca-certificates dkms wget -yAdd XanMod GPG Key
Download and install the XanMod GPG key to verify package authenticity. The GPG key ensures packages come from the official XanMod project and have not been tampered with during download. First, create the dedicated keyring directory:
sudo install -m 0755 -d /etc/apt/keyringsThen download and convert the GPG key to the binary format APT requires:
wget -qO - https://dl.xanmod.org/archive.key | sudo gpg --dearmor -vo /etc/apt/keyrings/xanmod-archive-keyring.gpgThe wget command uses -qO - to download the key quietly to standard output, while gpg --dearmor -vo converts the ASCII-armored key into binary format and writes it to the specified file.
Add XanMod APT Repository
Add the XanMod repository using the modern DEB822 format. Since Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu, the XanMod repository uses Ubuntu codenames to identify which packages to provide. Use the appropriate command block below based on your Mint version.
Linux Mint 22.x (based on Ubuntu 24.04 Noble):
cat <<EOF | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/xanmod.sources
Types: deb
URIs: https://deb.xanmod.org
Suites: noble
Components: main
Signed-By: /etc/apt/keyrings/xanmod-archive-keyring.gpg
EOFLinux Mint 21.x (based on Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy):
cat <<EOF | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/xanmod.sources
Types: deb
URIs: https://deb.xanmod.org
Suites: jammy
Components: main
Signed-By: /etc/apt/keyrings/xanmod-archive-keyring.gpg
EOFThe following table shows the relationship between Linux Mint versions and the Ubuntu codename to use:
| Linux Mint Version | Mint Codenames | Ubuntu Base | Repository Codename |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linux Mint 22.x | Wilma, Xia, Zara, Zena | Ubuntu 24.04 LTS | noble |
| Linux Mint 21.x | Vanessa, Vera, Victoria, Virginia | Ubuntu 22.04 LTS | jammy |
Afterward, verify the repository was added successfully:
cat /etc/apt/sources.list.d/xanmod.sourcesThe output displays the DEB822 repository configuration (shown here for Mint 22.x):
Types: deb URIs: https://deb.xanmod.org Suites: noble Components: main Signed-By: /etc/apt/keyrings/xanmod-archive-keyring.gpg
Refresh APT Cache After XanMod Import
Afterward, refresh the APT package index to include the XanMod repository:
sudo apt updateThe output should show the XanMod repository being fetched without errors. If you see a 404 error, verify you used the correct codename for your Mint version from the table above.
Select and Install XanMod Kernel
Download XanMod CPU Detection Script
First, download the XanMod CPU detection script to identify the correct kernel version for your processor:
wget https://dl.xanmod.org/check_x86-64_psabi.sh
chmod +x check_x86-64_psabi.shXanMod provides different kernel builds optimized for specific CPU generations through x86-64 microarchitecture levels. The x86-64-v2 level adds SSE3, SSSE3, and SSE4 instructions found in CPUs from approximately 2009-2015, while x86-64-v3 includes AVX and AVX2 vector extensions found in CPUs from 2015 onward like Intel Haswell and AMD Zen. The script detects your processor’s supported instruction sets to recommend the optimal build that delivers maximum performance without compatibility issues.
Then, execute the script to determine the suitable version:
./check_x86-64_psabi.shAfterward, the output indicates the supported x86-64 version:
CPU supports x86-64-v3
Your output may show x86-64-v2 or v3 depending on your processor generation. Modern CPUs from approximately 2015 onward (Intel Haswell, AMD Zen, and newer) support v3, while CPUs from 2009-2015 typically support v2.
Once you have determined your CPU version, clean up the detection script:
rm check_x86-64_psabi.shInstall XanMod Kernel via APT
Install the XanMod kernel matching your CPU version. For x86-64-v3 processors (Intel Haswell/AMD Zen and newer):
sudo apt install linux-xanmod-x64v3Older CPUs that support only x86-64-v2 should use this package instead:
sudo apt install linux-xanmod-x64v2The MAIN branch provides v2 and v3 builds with the latest stable kernel (currently 6.18.x). For long-term stability, install
linux-xanmod-lts-x64v2orlinux-xanmod-lts-x64v3instead, which tracks the 6.12 LTS kernel series.
Detailed compatibility information is available on the XanMod website. The project source code is available on GitLab.
XanMod Branch Overview
XanMod offers multiple kernel branches targeting different use cases. Each branch provides builds optimized for v2 and v3 CPU microarchitectures.
MAIN Branch
linux-xanmod-x64v2: Compatible with CPUs from 2009-2015, including AMD Family 10h through 15h (Barcelona, Bulldozer, Piledriver) and Intel Core 2 through 3rd Gen Core (Sandy Bridge, Ivy Bridge). Supports SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, and SSE4.2 instruction sets.linux-xanmod-x64v3: Optimized for modern CPUs from 2015 onward, including AMD Family 17h and 19h (Zen through Zen 4) and Intel 4th Gen Core and newer (Haswell, Skylake, Coffee Lake, and beyond). Adds AVX, AVX2, BMI1, BMI2, and FMA3 instruction sets for significantly better performance in multimedia and computational workloads.
EDGE Branch
linux-xanmod-edge-x64v2: Bleeding-edge kernel for older CPUs (2009-2015 generation). Includes experimental patches and latest upstream features before they stabilize in MAIN.linux-xanmod-edge-x64v3: Bleeding-edge kernel for modern CPUs (2015+ generation). Delivers cutting-edge performance optimizations and new features at the cost of potential instability.
LTS Branch
linux-xanmod-lts-x64v1: Long-term stable kernel for legacy CPUs from 2003-2009, including AMD K8/K10 families, Intel Pentium 4, Core 2, and early Core i-series. Use this only if your CPU predates SSE4.2 support.linux-xanmod-lts-x64v2: Long-term stable kernel for CPUs from 2009-2015 generation. Provides conservative updates with security patches while maintaining proven stability for production systems.linux-xanmod-lts-x64v3: Long-term stable kernel for modern CPUs from 2015 onward. Balances performance optimizations with extended support lifecycle, ideal for production workstations requiring stability guarantees.
RT Branch
linux-xanmod-rt-x64v2: Real-time kernel for CPUs from 2009-2015 generation. Provides deterministic latency and preemption guarantees for audio production, industrial control systems, and robotics applications requiring hard real-time performance.linux-xanmod-rt-x64v3: Real-time kernel for modern CPUs from 2015 onward. Combines PREEMPT_RT patches with AVX2 optimizations for low-latency multimedia workloads and time-critical applications where consistent sub-millisecond response times matter more than maximum throughput.
Selecting the correct version for your CPU architecture is crucial for achieving the best results with the XanMod Kernel. When unsure, the v2 version provides a safe fallback that works on nearly all 64-bit systems.
Reboot System After XanMod Installation
Reboot to activate the newly installed kernel:
sudo rebootAfter rebooting, your system loads the XanMod kernel with CPU-specific optimizations active. GRUB automatically selects the newest kernel by default, so XanMod should load without manual intervention.
Verify XanMod Kernel Installation
Check XanMod Kernel Version
Verify the active kernel version to confirm XanMod is running:
uname -rThe output shows the XanMod kernel version and CPU architecture variant:
6.18.3-x64v3-xanmod1
The version format breaks down as: kernel version (e.g., 6.18.3), CPU optimization level (x64v3), and XanMod release number (xanmod1). This confirms your system boots the performance-optimized kernel built specifically for your processor’s instruction set capabilities.
Display System Information with hostnamectl
You can use the built-in hostnamectl command (part of systemd on every modern Linux Mint release) to print kernel, hardware, and operating system details without installing extra utilities:
hostnamectlExample output:
Static hostname: mint-workstation
Icon name: computer-desktop
Operating System: Linux Mint 22.3
Kernel: Linux 6.18.3-x64v3-xanmod1
Architecture: x86-64
For more detailed output, you can also check the full kernel version string:
cat /proc/versionInstall Intel or AMD Official Microcodes
Microcode updates address CPU bugs, security vulnerabilities, and performance issues at the processor firmware level. These updates are especially important when running custom kernels like XanMod, as they ensure your CPU operates with the latest fixes. Linux Mint enables easy microcode updates through its package management system.
Install Intel Microcode
Intel processor users should install microcode updates with the following command:
sudo apt install intel-microcode iucode-toolThis command installs intel-microcode, containing the latest microcode binaries from Intel, and iucode-tool, a utility for handling microcode updates. After installation, reboot to apply the microcode.
Install AMD Microcode
AMD processor users should install microcode updates with the following command:
sudo apt install amd64-microcodeThis command installs amd64-microcode, the package containing the latest microcode updates for AMD CPUs. After installation, reboot to apply the microcode.
Manage XanMod Kernel
Update XanMod Kernel
XanMod kernel updates arrive through standard system updates. To check for and apply updates, first refresh the package index:
sudo apt updateThen, apply available updates:
sudo apt upgradeAfter a kernel update, reboot to activate the new version. You can verify the active kernel version with uname -r after rebooting.
Remove XanMod Kernel
To remove XanMod and restore the default Linux Mint kernel, follow the steps below. The default kernel remains installed alongside XanMod, so your system will boot normally after removing XanMod packages.
First, remove the XanMod repository configuration:
sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/xanmod.sourcesThen, remove the GPG key:
sudo rm /etc/apt/keyrings/xanmod-archive-keyring.gpgRefresh the package cache to remove the XanMod repository from your system’s sources:
sudo apt updateIdentify the installed XanMod packages to ensure complete removal:
dpkg --list | grep xanmodThe output lists XanMod kernel images and headers. For example:
ii linux-headers-6.18.3-x64v3-xanmod1 6.18.3-xanmod1-0 amd64 Linux kernel headers ii linux-image-6.18.3-x64v3-xanmod1 6.18.3-xanmod1-0 amd64 Linux kernel image ii linux-xanmod-x64v3 6.18.3-xanmod1-0 amd64 XanMod Linux kernel metapackage
Remove all XanMod kernel packages:
sudo apt autoremove linux-image-*.*.*-xanmod* linux-headers-*.*.*-xanmod* linux-xanmod* --purgeThis command removes XanMod kernel images, headers, and metapackages. The autoremove flag also cleans up any orphaned dependencies that were installed specifically for XanMod.
After removal, reboot to load the default Linux Mint kernel:
sudo rebootUpon restarting, verify that your system has reverted to the standard kernel:
uname -rThe output should show a default Linux Mint kernel version without the xanmod suffix:
6.8.0-51-generic
Troubleshoot Common Issues
Secure Boot Prevents XanMod Kernel From Booting
If your system shows “Validation failed: Security Policy Violation” or fails to boot after installing XanMod, Secure Boot is still enabled. XanMod kernels are not signed with Microsoft’s UEFI keys, so Secure Boot firmware blocks them. Check your current Secure Boot status:
mokutil --sb-stateIf the output shows “SecureBoot enabled,” you must disable it in your system BIOS/UEFI settings. Reboot, press the BIOS key (usually F2, F10, Del, or Esc during startup), navigate to Security settings, and disable Secure Boot. Save changes and reboot. After disabling Secure Boot, verify the change:
SecureBoot disabled
System Still Boots Default Kernel
If uname -r shows a generic Linux Mint kernel instead of XanMod after installation, GRUB may default to the wrong kernel. List all installed kernels:
dpkg --list | grep linux-imageThe output shows both XanMod and Mint kernels. Verify GRUB’s default boot entry:
grep GRUB_DEFAULT /etc/default/grubIf set to anything other than GRUB_DEFAULT=0, GRUB may skip the newest kernel. Update GRUB to rebuild the boot menu with the XanMod kernel first:
sudo update-grubAfterward, reboot and verify XanMod loads. At the GRUB menu, you can manually select “Advanced options for Linux Mint” and choose the XanMod kernel entry if automatic selection fails.
Repository Returns 404 Error
If sudo apt update shows a 404 error for the XanMod repository, you may have used an incorrect codename. The XanMod repository uses Ubuntu codenames: noble for Mint 22.x and jammy for Mint 21.x.
Check the codename in your repository configuration:
cat /etc/apt/sources.list.d/xanmod.sourcesIf the Suites: line shows an incorrect codename, delete the file and recreate it using the correct Ubuntu codename (noble for Mint 22.x or jammy for Mint 21.x) as shown in the installation section above.
CPU Detection Script Shows Wrong Version
If the XanMod detection script reports a version that seems incorrect for your CPU, verify instruction set support manually. Check for AVX2 support (required for x64v3):
grep -o 'avx2' /proc/cpuinfo | head -n1If the output shows “avx2,” your CPU supports x64v3. If empty, your CPU only supports x64v2. You can also check SSE4.2 support (required for x64v2):
grep -o 'sse4_2' /proc/cpuinfo | head -n1When uncertain, install the x64v2 version as the safe fallback. Modern CPUs from 2015 onward almost universally support x64v3, while CPUs from 2009-2015 support x64v2.
DKMS Module Build Failures
If you see DKMS errors during kernel installation, external drivers (NVIDIA, VirtualBox, etc.) failed to build against the new kernel. Check DKMS module status:
sudo dkms statusThe output lists all DKMS modules and their build status for each kernel. Look for “Error” entries. If a module shows errors, rebuild it manually:
sudo dkms autoinstall -k $(uname -r)For NVIDIA driver issues specifically, ensure you have the latest driver version that supports your kernel. See the NVIDIA driver installation guide for Linux Mint for recommended driver installation methods. If the rebuild fails, check the build logs:
sudo cat /var/lib/dkms/*/build/make.logRepository GPG Key Errors
If apt update shows “GPG error: The following signatures couldn’t be verified,” the XanMod GPG key is missing or corrupted. Re-import the key:
wget -qO - https://dl.xanmod.org/archive.key | sudo gpg --dearmor -vo /etc/apt/keyrings/xanmod-archive-keyring.gpgNext, verify the keyring file exists and has correct permissions:
ls -lh /etc/apt/keyrings/xanmod-archive-keyring.gpgThe keyring file should be readable by all users. If permissions are wrong, fix them:
sudo chmod 644 /etc/apt/keyrings/xanmod-archive-keyring.gpgFinally, run sudo apt update again to verify the error resolves.
System Fails to Boot After Kernel Install
If your system fails to boot after installing XanMod, boot the previous working kernel from GRUB. When the system starts, hold Shift (BIOS) or Esc (UEFI) to show the GRUB menu. Select “Advanced options for Linux Mint,” then choose your previous kernel (the generic Mint kernel listed below XanMod). Once booted, remove the problematic XanMod kernel and investigate the issue before trying again.
Check system logs for boot failures:
sudo journalctl -xb -1This shows logs from the previous boot attempt. Look for kernel panics, driver failures, or hardware initialization errors that prevented the XanMod kernel from completing startup.
Conclusion
XanMod delivers aggressive performance optimizations through CPU-specific builds, low-latency scheduling, and advanced I/O enhancements that benefit gaming, multimedia production, and high-performance computing workloads. The installation covers repository setup with the correct codename for your Mint version, CPU architecture detection for optimal kernel selection, and microcode updates for Intel or AMD processors. Your Linux Mint system now runs a performance-focused kernel with optimizations targeting your specific processor generation while maintaining straightforward update and removal procedures through standard package management. For kernel-related customizations, consider exploring the GRUB Customizer to manage boot options and kernel selection preferences.