Liquorix Linux Kernel 7.1-13 Adds Threaded IRQs by Default
The enthusiast kernel tracks Linux 7.1.8, with maintainer Steven Barrett flipping the switch on threaded interrupt handling to cut latency spikes for gaming and audio workloads.
Liquorix has pushed Linux Kernel 7.1-13, and the headline change is exactly what it sounds like: threaded IRQs are now enabled by default. If you're running the stock Debian or Ubuntu kernel, you're probably used to interrupt handlers running synchronously within the interrupt context. That's changing here.
The idea is simple enough. Long-running interrupt handlers no longer block other kernel tasks. The result? Smoother responsiveness under heavy I/O loads. It's one of those kernel features that sounds minor on paper until you're trying to keep a sample rate locked during a recording session and the system stutters.
Head here to the GitHub repo for the full changelog and package details.
Project-C Scheduler Keeps Evolving
Beyond the IRQ change, the 7.1 series is still chasing the Project-C scheduler. It's a heavily modified fork of the Completely Fair Scheduler that pulls ideas from PDS, BMQ, and other enthusiast schedulers.
Recent releases have packed in optimization series. The 7.1-12 release brought fork-aware runtime accounting and hrtick tuning. The 7.1-13 build followed up on that with the threaded IRQ switch. Project-C remains the primary differentiator between Liquorix and the stock Zen kernel, and this release continues that trajectory.
The kernel targets three things: A/V production, gaming, and desktop multimedia. To get there, Liquorix applies Zen Interactive Tuning, which optimizes block layers, VM subsystems, CPU frequency, and scheduling. It keeps the 1000Hz tick rate. It uses Kyber for multiqueue and BFQ for single-queue I/O. TCP BBR2 is the default congestion control. Preemptible RCU is active. Hard kernel preemption is the mode.
If you need the latest in low-latency kernel tuning, the long wait is over. Ubuntu packages for Stonking, Resolute, Noble, and Jammy are published. Questing is still pending.
Installation and Build System
You can get this kernel on Debian Stable, Testing, and Unstable. Ubuntu support is broad, covering Stonking (26.10), Resolute (26.04), Questing (25.10), Noble (24.04), and Jammy (22.04).
AMD64 only. If you're on ARM64, this build won't help you.
Barrett uses Docker-based reproducible builds. You get clean containers with no host contamination. Build variables like PROCS default to half your available cores. Optional GPG signing of packages is disabled by default if no key is configured.
To install on Debian, Ubuntu, or Arch Linux you can run the one-liner script:
curl -s 'https://liquorix.net/install-liquorix.sh' | sudo bash
The 7.1 series has been maturing since the switch to Linux 7.1 in release 7.1-1 on July 13, 2026. With upstream stable points from 7.1.4 through 7.1.8 merged in, this build is solid enough for production desktop use.
