The Liquorix Kernel is the go-to alternative to the stock kernel shipped with Fedora Linux. Ideally suited for various tasks, it’s ideal for gamers, streamers, and anyone needing ultra-low latency. It comes with custom settings and numerous new features designed to increase performance and give users access to the latest Linux kernels. In the following tutorial, you will learn how to install the Liquorix Kernel on your Fedora Linux using the copr rmnscnce/kernel-lqx repository with optional how to re-install the default kernel for users that would like to switch back.
Table of Contents
Update Fedora
First, before you begin the installation, you should update your system to ensure all existing packages are up to date to avoid any conflicts.
sudo dnf upgrade --refreshInstall Liquorix Kernel
The first task is to enable the Copr repository rmnscnce/kernel-lqx. In your terminal, use the following command.
sudo dnf copr enable rmnscnce/kernel-lqx -yWith the Copr repository now enabled, you can install the Liquorix Kernel.
sudo dnf install kernel-lqxNote that you can also install optional packages.
Optional: Install kernel-lqx-devel
sudo dnf install kernel-lqx kernel-lqx-develOptional: Install kernel-lqx-headers
sudo dnf install kernel-lqx kernel-lqx-headersOptional: Install kernel-lqx-modules
sudo dnf install kernel-lqx kernel-lqx-modulesOnce installed, you need to reboot your PC, which you can quickly do in the terminal window.
rebootOnce you have returned to your system, verify the installation.
hostnamectlOr you can use the cat version command.
cat /proc/versionExample output:
For users that prefer pretty printouts install neofetch.
sudo dnf install neofetch -yPrint out your system specs using the following command.
neofetchExample output:
Remember, this version number will be different over time, and the Liquorix kernel receives updates constantly.
Additional Commands & Tips
Update Liquorix Kernel
Keeping the Liquorix kernel you installed up to date, you will run the standard dnf update and upgrade commands as you would with any other system package installed on your system with the DNF package manager.
First, you can check for updates using the following command.
sudo dnf updateIf an upgrade is available, you can begin the process as follows.
sudo dnf upgradeAlternatively, users should use the upgrade –refresh command, which is faster and more accurate than one command.
sudo dnf upgrade --refreshRemove Liquorix Kernel
First, disable the Copr repository that Liquorix was installed from.
sudo dnf copr disable rmnscnce/kernel-lqx -yExample output:
Repository successfully disabled.
Next, remove Liquourix Kernel as best as possible using the following command.
sudo dnf autoremove kernel-lqxRemember to add any additional modules such as headers or devel etc.
Next, re-install the Fedora Kernel packages.
sudo dnf reinstall kernel kernel-coreAlternatively, re-installing everything uses the following command, but I would not recommend this option.
sudo dnf reinstall kernel*Next, reboot your PC.
rebootNow back in your system, recheck the kernel version installed on your Fedora 36 system.
cat /proc/versionNext, confirm that the original kernels are installed only using the rpm -qa command.
rpm -qa | grep `uname -r`Example output:
Congratulations, you restored the original Fedora default system kernel and removed Liquorix Kernel entirely.
Troubleshooting
The best solution for users having issues after re-installing the default kernel is to use the distro-sync command even if everything looks okay. The command is good for restoring Fedora default packages and getting your system back on track, but this should be used sparingly.
sudo dnf distro-sync -yComments and Conclusion
Enabling the Liquorix COPR repository is a great way to try a new kernel on Fedora Linux. You can use simple CLI commands to enable the repo and install the kernel. If you don’t like it, you can quickly revert to the original default Fedora kernel, which the tutorial has demonstrated.
