How to Install Liquorix Kernel on Ubuntu 24.04/22.04/20.04

The Liquorix Kernel is a specialized Linux kernel optimized for performance, particularly in desktop environments and for multimedia applications. By switching to Liquorix, users can experience enhanced responsiveness, lower latency, and improved performance in CPU-intensive tasks.

Why Switch to Liquorix Kernel?

• Enhanced Performance: Significant improvements in responsiveness and overall system performance.
• Lower Latency: Better handling of CPU-intensive tasks, ideal for gaming and multimedia applications.
• Optimized for Desktop Use: Fine-tuned settings for desktop environments.

Important considerations to understand before installing the alternative Linux Kernel:

• Compatibility: Designed for systems with x86_64 processor architecture. Note that it is incompatible with ARMHF or ARM64 devices like Raspberry PI.
• Security Considerations: Secure boot is not supported, so ensure to disable it in your system’s BIOS settings before installation.

With these details in mind, let’s explore how to install the Liquorix Kernel on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, or 20.04 LTS using the command-line terminal.

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 upgrade

The first command updates the package list, while the second upgrades outdated packages to their latest versions.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 -y

This command adds the Liquorix repository to your system’s sources.list file.

Next, run a quick update to refresh the APT repository cache, which must be done before the installation:

sudo apt update

Finalize 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

After the installation is complete, reboot your system to activate the newly installed Liquorix kernel:

reboot

Verify the Liquorix Kernel Installation

Once your system has restarted, you can 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/version

Example 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 Liqourix 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 update

If updates are available, use the following command to upgrade all packages, including the Liquorix kernel.

sudo apt upgrade

Remove Liqourix 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 -y

Check Liquoirx 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, a warning message may appear about not having a fallback Linux Kernel to rely on during a reboot. Selecting “No” to proceed with the removal process is essential.

Re-Install Generic Ubuntu Kernel

Once you have removed the Liquorix kernel, run the following command to ensure the generic Linux Kernel is installed. You can change this later for users who want something else.

sudo apt install linux-image-generic

Note: Alternatively, you could install the HWE Kernel to suit your Ubuntu system better for Ubuntu LTS release variants.

Reboot and Verify Restored Ubuntu Default Kernel

Now restart your PC to finalize the removal of Liquorix:

reboot

To confirm that the Liquorix kernel has been successfully removed, you can 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/version

Example output if the default kernel is restored:

Linux version x.x.x

Conclusion

We’ve walked through the steps to install the Liquorix Kernel on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, and 20.04 LTS, using the Liquorix LaunchPAD PPA for easy setup and updates. This guide aims to enhance your system’s performance, particularly for gaming and intensive applications. Remember, Liquorix is best suited for x86_64 architectures and requires secure boot to be disabled. Keep an eye on kernel updates through the PPA to maintain optimal performance. Thanks for following along, and enjoy a faster Ubuntu experience! For more details, visit the Liquorix Kernel website.