The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Liquorix is a third-party Linux kernel tuned for interactive responsiveness, low-latency workloads and potentially steadier gaming frame times. On Ubuntu, the current first-party installation path is Liquorix’s installer script. Keep Ubuntu’s stock kernel installed so you can boot back to it if graphics, Wi-Fi, suspend, Secure Boot or DKMS modules fail.
These commands target current 64-bit Ubuntu releases. Package availability can change by Ubuntu codename, so verify the candidate shown by APT rather than relying on a hard-coded kernel version.
What Liquorix changes
Liquorix is a separately packaged kernel distribution based on Linux kernel sources with Zen-oriented configuration. Its stated focus is desktop interactivity, low-latency compute, multimedia and gaming frame-time behavior. The project’s tuning can trade some throughput or power efficiency for responsiveness; it is not a guaranteed speed or FPS upgrade. See the project’s description and current installer at liquorix.net.
Because the kernel sits below the desktop, a regression can affect graphics, NVIDIA or other DKMS modules, Wi-Fi, storage, virtualization, suspend/resume, external displays and audio. Liquorix is not Canonical’s standard Ubuntu kernel channel. Its Launchpad archive identifies the packages as unsupported PPA software: Launchpad Liquorix PPA.
#1 Best Overall
- ✅For beginners, refer image-7, its a video boot instruction, and image-6 is "boot menu Hot Key list"
- ✅16-IN-1, 64GB Bootable USB Drive 3.2 , Can Run Linux On USB Drive Without Install, All Latest versions.
- ✅Including Windows 11 64Bit & Linux Mint 22.3 (Cinnamon)、Kali 2026.02、Ubuntu 26.04、Zorin Pro 18、Tails 7.8.1、Debian 13.5.0、Garuda 2026.03、Fedora Workstation 44、Manjaro 25.06、Pop!_OS 22.04、Solus 2026.04、Archcraft 26.05、Neon 2026.06、Fossapup 9.5、Sparkylinux 8.3, All ISO has been Tested
- ✅Supported UEFI and Legacy, Compatibility any PC/Laptop, Any boot issue only needs to disable "Secure Boot"
Decide whether it fits your machine
| User or situation | Practical recommendation |
|---|---|
| Desktop user with a specific latency or responsiveness issue | Reasonable experiment, provided a stock kernel remains installed. |
| Low-latency audio or video user | Test with the actual workload, interface and drivers before adopting it. |
| Gamer expecting guaranteed higher FPS | Do not install expecting a universal FPS gain; measure frame times on your hardware. |
| Production server | Usually stay with Ubuntu’s supported kernel unless a validated requirement exists. |
| Secure Boot or DKMS-heavy workstation | Check signing and module compatibility before changing kernels. |
| New hardware on an LTS release | Consider Ubuntu HWE or OEM kernels first; they remain within Ubuntu’s support path. |
Before you install
Ubuntu documents supported release information at help.ubuntu.com. Liquorix packages have appeared for several codenames, but availability is not permanent for every release. Do not add Debian sid repositories to a normal Ubuntu installation.
Check release, architecture, kernel and space
cat /etc/os-release
uname -r
dpkg --print-architecture
mokutil --sb-state 2>/dev/null || true
df -h /boot //etc/os-releaseshows the Ubuntu release and codename.uname -ridentifies the currently running kernel.dpkg --print-architectureshould normally reportamd64on a 64-bit Intel/AMD installation.mokutil --sb-statereports Secure Boot whenmokutilis installed.- Both
/bootand the root filesystem need room for the image, modules, initramfs and headers.
Bring the existing system current first:
sudo apt update
sudo apt full-upgradeIf Ubuntu has just installed a newer stock kernel, reboot once before experimenting so you know that fallback kernel boots.
Do not remove the Ubuntu kernel. Install Liquorix alongside it, test it, and keep the stock entry under GRUB → Advanced options for Ubuntu.
Install Liquorix with the official installer
Run the published installer
sudo apt update
sudo apt install curl
curl -s 'https://liquorix.net/install-liquorix.sh' | sudo bashThe Liquorix homepage currently publishes that command for Debian, Ubuntu and Arch. The expected process is detection of the distribution, configuration of a Liquorix source, an APT refresh, installation of the image and headers, and a bootloader update; inspect the result rather than assuming every step succeeded.
Recommended Free Tools
Inspect the script first
Piping a remote response into a root shell executes whatever the server returns at that time. To review it before execution:
curl -fsSL https://liquorix.net/install-liquorix.sh -o /tmp/install-liquorix.sh
less /tmp/install-liquorix.sh
sudo bash /tmp/install-liquorix.shReading the file improves transparency but does not cryptographically prove its authenticity. If you require an inspectable repository operation, use the PPA method below and review the configured source and package signatures.
Rank #2
- 3-in-1: 16GB Multiboot USB flash drive for Ubuntu 24.04 LTS 64bit & 22.04 LTS 64bit, Lubuntu 18.04 LTS 32bit. All are LTS versions, namely, Long Terrm Support Version. The versions you received might be latest than above as we update them when we think necessary.
- Compatibility: Compatible with any brand's PC, works with both legacy BIOS and UEFI booting mode, except for Apple computers, Chromebooks and ARM-based devices.
- Popularity：Most popular linux distributions and all come with common software includes office software, web browser, image editing, multimedia, and email except Lubuntu which is desgined to targted for very old PC.
- Support: Print user guide and support available. please contact us for help if you have an issue.
- Live USB or install: You can either try on USB or install on hard drive.
Confirm packages were installed
dpkg -l | grep -i liquorixThen reboot:
sudo rebootBoot and verify Liquorix
Usually the newest installed kernel becomes GRUB’s default. If Ubuntu still starts its generic kernel, reboot and open GRUB (hold Shift on many legacy BIOS systems or press Esc repeatedly on many UEFI systems), then choose Advanced options for Ubuntu and select the Liquorix entry.
After login, verify the running kernel:
uname -rA successful boot normally contains liquorix, often with a suffix such as liquorix-amd64; the exact version changes frequently. Ubuntu’s verification workflow also uses uname -r: Ubuntu kernel testing and verification.
Install through the Launchpad PPA instead
The PPA route exposes each repository and package operation. Launchpad publishes the source as ppa:damentz/liquorix, but hosting on Launchpad does not make it Canonical-supported software.
Add the PPA and inspect candidates
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:damentz/liquorix
sudo apt update
apt policy linux-image-liquorix-amd64 linux-headers-liquorix-amd64Proceed only if APT shows a candidate for your Ubuntu codename.
Install image and headers
sudo apt install linux-image-liquorix-amd64 linux-headers-liquorix-amd64
sudo rebootAfter reboot, run uname -r. To list installed images and headers:
dpkg -l 'linux-image*' 'linux-headers*' | grep '^ii'Headers are needed by DKMS builds such as some NVIDIA, VirtualBox, VMware, ZFS, WireGuard and out-of-tree hardware modules. Matching headers do not guarantee that a module supports Liquorix.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteRank #3
- UBUNTU 24.04.3 LTS MEDIA - 16GB bootable USB with Ubuntu Desktop 24.04.3 LTS for compatible x86-64 PCs.
- LIVE OR INSTALL - On supported hardware, start the Ubuntu live environment to evaluate it or launch the installer.
- PLATFORM BOUNDARY - Not designed to boot Apple Silicon or other ARM-based computers. Confirm CPU architecture and USB-boot support before purchase.
- BOOT SETTINGS VARY - Boot-menu keys and UEFI settings differ by manufacturer; consult the computer maker's instructions if the USB is not listed.
- BACK UP BEFORE INSTALLING - Disk-partition and installation choices can erase files or operating systems. Disconnect nonessential drives and preserve the USB until it is no longer needed for installation or recovery.
Secure Boot, NVIDIA and DKMS warnings
Check Secure Boot before installation:
mokutil --sb-stateWith Secure Boot enabled, a third-party kernel or its DKMS modules may not satisfy the machine’s trust chain. Behavior depends on the Ubuntu release, firmware, shim, package signing and enrolled keys. Do not promise that Liquorix will boot unchanged, and do not disable Secure Boot without weighing the security consequence. Ubuntu’s kernel documentation warns about untested kernel builds and PPAs in Secure Boot contexts: Ubuntu kernel testing and verification.
After booting, inspect module builds with:
dkms statusA successful kernel package installation does not prove that NVIDIA, virtualization, filesystem or other proprietary modules loaded successfully. Keep the stock Ubuntu kernel available while resolving any signing or build issue.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshoot without losing your fallback
Liquorix is not shown in GRUB
Boot the stock kernel, check dpkg -l | grep -i liquorix, and confirm APT actually installed an image. If the package is present, regenerate the menu from the running stock system:
sudo update-grubIt will not boot or shows a black screen
- Choose GRUB → Advanced options for Ubuntu → Ubuntu generic kernel.
- Confirm with
uname -rthat Liquorix is no longer running. - Check the previous boot’s kernel messages:
journalctl -b -1 -k. - Check module state with
dkms status.
Do not assume reinstalling an NVIDIA driver is always the fix; the cause may be an unsigned module, DKMS failure or kernel-specific regression.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
APT reports broken packages
sudo dpkg --configure -a
sudo apt --fix-broken install
sudo apt -s install linux-image-liquorix-amd64 linux-headers-liquorix-amd64The -s simulation lets you review package changes without applying them.
/boot is full
dpkg -l 'linux-image*' | grep '^ii'
df -h /boot
uname -rRemove only old kernels that are not running and are not your final fallback. Review every proposed removal; do not blindly run broad autoremove commands.
Rank #4
- Plug & Play Ubuntu – No Tech Skills Needed: Preloaded with the latest Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS, this bootable USB lets you instantly run or install Linux without complicated setup. Just plug it in, restart your computer, and go.
- Try Ubuntu Without Installing: Run Ubuntu directly from the USB (Live Mode) without touching your current system. Perfect for testing Linux safely before committing.
- Fast USB Performance: Enjoy quick boot times and smooth performance with a high-speed drive.
- Install, Repair, or Recover Systems: Use this drive to install Ubuntu, fix broken systems, recover files, or troubleshoot computers. A powerful tool for both beginners and advanced users.
- Universal Compatiability: Compatible with most Windows PCs and Intel-based Macs. Note: Not directly compatible with ARM devices (such as Apple M1/M2/M3) without virtualization software.
Remove Liquorix safely
Boot a stock Ubuntu kernel first
Use GRUB’s Ubuntu generic, HWE or OEM entry and verify:
uname -rContinue only when the output identifies that known-good Ubuntu kernel, not Liquorix.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchEnsure a fallback kernel exists
For a standard generic track:
sudo apt install linux-image-generic linux-headers-genericHWE systems need the release-appropriate HWE metapackage instead; identify it for your Ubuntu release rather than copying a generic package name.
Simulate and purge Liquorix packages
sudo apt -s purge 'linux-*liquorix*'Proceed only if the simulation lists Liquorix packages and does not remove your fallback:
sudo apt purge 'linux-*liquorix*'
dpkg -l | grep -i liquorix || echo "No Liquorix packages remain installed"Remove the PPA and review cleanup
sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:damentz/liquorix
sudo apt update
find /etc/apt/sources.list.d -maxdepth 1 -iname '*damentz*' -print
sudo apt autoremove --dry-runReview the dry-run list before running sudo apt autoremove. Repository files may use either .list or .sources depending on the Ubuntu release.
Alternatives to a third-party kernel
- Ubuntu generic kernel: best for Canonical integration, predictable updates and broad support.
- Ubuntu HWE: a supported newer-kernel track for many LTS installations; see Ubuntu HWE documentation.
- Ubuntu OEM kernel: useful when hardware enablement is supplied through Ubuntu’s certified-device path.
- Newer Ubuntu release: often less disruptive than replacing the kernel when hardware support is the real goal.
- Custom kernel build: appropriate only when you need specific patches or configuration and accept the maintenance burden; Ubuntu documents the process at Ubuntu kernel build instructions.
Other third-party kernels should be compared by release coverage, signing model, update cadence, scheduler choices, DKMS compatibility and recovery documentation—not by an assumed universal performance ranking.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The Bottom Line
Liquorix is best treated as a reversible experiment: install it beside Ubuntu’s kernel, verify the actual workload and drivers, and retain the stock kernel until you are confident. Secure Boot, DKMS and proprietary-driver users should validate compatibility before making it their default.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
