This guide walks you through replacing Ubuntu’s default kernel with the Liquorix performance‑focused version for releases 22.10, 22.04 LTS, and 20.04 LTS. After backing up data and confirming your distribution, it adds the PPA repository, updates package lists, installs the appropriate linux-generic-liquorix-amd64 package (or i386 for 32‑bit), then verifies the new kernel with uname before rebooting to activate it. Optional tweaks such as adding intel_idle.max_cstate=1 to GRUB can reduce stutter, and if problems arise you can simply boot an older kernel from GRUB’s Advanced options menu. Overall the instructions are straightforward with no compilation steps, letting users enjoy smoother gameplay and lower temperatures without risking data loss.

Install Liquorix Kernel on Ubuntu 22.10/22.04/20.04: A Practical Guide

If you’ve ever felt your laptop hiccup during a game or video stream, chances are the stock kernel is doing more harm than good. Here’s how to swap in Liquorix, a lightweight, performance‑focused kernel that keeps Ubuntu running smooth.

Why Switch to Liquorix?

Liquorix strips out unnecessary drivers and patches the Linux kernel for better real‑time performance. I’ve seen it turn an over‑heating gaming rig into a quiet, efficient machine—no more random freezes when you hit that “run” button.

Prerequisites & Backup

1. Back up important data – Kernel changes are low risk but better safe than sorry.

2. Make sure you’re on a supported Ubuntu release (22.10, 22.04 LTS or 20.04 LTS).

Adding the Liquorix Repository

Open a terminal and paste:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:liquorix/ppa

The PPA hosts pre‑compiled binaries for each Ubuntu version, so you don’t have to compile from source.

Updating Package Lists

Run:

sudo apt update

This refreshes the index so your system knows about the new kernel packages.

Installing Liquorix Kernel Packages

For Ubuntu 22.10 (Jammy) or 20.04/22.04 (Focal), use:

sudo apt install linux-generic-liquorix-amd64

If you’re on a 32‑bit system (rare today), swap amd64 for i386.

Why the long package name? It tells APT exactly which kernel image and headers to pull in, keeping everything tidy.

Confirming the Install

After installation completes, check the current kernel:

uname -r

You should see something like 5.15.0-1002-liquorix-amd64. If you still see the old generic label, the new kernel isn’t active yet.

Reboot and Verify

Restart your machine:

sudo reboot

Once back in, run uname -r again. You should now see the Liquorix version. If you prefer to stay on the old kernel for a while, you can manually select it from the GRUB menu during boot.

Tweaking Settings (Optional)

Liquorix ships with a low‑latency scheduler out of the box. If you want to tweak performance further, edit /etc/default/grub and append intel_idle.max_cstate=1 to GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT. Then run:

sudo update-grub

This reduces power‑saving states that sometimes cause stutters.

Getting Back In Case Things Go Wrong

If the new kernel crashes or behaves oddly, just boot into the previous version from GRUB’s “Advanced options” submenu. The old Ubuntu kernel remains installed until you explicitly remove it.

That’s all there is to it—no mysterious compile steps or root‑kit headaches. Give Liquorix a try; your system will thank you with fewer pauses and cooler temps.