Perform a clean install if you want to run the OS on a computer or vitual machine; or to restore a system that has been corrupted; or to upgrade the OS from a prior LTS.
Please read the disclaimer before proceeding. We review and update guided solutions like this regularly. If you have suggestions or requests, please write support@kfocus.org.
The Kubuntu Focus Suite provides Kubuntu 22.04 LTS, Focus Tools, curated apps, UX preferences, and hardware optimizations. It is designed to provide a highly functional experience out-of-the-box with easily discoverable Guided Solutions professional developers need the most.
You don’t need to own a Focus to try or use the Kubuntu Focus Suite. You can download the ISO for free. It is tested on all Focus models sold since 2019. It also works well on VMs, on other Intel + Nvidia systems,[1], and users have reported success with AMD systems as well.
The Kubuntu Focus Suite is designed, tested, and supported on Kubuntu Focus devices.
F2
to enter the BIOS screen. Select Boot Manager
in the top center menu list, and then select the USB drive from which to boot. There should be only one USB drive, and the name will change depending on which brand drive you use.Start Kubuntu
option and press Enter
. After about a minute, the system should present you with a graphical menu to Try or Install Kubuntu. If this does not occur after 2 minutes, try again with the Start Kubuntu (safe graphics)
option.Try Kubuntu
.Install Kubuntu
. Follow the instructions on the screen.Normal installation
and Download updates while installing Kubuntu
, and leave other options unchecked (see screenshot). The system will later guide you to install third-party drivers for the GPU if needed.Guided - use entire disk
for unencrypted disks and Guided - use entire disk and set up encrypted LVM
for full-disk encryption. If you choose the latter, DO NOT FORGET THE PASSWORD YOU CREATE, as it cannot be recovered.VM Settings > General > Disk Encryption
.We recommend using the Kubuntu Focus Suite ISO on Intel and NVIDIA systems. Please run a live session before committing to an installation, and always back up your data. Known issues include the following:
This is a partial revision history. See the git
repository for all entries.
2022-12-14 984993c4
Link to clean-install backup recommendations2022-07-11 19b39e5a
Add 22.04 Known Issues2022-06-20 abff0762
Add 22.04 LTS details2022-01-24 e6c509c6
Add option details and images to ISO guide2021-10-25 7bf9f4a5
Remove VM and use ISO exclusively2021-10-10 5728326e
Reformat to 2-column2021-09-22 dc862884
Update link and headline colors2021-08-23 681261b4
Review and update codeblocks2021-06-09 ef3ea572
Open external links in new tabs2021-04-22 5109fae2
Update to use ISO for this solution2021-01-11 dcc9c438
Add install-focal.sh script2020-06-10 c4ed9299
Restructure layout2020-05-20 f776dc20
Remove proprietary install option2020-04-20 8959836b
Use apt-get, streamline process2020-04-20 7b06252b
First publication2020-04-14 5a096eb3
Clarify VM use[1] The Kubuntu Focus team uses the Suite regularly on over a dozen different hardware configurations. These include the official models (M1, M2, and XE), six other laptops, and multiple desktop systems.
[2] The Live environment does not have the NVIDIA drivers installed and, as such, cannot perform advanced GPU-intensive tasks, such as machine learning and AI development. To use these features, the Kubuntu Focus Suite and the kfocus-nvidia
package must be installed on a Kubuntu Focus M1 or M2 system.
We try hard to provide a useful solution validated by professionals. However, we cannot anticipate every situation, and therefore cannot guarantee this procedure will work for your needs. Always backup your data and test the solution to determine the correct procedure for you.
THIS SOLUTION IS PROVIDED BY THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND CONTRIBUTORS “AS IS” AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COPYRIGHT OWNER OR CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOLUTION, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.