Kubuntu Focus: Clean Install Guided Solution

Clean Install

Kubuntu Focus Suite 24.04 LTS

Perform a clean install if you want to run the OS on a computer or virtual machine; restore a system that has been corrupted; or to upgrade the OS from a prior LTS.

The Kubuntu Focus Suite
Check Requirements
Prepare Install
Begin Install
Partition Disks
Finish Install
Configure Multi-Disk
Start the Installed OS
Known Issues
Abridged Changelog
Revisions
Footnotes
Disclaimer

Get convenience, performance, and reliability.
Validated on Kubuntu Focus hardware.

Please read the disclaimer before proceeding. We review and update guided solutions regularly. If you have suggestions or requests, please write support@kfocus.org.

As the name suggests, KFS 24.04 LTS is a system image that provides the Kubuntu 24.04 LTS OS and a suite of software that adds convenience, performance, and reliability features that are impractical to add to Kubuntu directly:

Validated Updates help ensure your Focus system just keeps working
Hardware Configuration subsystem ensures features like sound and camera work optimally on Focus hardware
Kubuntu Focus Tools like the Welcome Wizard and System Rollback make hard tasks easy
Curated Apps help you find, install, and run recommended software in seconds
Guided Solutions deliver current and accurate HOWTOs that you can rely on

KFS 24.04 LTS is the latest recommended and supported system image for Focus hardware. It was extensively validated and approved for all Focus models shipped since 2019. It is also continuously validated on all models sold within the last 3 years. See the Support Matrix for more details.

While we can’t validate for all other hardware, VMs and other devices can still benefit from the substantial testing, sophisticated tools, curated apps, and expert articles^[1].

Get highly-tested and robust Kubuntu Focus Tools.

Check Requirements

Laptop and Desktop Systems

The minimum system requirements for physical hardware is the same as for all official flavors of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, as shown here. You should have the following to proceed:

8 GB or larger USB flash drive for the installer media
2 GHz dual-core processor
4096 MiB RAM
25 GB of storage space (SSD, USB stick, memory card, or external drive)
3D acceleration-capable GPU or iGPU with at least 256 MB of VRAM
1024x768 or higher resolution display
Internet access (recommended but not required)

Virtual Machines

The system requirements for virtual machines are similar to the requirements for physical devices. Here is some additional advice when using VirtualBox:

You will not need a USB flash drive. Instead, the VM can mount the ISO file directly.
VirtualBox 7: When creating a new machine, click on NEW and then specify all the machine settings EXCEPT for the KFS ISO file. Instead, give the system a name, use the default folder, and specify Type: Linux and Version: Ubuntu (64-bit). The ISO Image: field should show <not selected>. Press the Next button to proceed.
For a testing VM, we recommend allocating 4.0 GB of RAM, 24-32 GB of disk, and 4-8 CPU threads. Also, please enable EFI boot using, for example, Settings > System > Motherboard > Enable EFI.
If you enable 3D acceleration for the VM, you may notice a message displayed during boot similar to: *ERROR* vmwgfx seems to be running on an unsupported hypervisor ... *ERROR* This configuration is likely broken. These messages can be safely ignored.

Prepare Install

Back up any existing data! Even if you plan to reuse the /home partition, mistakes happen. This guide shows important data we recommend you back up, just in case.
Download the current ISO image to get the latest features and minimize the need for package updates.
Use the ISO Verification Guide to verify the ISO image integrity.
If you are installing to hardware, burn the ISO to a bootable USB flash drive (>= 8 GB). This can be done using Ubuntu (or a flavor thereof), Windows, or macOS. All Kubuntu Focus computers ship with a blank USB flash drive that can be used for this purpose.
If you are installing to VirtualBox, it will prompt you to select the ISO file when you first start the VM.

Begin Install

If you are installing to VirtualBox, power-on the VM and provide the path to the ISO file when prompted.
If you are installing to hardware:
- Power-off the computer and remove any flash drives
- Insert the USB flash drive into a USB type A port.
- Power-on the computer and immediately and repeatedly tap [F7] to see the BIOS list of bootable disks. If this doesn't work, you might tap [F2] or [ESC] and select the boot drive in the BIOS. In either case, boot from the USB flash drive. The name of this drive will depend on the brand of drive you use.
Within 5 seconds of booting, the system will display a black-and-white GRUB menu. Allow the system to proceed with the default Try or Install Kubuntu option.
After about a minute, the system should present you with a graphical menu with [Try Kubuntu] and [Install Kubuntu] options. If this does not occur after 2 minutes, reboot the system and try using the Start Kubuntu (safe graphics) option.

Test the Kubuntu Focus Suite before install.

Click [Try Kubuntu]. The Live Boot environment will start with a full Kubuntu desktop.
Check that Wi-Fi, displays, and other key capabilities work as you expect before proceeding. This is especially importantif you are not using a Kubuntu Focus system.
If everything is working as expected^[2], double-click on Install Kubuntu 24.04 LTS. Follow the instructions on the screen.
If your system has multiple disks, a pop-up will recommend you install the OS in OEM mode. This allows you to create or reuse a secondary disk as a /home or /srv/data mount. If this is desirable, click [ Yes ]. Otherwise, click [ No ].

Use OEM mode when installing on a system with multiple disks.

Please use this option if you wish to install or reuse a second disk for the /home or /srv/data partition. If you need something more complex, you can use manual partitioning, which is discussed below.
The installer app window should now appear. Follow the instructions below.

Step 1: Select your language, and click [Next].

Step 2: Select your timezone, and click [Next].

Step 3: Configure your keyboard layout, and click [Next].

When you reach the “Partitions” page of the installer, please proceed to next section of this document for assistance.

Partition Disks

Default Partitioning

Step 4a: Quickly set up your disk with default partitioning.

When presented with the Partitions screen, if you have a single-disk system, we recommend you select the Erase disk option and use the defaults. This option also works if you have chosen to install in OEM mode and have a second disk, as discussed in the previous section.
If you want full-disk encryption, enable the Encrypt system checkbox in the lower half of the installer window. You will need to provide a secure passphrase. DO NOT FORGET THE PASSPHRASE YOU CREATE, as it cannot be recovered.
If you accept the defaults, please proceed to the next section. If you need a more complex storage topology, for example to reuse a prior /home partition on a single disk, please continue to “Manual Partitioning”.

Manual Partitioning

Step 4b: Use Manual Partitioning for more complex storage needs.

On the Partitions screen, select Manual partitioning.
Select the disk you wish to install Kubuntu onto using the Storage device drop-down at the top of the screen. If the installer shows partitions already on the disk, make sure this is the correct disk!
If you wish to use the recommended System Rollback tool, please create the first 3 partitions exactly as specified in the Partitions for System Rollback table below.
Create more partitions as desired. Please keep this advice in mind:
- Many people like to keep /home on a separate partition so they can reinstall the OS without touching their data. Others like to mount a data disk in a location like /srv/data.
- We recommend using the EXT4 file system if you need fast and reliable storage.
- Consider using the BTRFS file system ONLY if you want snapshots AND you know how to manage this file system. Otherwise, please stick with EXT4.
- The System Rollback tool will NOT snapshot any partitions besides the root file system (/), and /boot. No other partitions are snapshotted, even if they are BTRFS.
Click Next to proceed with your chosen partition layout.

Partitions for System Rollback
Mount Point	File System	Size	Can be Encrypted?	Optional Label	Flags
`/boot/efi`	`FAT32`	300 MiB	NO		`boot`
`/boot`	`BTRFS`	4 GiB	NO	kfocus_boot
`/`	`BTRFS`	Min: 32 GiB Prefer: > 120	Yes	kfocus_2404
Do NOT change the size of any partition where an exact size is specified. Use ONLY the file system type specified for each partition.

Finish Install

Step 5: Set your name, username, computer name, password, and whether you want to enable autologin. Then click [Next].

Step 6: Review the changes that will be made when installing Kubuntu. Click [Install] if you are satisfied.

Step 7: Click [Install Now] to begin the installation.

Step 8: Wait for the installation to complete. It should take about 15 minutes.

Step 9: When the installation is finished, click [Done] to reboot.

Configure Multi-Disk

If you have multiple disks and proceeded with the OEM install mode, this section will be relevant. Otherwise, it does not apply and you may skip to the next section.

Once you boot into OEM mode, the desktop will appear. You should see the “Multi-Disk Configuration Tool” (the MDCT), which you will want to use now to set up your second disk. The MDCT is available only while in OEM configuration mode.

Prepare a secondary disk with the <b>Multi-Disk Configuration Tool</b>.

Prepare a secondary disk with the Multi-Disk Configuration Tool.

The MDCT provides the option to use one of the disks to store user home directories or general data. You may erase and reformat the disk, or reuse it and keep the existing data.

You can easily reuse a disk with existing data.

If the root disk is unencrypted, then the MDCT requires that any secondary disk also be unencrypted. If you are trying to reuse an encrypted secondary disk, make sure to install the OS with encryption enabled.

After the disks are set up, the system will reconfigure itself for the hardware and then offer to reboot. Please reboot immediately as suggested. After a reboot and a return to the desktop, you may see the first run wizard, which you should ignore. Double click Prepare for Shipping icon in the top-left corner of the desktop to finalize the setup. Then reboot. You will be guided through setting up your user account at startup.

Start the Installed OS

On first boot and sign-in, the desktop will appear. If you did not install using OEM mode, the system will reconfigure itself for the hardware and then offer to reboot. Please reboot immediately as suggested, and then sign-in again.
The Welcome Wizard will appear. This can help you install useful restricted and optional software.
If you are using disk encryption, the Wizard will ask you to check and secure the passphrase. You can always return to this later from Start Menu > Kubuntu Focus Tools > Disk Passphrase Changer.
If you want to close the Wizard for good, navigate to the last page called “Finish” and click on [ > Finish ]. You can always return to this wizard later by clicking Start Menu > Kubuntu Focus Tools > Welcome Wizard.
Remember to regularly update software packages as shown here.

Change the encryption passphrase in the Welcome Wizard.

Known Issues

All software has bugs and limitations. Before you proceed, please review the following known issues. Always back up your data before install. If you are not running on supported Focus hardware, also run a live session to verify compatibility before proceeding.

The Kubuntu Focus Suite is configured and optimized for Kubuntu Focus hardware (prior and current models). If you have different hardware, these may not apply.
Kubuntu 24.04 "Noble Numbat" Known Issues

Abridged Changelog

kfocus-apt-source

Use Thunderbird and Mozilla deb packages (#4120)
Add pins for Firefox, Thunderbird deb package (#4120)
Add trusted keys (#4288,4120)
Exclude troublesome WSLU for default browser (#4120)
Prevent Snap override Firefox, Thunderbird (#4120)
Update repos for Noble (#4120, #4085)

kfocus-calamares-settings

calamares-settings: Add branding (#4240)
calamares-settings: Change the UID of the OEM user to 60999 (#4013)
Enable KFocus customizations after user creation (#4013)
Rationalize root and kfocus_boot BTRFS (#4222)
Enable discard and LZO compression on BTRFS (#4222)
Enable discard on LUKS (#4222)
Brand-Match color scheme (#4288)
Refine theming and wallpaper in OEM mode (#4288)
Prepare desktop file (#4288)
Run Calamares in windowed mode with sensible values (#4288)
welcome.png: Brand first slide for end-user setup (#4288)

kfocus-firstrun-bin

Update welcome wizard font page images, noble numbat (#4324)
Add welcome wizard rollback guidance (#4311,4288)
Remove the Plasma Welcome Center from the wizard (#4288)
Update images for Noble (#4311)
Update Thunderbird logo (#4085)
Confirm internet with nslookup (#4324)

kfocus-hw

Add patched kernel support parameter (#4333)
Add boot param for per-model (#4333,4222)
Update all hints widget branding, fonts, content (#3939)
Improve unique badges for Noble Numbat (#3939)
Add new model hardware configs (#4222)
Add missing chevron to banner image (#3939)
Moved common widget panes to kfocus-main (#4085)
Update kubuntu bug, add touchpad toggle (#3939)
Package IDE installer for distributions (#4288)

kfocus-installer-prompt

Port kubuntu-installer-prompt to KFocus (#4288)
Adjust colors, fonts, and themes (#4288)

kfocus-linux-meta

Release for Kubuntu Focus (#4333)
Upstream Ubuntu linux-meta 6.8.0-36.36
Backport ITMT Support from 6.10

kfocus-main

Auth: Use human readable Crypt auth msg (#4277)
Auth: Use human readable Curated Apps auth msg (#4277)
Autostart: Centralize configs to common (#4085)
Hints Widget: Move common widget panes to main (#4085)
Hints Widget: Update all panel fonts and colors (#3939)
Hints Widget: Update kubuntu bug, add touchpad toggle (#3939)
Icons: Remove most pixmap raster icons (#4240)
Icons: Update 9 SVGs (#4240)
Icons: Update for terminal: kfocus-bug-rx, kfocus-bug-welcome (#4240)
Libs: Add new-model support (#4222)
Libs: Add support for showing combo boxes to the user (#4013)
Libs: Remove extraneous punctuation iin Whiptail UI (#4013)
Various: Add human readable auto prompts (#4342)
Various: Add system-level FocusRx dbus messaging (#4085,3476)
bin/kfocus-shrinkpdf: Enhance per package audit (#4222)
bin/kfocus-vidsync: Update comment only (#4085)
conf/etc_bash_completion.d_kfocus (#4085)
control: Add depends on kernel packages (#4085)
control: Add depends on kfocus-wallpapers (#4240)
control: Adjust Recommends to use kfocus-qwe instead of QWE (#4085)
control: Block WSLU install as www-browser which breaks install (#4182)
control: Drop obsolete transitional package kfocus-001-main (#4085)
control: Recommend vlc package, confirmed pulls in all libs (#4085)
control: Replace pcmemtest with memtest86+ (#4085)
control: Review all recommends (#4085)
control: Update manpages (#4318)
etc/bash_completion.d/kfocus: Simplify symlink (#4085)
kfocus-extra: Adjust default options (#4085)
kfocus-extra: Remove older wallpapers (#4085)
kfocus-fix-ibus: Use common libs (#4322)
kfocus-focusrx-set: Add new-model logic and support (#4222)
kfocus-focusrx: Adjust low boot space message (#4222)
kfocus-focusrx: Ensure a crontab exists for the user (#4323)
kfocus-focusrx: Provide BTRFS disk usage (#4222)
kfocus-focusrx: Remove unused fixup handlers (#4222)
kfocus-focusrx: Separate BTRFS setup logic from hw check (#4013)
kfocus-focusrx: Use nslookup to test Internet connectivity (#4288)
kfocus-help: Rename to Reference Pages (#4240)
kfocus-hints: Update Hints Widget (#3939)
kfocus-kclean: Prefer kfocus kernels (#4423)
kfocus-kclean: Update metapackage references (#4423)
kfocus-main: Consolidate plasma control scripts (#4322)
kfocus-main: Escalate curl from Recommends to Depends (#4288)
kfocus-mime: Add kfocus-rollback to app list (#4013)
kfocus-mime: Add support for kfocus-mime:// handler (#4258)
kfocus-mime: Clear LD_LIBRARY_PATH before run (#4288)
kfocus-mime: Update aws and telegram installers (#4288)
kfocus-mime: Refine docker, vbox special handlers (#4431)
kfocus-mime: Remove Atom text editor (#4320)
kfocus-mime: Remove Brave Browser (#4320)
kfocus-mime: Update dropbox source and install (#4085)
kfocus-mime: Update rtests, skype, atom, brave, docker, vbox (#4431)
kfocus-mime: When installing Docker, add user docker group (#2068)
kfocus-mime: When installing Docker, also install Docker Compose (#2068)
kfocus-power-bin: Consolidate power management tools to (#4085)
kfocus-reset-effects: Add new-model support (#4222)
kfocus-reset-effects: Add toggle touchpad with [SUPER][SPACE]
kfocus-reset-effects: Apply changes as last step (#4300)
kfocus-reset-effects: Comments only for lookandfeel tools (#3179)
kfocus-reset-effects: Full desktop reset (#4300)
kfocus-reset-effects: Refactor escape chars for maintenance (#3179)
kfocus-reset-effects: Reset display on completion (#4300)
kfocus-rest: Deprecate and remove (#4085)
kfocus-rollback: Check disk space on snapshot-enabled BTRFS (#4013)
kfocus-rollback: Format text for Whiptail UI (#4156)
kfocus-rollback: Implement logging facilities (#4013)
kfocus-rollback: Improve low disk space messaging (#4013)
kfocus-rollback: Integrate BTRFS optimization into kfocus-focusrx (#4201)
kfocus-rollback: Integrate rollback with kfocus-focusrx (#4013)
kfocus-rollback: Integrate with kfocus-kclean (#4013)
kfocus-rollback: Remove during hardware config if not useful (#4013)
pkg_depends: avoid lang nag with Thunderbird, Firefox (#4386)

kfocus-nvidia

control: Remove OOD sleep-resume services (#4229)
nvidia-pinning: Update pins to 24.04 (#4229)
control: Drop transitional package kfocus-nvidia-001
Update Ubuntu repo references to 24.04 (#4085)
Drop transitional package kfocus-001-nvidia (#4085)
Revert Nvidia from 550 to 535 due to regressions (4229)

kfocus-power-bin

control: Update manpages (#4318)
control: Remove OOD symlinks (#4318)
various: Add keywords to desktop file for easier search (#4085)
kfocus-power-fan: Add new-model fan control messages
Icons: Update 2 SVGs (#4240)
Icons: Remove most raster icons (#4240)
kfocus-power-bin: Consolidate all power mgmt into power-bin (#4085)

kfocus-qwe

control: Renamed for Noble, replace qwe package (#4085)
control: Add and update manpages (#4085)
control: Update implementation links (#4085)

kfocus-rest

Convert to a transitional package (#4085)

kfocus-rollback

Auth: Provide human-readable prompts (#4342)
kfocus-rollback-set: Adjust low boot space message (#4342)
kfocus-rollback-set: Harden logic to handle incomplete snapshots (#4427)
kfocus-rollback-set: Improve logic for root FS maintenance (#4427)
kfocus-rollback-set: Triple check ESP restore operations (#4427)

kfocus-settings

Remove transitional package kfocus-001-settings, ubiquity (#4085)
apparmor: Allow user namespaces for Docker, others (#4271)
bashrc: Make non-wrapping Bash prompt for newly created (#4085)
config/backintime: Disable automatic snapshots by default (#4085)
config/backintime: Remove `-x` rsync options (#4323)
config/keepassxc: Add init defaults file (#4085)
control: Bump Standards-Version to 4.6.2 (#4085)
control: Bump debhelper-compat to 13 (#4085)
control: Depend kfocus-wallpapers for themes (#4306)
control: Depend on kfocus-power-bin (#4085)
control: Update Vcs and Homepage info (#4085)
copyright: Update copyright date (#4085)
etc/*: Symlink configs from shared dir (#4085)
kfocus-settings.install: Remove the obsolete etc/X11 line (#4083)
plasma-welcomerc: Add to kfocus-settings (#4085)
plasma/desktoptheme: Normalize defaults (#4240)
plasma/layout-templates: Exclude not-found app icons (#4240)
plasma/layout-templates: Update vertical panel ~10% wider (#4240)
plasma/look-and-feel: Refine DPI adjusted layouts (#4240)
plasma/look-and-feel: Set light color scheme to KubuntuLight (#4240)
plasma/look-and-feel: Set six wallpapers (#4306)
plasma: Add missing dirs (#4306)
plasma: Adjust icon heights for 4k support (#4306)
plasma: Configure thunderbird, firefox launchers to non-snap package (#4386)
plasma: Update all kfocus themes (#4240)
plasma: Update global theme screenshots (#4288, #4085)
rollback: Prevent libvert BTRFS subvolumes (#4013)
sddm/themes/kfocus/theme.conf: Set wallpaper (#4306) Default theme (#4288)
share/wallpapers: Support all-sizes horiz and vert (#4240)

kfocus-tools

Auth: Provide human-readable prompts (#4277)
Move power management tools to package-power-bin (#4085)
Update kfocus-pick-gcc to include GCC 13 on Ubuntu 24.04 (#4085)
control: Forward port Jammy ncurses6 which provides libtinfo5 (#4331)
control: Update manpages (#4318)
icons: Update all for noble noble style (#4240)
kfocus-conda-legacy-01: Remove (#4085)
kfocus-kb-color: Add support for new models (#4085)
kfocus-pick-gcc-set: Add warn for missing targets (#4085)
kfocus-pick-gcc: Add cpp as optional package (#4085)
kfocus-tools: Add search terms (#4085)
pixmaps: Remove all raster gfx (#4240)

kfocus-wallpapers

Create, update 2×28 wallpapers (#4306, #4240)
Drop transitional package kfocus-001-wallpapers (#4085)

Revisions

This is a partial revision history. See the git repository for all entries.

2024-12-06 793c9019 Enhance install instructions
2024-12-02 e4e3fe4b Chronological sections
2024-09-19 563954bf Add section for VirtualBox 7
2024-08-23 72f0bb01 Include guide for multi-disk setups
2024-07-30 0ea98a61 Add collapsible section for 24.04 Changelog
2024-07-16 18b25e9a Update for to latest 24.04 ISO
2024-06-06 5b0ea29b Update for Noble
2023-11-18 e770b1c6 Add search and help bar
2023-04-25 19f0fa02 Update Ir14g1, M2g5
2022-12-14 984993c4 Add Link to clean-install backup advice
2022-07-11 19b39e5a Add 22.04 Known Issues
2022-06-20 abff0762 Add 22.04 LTS details
2022-01-24 e6c509c6 Add option details and images to ISO guide
2021-10-25 7bf9f4a5 Remove VM and use ISO exclusively
2021-10-10 5728326e Reformat to 2-column
2021-09-22 dc862884 Update link and headline colors
2021-08-23 681261b4 Review and update codeblocks
2021-06-09 ef3ea572 Open external links in new tabs
2021-04-22 5109fae2 Update to use ISO for this solution
2021-01-11 dcc9c438 Add install-focal.sh script
2020-06-10 c4ed9299 Restructure layout
2020-05-20 f776dc20 Remove proprietary install option
2020-04-20 8959836b Use apt-get, streamline process
2020-04-20 7b06252b First publication
2020-04-14 5a096eb3 Clarify VM use

Footnotes

[1] The Kubuntu Focus team uses the Suite regularly on over a dozen different hardware configurations. These include the official models (Ir14, Ir16, M1, M2, NX, XE), other laptops, and 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.

Disclaimer

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.