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# Top 7 things you should do after installing Xubuntu 22.04
- URL: https://aquasp.blog/top-7-things-that-you-should-do-after-installing-xubuntu-22-04/
- Published: 2025-12-08T22:24:22.000Z
- Updated: 2025-12-11T18:27:05.000Z
- Description: Just installed Xubuntu 22.04? Here are my pro tips that you can follow to improve your experience in general.
- Author: Aquasp
- Tags: Guides

# Introduction

I recently reviewed Pop!\_OS 22.04 after using it for a long time. I loved it, but I wanted to try something else long-term and ended up choosing Ubuntu 22.04 — specifically the Xubuntu flavor with XFCE.

Whenever I install a fresh OS, there are a few things I always do to make sure the system feels snappy, performs well in games, and (on laptops) gets the best possible battery life.

Before starting any of the steps below, I strongly recommend **doing a full system upgrade**

# Install the Liquorix Kernel

Liquorix is an enthusiast Linux kernel optimized for desktop responsiveness, low-latency audio/video work, and reduced frame-time jitter in games.

The stock Ubuntu kernel is a general-purpose kernel that has to work well on both desktops and servers. Liquorix takes the same Linux kernel source and applies desktop-focused patches and build options. The result feels noticeably snappier, especially under heavy load or when alt-tabbing quickly in games.

Installing it on Ubuntu/Debian is one command:

Bash

```
curl 'https://liquorix.net/install-liquorix.sh' | sudo bash
```

Reboot afterward and you’ll be running the new kernel.

# Add the Latest Graphics Drivers

**For Nvidia users:**

Bash

```
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:graphics-drivers/ppa
sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y nvidia-driver-560 libvulkan1 libvulkan1:i386
```

**For AMD or Intel users (Kisak’s PPA – latest Mesa):**

Bash

```
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:kisak/kisak-mesa
sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
sudo apt install libgl1-mesa-dri:i386 mesa-vulkan-drivers mesa-vulkan-drivers:i386
```

Even on an older LTS release, this gives you the newest open-source drivers and Vulkan support.

# Lower Swappiness

Pop!\_OS sets vm.swappiness=10 by default (swap is only used when RAM is \~90% full). Ubuntu/Xubuntu defaults to 60, which is far too aggressive for desktop use.

Change it permanently:

Bash

```
sudo nano /etc/sysctl.conf
```

Add this line at the end:

text

```
vm.swappiness=10
```

Save and exit. The change applies immediately or on next reboot.

# Install Essential Utilities

These are the tools I install on every fresh setup:

- **Redshift** – blue-light filter
- **Flameshot** – best screenshot tool
- **AppImageLauncher** – integrates AppImages into your menu
- **Gamemode** – massive FPS improvements in many games
- **TLP** – essential for laptops (often doubles battery life)

Bash

```
sudo apt install redshift flameshot appimagelauncher gamemode tlp tlp-rdw
```

(Enable TLP if needed: sudo tlp start)

# Install Your Favorite Everyday Apps

My personal picks:

- Brave Browser (privacy-focused Chromium)
- VLC (preferably via AppImage/Flatpak/Snap to avoid heavy Qt dependencies on XFCE)
- LibreOffice

# Create Handy Aliases

Open your .bashrc:

Bash

```
nano ~/.bashrc
```

Add some useful aliases at the bottom, for example:

Bash

```
alias apply_filter='redshift -O 1900'
alias update='sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y'
alias please='sudo $(history -p !!)'    # rerun last command with sudo
```

Reload the file:

Bash

```
source ~/.bashrc
```

# Customize the Look & Feel (Optional)

Xubuntu + XFCE is extremely customizable. I run a very minimal setup and control almost everything with keyboard shortcuts. You can configure them in **Settings → Window Manager** and **Settings → Keyboard → Application Shortcuts**.

# Conclusion

The three biggest performance wins — Liquorix kernel, latest graphics drivers, and low swappiness — make a dramatic difference. Real-world example: *Life is Strange: True Colors* jumped from \~23 FPS with stuttering on stock settings to a smooth 40+ FPS after applying these changes.

If you’re getting random lags or freezes on Xubuntu/Ubuntu, try these steps first. They solve a surprising number of issues.

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