How to Install Liquorix Kernel on Linux Mint 21 or 20

For those looking to boost their system’s performance on Linux Mint, installing the Liquorix Kernel on Linux Mint 21 or its older stable release, Linux Mint 20, could be a game-changer. The Liquorix Kernel, derived from the Zen kernel, is engineered for speed and efficiency, making it an attractive alternative to the default Linux kernel. Here’s what sets the Liquorix Kernel apart:

  • Performance Optimization: Tailored for desktop and gaming, it ensures a smoother and more responsive user experience.
  • Reduced Latency: Incorporates the MuQSS scheduler for lower latency, enhancing interactivity and multimedia performance.
  • Efficient Memory Management: Features the BMQ scheduler for better memory handling, leading to reduced memory footprint.
  • Power Saving: Includes optimizations that can prolong battery life and decrease power usage.
  • Up-to-Date Hardware Support: Regularly updated to support the latest hardware.
  • Frequent Updates: Receives updates more often than the default kernel, providing the latest features and fixes.
  • Simplified Installation: Easy to install and maintain through the official Liquorix PPA.

With these compelling features, the Liquorix Kernel is tailored for those who prioritize performance and efficiency. The following guide will provide detailed instructions on how to install the Liquorix Kernel on your Linux Mint system, ensuring you get the most out of your computing experience.

Liquorix Kernel only supports x86_64 processor architecture. Liquorix Kernel does not support secure boot.

Import Liquorix Kernel PPA on Linux Mint 21 or 20

Step 1: Update Linux Mint Before Liquorix Kernel Installation

Before diving into the installation process, ensuring your system is up-to-date is crucial, minimizing potential conflicts. To update all packages, execute the following command:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Next, confirm that the necessary packages are installed on your Linux Mint system. You can do this by running the command below:

sudo apt install dirmngr ca-certificates software-properties-common apt-transport-https curl -y

Step 2: Import the Liquorix Kernel PPA

As the introduction mentions, this guide demonstrates how to install the Liquorix Kernel directly from the Ubuntu Launchpad PPA. This method ensures faster updates and compatibility. To import the appropriate version for your distribution, execute the following command:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:damentz/liquorix -y

If successful, you should see the following output in your terminal:

You are about to add the following PPA:
 Liquorix is a distro kernel replacement built using the best configuration and kernel sources for desktop, multimedia, and gaming workloads.

Website: https://liquorix.net
Package Source: https://github.com/damentz/liquorix-package
Kernel Source: https://github.com/zen-kernel/zen-kernel
 More info: https://launchpad.net/~damentz/+archive/ubuntu/liquorix
gpg: keybox '/etc/apt/keyrings/A7654D8BAB1824F4D8F4E9D19352A0B69B72E6DF.keyring' created
gpg: key 9352A0B69B72E6DF: public key "Launchpad PPA for Steven Barrett" imported
gpg: Total number processed: 1
gpg:               imported: 1

After adding the repository, run an APT update command to synchronize the new addition with your APT package manager:

sudo apt update

Install Liquorix Kernel on Linux Mint 21 or 20

Step 1: Install Liquorix Kernel via APT Command

Now, it’s time to install the Liquorix Kernel. Open your terminal and enter the following command to initiate the installation process:

sudo apt-get install linux-image-liquorix-amd64 linux-headers-liquorix-amd64

Step 2: Reboot System To Finalize Installation

After the installation is complete, reboot your system to finalize the process:

reboot

Step 3: Confirm Liquorix Installation on Linux Mint

Once your system restarts, verify that the Liquorix Kernel has been installed correctly by executing this command:

cat /proc/version

Example with Neofetch:

Screenshot showing the Liquorix Kernel successfully installed on Linux Mint.
Confirmation of Liquorix Kernel installation on Linux Mint, as seen in the terminal.

Additional Commands For Liquorix Kernel on Linux Mint 21 or 20

Remove Liquorix Kernel From Linux Mint

If you remove the Liquorix Kernel from your system, follow the steps below. Keep the commands in pretty command boxes and use appropriate headings and formatting.

Step 1: Remove the Liquorix Kernel Repository

First, remove the repository from which you installed the Liquorix Kernel. Execute the following command:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:damentz/liquorix -y

If successful, you should see the following output in your terminal:

You are about to remove the following PPA:
 Liquorix is a distro kernel replacement built using the best configuration and kernel sources for desktop, multimedia, and gaming workloads.

Website: https://liquorix.net
Package Source: https://github.com/damentz/liquorix-package
Kernel Source: https://github.com/zen-kernel/zen-kernel
 More info: https://launchpad.net/~damentz/+archive/ubuntu/liquorix

Step 2: Uninstall the Liquorix Kernel

Next, use the command below to remove the Liquorix Kernel from your system:

sudo apt autoremove *liquorix* --purge

During the removal process, you might see a warning prompt in your terminal console:

Terminal prompt message detailing how to remove the Liquorix Kernel from Linux Mint.
Terminal screenshot showing how to uninstall Liquorix Kernel from Linux Mint.

This warning indicates that you may not have an older kernel to fall back on. If you have already removed and cleaned other kernels, make sure to reinstall the Linux kernel using the following command:

sudo apt install linux-image-generic

Neglecting to do this may result in an unbootable system.

Step 3: Update GRUB and Initramfs

Ensure that update-grub and initramfs commands are executed in the correct order:

sudo update-initramfs -u && sudo update-grub

Step 4: Restart Your System

Restart your PC to finalize the Liquorix Kernel removal:

reboot

Step 5: Verify the Removal

After your system restarts, verify that the Liquorix Kernel has been successfully removed by running:

cat /proc/version

Conclusion

In summary, installing the Liquorix kernel on Linux Mint can significantly improve your system’s overall performance, responsiveness, and hardware compatibility. With its advanced features and optimizations, the Liquorix kernel offers a compelling alternative to the default Linux kernel, tailored for desktop and gaming environments. By following the provided guide, Linux Mint users can easily switch to the Liquorix kernel and take advantage of its benefits, enhancing their computing experience.

Leave a Comment


Your Mastodon Instance
Share to...