The Liquorix Kernel optimizes desktop Linux to improve responsiveness for everyday workloads, multimedia, and gaming. It builds on the ZEN patchset with low-latency tuning, BFQ as the default I/O scheduler, a 1000Hz timer, compressed swap with LZ4, TCP BBR2 congestion control, and multigenerational LRU memory management to keep Ubuntu desktops snappy under load.
This guide shows how to install Liquorix from the official Launchpad PPA, verify that the new kernel is active, and roll back to Ubuntu’s default kernel if needed. Liquorix only supports x86_64 systems and requires Secure Boot disabled in BIOS settings because the custom kernel lacks Microsoft’s UEFI key signatures. The kernel provides a drop-in replacement for Ubuntu’s stock configuration, preserving existing hardware support, virtualization features, and driver compatibility while shifting the focus toward desktop responsiveness. For upstream release notes and configuration details, refer to the Liquorix website, the Liquorix Launchpad PPA, and the Liquorix Debian packaging repository.
Choose Your Ubuntu Kernel Option
Ubuntu offers multiple kernel options beyond the default GA 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| HWE Kernel | Hardware enablement and LTS support | Desktop systems, recent hardware on LTS releases, balanced stability with newer drivers | Slightly more frequent updates than GA kernel, still conservative compared to performance kernels |
| Zabbly Kernel | Mainline upstream tracking with minimal patches | Bleeding-edge hardware support, kernel developers, testing upstream features before Ubuntu integration | Rapid update cycle, less testing than Ubuntu kernels, potential instability |
| XanMod Kernel | Performance optimization and gaming | Gaming rigs, multimedia workstations, AMD Ryzen/Intel latest-gen CPUs, Wine/Proton users | Custom patches may conflict with some hardware, Secure Boot unsupported |
| Liquorix Kernel | Desktop responsiveness and low latency | Audio production, real-time applications, desktop users prioritizing responsiveness over server stability | Optimized for desktop workloads only, Secure Boot unsupported, limited to x86_64 |
The HWE kernel strikes a balance between stability and hardware support, making it ideal for desktop LTS installations that need newer drivers without full distribution upgrades. Zabbly tracks mainline kernel development with minimal modifications, delivering upstream features and hardware support as they land in stable releases. XanMod applies extensive performance patches targeting gaming and high-performance computing, while Liquorix focuses on desktop responsiveness and multimedia workloads with low-latency optimizations.
Production servers should favor Ubuntu’s default GA kernel or the HWE kernel for tested stability and enterprise support. Performance-focused kernels like XanMod and Liquorix trade thorough testing for cutting-edge optimizations, making them better suited for workstations, development machines, and non-critical systems where you can tolerate occasional instability in exchange for performance gains.
Update Ubuntu Before Liquorix Kernel Installation
Before we begin the installation process, ensuring that your system is up to date with the latest packages is essential. To do this, execute the following commands in your terminal:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgradeThe first command updates the package list, while the second upgrades outdated packages to their latest versions.
Import the Liquorix Kernel PPA
The Liquorix Kernel team offers support through a Liquorix Launchpad PPA (Personal Package Archive), making installing and maintaining the kernel easy. Run the following command to import the Liquorix Kernel PPA:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:damentz/liquorix -yThis command adds the Liquorix repository to your system’s sources.list file.
Next, run a quick update to refresh the APT repository cache before proceeding with installation:
sudo apt updateFinalize Liquorix Kernel Installation via APT Command
Now that the Liquorix Kernel PPA is available on your system, you can start the installation process. Use the following command to install the Liquorix kernel:
sudo apt install linux-image-liquorix-amd64 linux-headers-liquorix-amd64After the installation completes, reboot your system to activate the newly installed Liquorix kernel:
sudo rebootVerify the Liquorix Kernel Installation
Once your system restarts, verify that the Liquorix kernel is active by checking the output of the /proc/version file. Use the following command to display its contents:
cat /proc/versionExample output:
Linux version x.x.x-x-liquorix-amd64
The output should display the Liquorix kernel version, which may vary depending on the current version available in the PPA.
Additional Liquorix Kernel Commands
Update Liquorix Kernel
To ensure that the Liquorix kernel remains up-to-date, you should periodically run the apt update and upgrade commands, as you used the APT package manager to install the kernel.
Run the command “apt update” to check for updates on packages managed by APT.
sudo apt updateIf the system finds updates, use the following command to upgrade all packages, including the Liquorix kernel.
sudo apt upgradeRemove Liquorix Kernel
Remove Liquorix Kernel PPA
If you have decided not to continue using the Liquorix kernel and wish to remove the PPA, use the following command.
sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:damentz/liquorix -yCheck Liquorix Installed Packages
Note that you must specify the exact name of the Linux image and header package to remove them. You can find the names by running the following command.
dpkg --list | grep "$(uname -r)"
Remove Liquorix Kernel
To remove the kernel packages, use the provided command, which should cover all versions of Liquorix. However, modify the command to match the kernel version in your output if necessary.
sudo apt-get autoremove 'linux-image-*liquorix-amd64' 'linux-headers-*liquorix-amd64' --purge
While removing the Liquorix Kernel, you may encounter a prompt asking for confirmation to proceed with the removal.
During the removal process for the Liquorix Kernel, you may see a warning about lacking a fallback kernel for the next reboot. Select “No” so the removal can continue and you can install the generic Ubuntu kernel afterward.
Re-Install Generic Ubuntu Kernel
Once you have removed the Liquorix kernel, run the following command to ensure the generic Linux Kernel is installed:
sudo apt install linux-image-genericAlternatively, install the HWE Kernel for newer hardware enablement on Ubuntu LTS releases, or try XanMod or Zabbly if you want different performance characteristics.
Reboot and Verify Restored Ubuntu Default Kernel
Now restart your PC to finalize the removal of Liquorix:
sudo rebootTo confirm successful Liquorix kernel removal, check the installed kernel version using a command like “cat /proc/version” and compare the output to the version of the Liquorix kernel you had previously installed.
cat /proc/versionExample output confirming the default kernel restoration:
Linux version x.x.x
If you encounter kernel-specific bugs, driver build issues, or hardware quirks while running Liquorix on Ubuntu, you can search and post in the dedicated Liquorix Kernel support forum. For low-level kernel changes and ZEN patchset updates, consult the upstream Zen Kernel sources and the Liquorix release feed for version history and changelog entries.
Conclusion
The Liquorix Kernel delivers low-latency desktop performance optimized for multimedia workloads, gaming, and real-time audio production through aggressive preemption tuning and scheduler modifications. The installation process covers PPA repository import, kernel package installation, verification commands, and complete rollback procedures including alternative kernel options. Your Ubuntu system now runs a responsiveness-focused kernel that prioritizes interactive desktop performance over server-grade stability, with regular updates maintained through the official Launchpad PPA. For technical documentation and upstream development details, visit the Liquorix Kernel website.