The Arch-based Liya Linux 2.4 is finally available for download, and it makes one thing clear. If you’re still running Windows 10, now might be the perfect time to leave Microsoft’s soon-to-be-unsupported operating system behind.
This new release, codenamed “Shravya,” comes from a single independent developer who rebuilt the system from the ground up. It’s not just a refresh. This is a complete transformation with a clear goal in mind. Get faster, get cleaner, and drop the dead weight.
First up, support for older processors has been cut. That means chips like Intel Core 2 and AMD K8 are no longer welcome. Liya is now targeting x86_64-v2 and v3 systems only. That may seem harsh, but it makes sense. Old hardware holds back what a distro can really do. By focusing on modern CPUs, Liya delivers better performance across the board.
Users with newer processors will especially benefit. There are now separate ISO files for v2 and v3 builds, compiled specifically for each microarchitecture. The v3 build, in particular, brings noticeable speed improvements on supported hardware.
The default kernel is now linux-xanmod, a performance-tuned option that improves responsiveness in daily use. Whether you’re browsing, coding, or gaming, things just feel quicker. On top of that, Liya handles memory smarter. Systems with more than 8GB of RAM will auto-enable ZRAM, while lower-memory machines will use Zswap. You don’t have to configure anything yourself. It just works.
One of the biggest additions is Saanvi, a new GTK4-based system manager. It’s lightweight, fast, and doesn’t rely on a root-level background process. Saanvi uses TOML for configuration, making it easy to tweak and extend. The interface is clean, minimal, and surprisingly powerful for something this new. And it’s not locked to Liya either. Other distros could adopt it too.
If you’re already using Liya 2.3, be warned. You can’t upgrade directly. The system structure has changed too much. A clean install is the only option, but the upside is starting fresh with a leaner, faster system.
And yes, Liya has slimmed down. Users had complained about bloat creeping in, so the developer took action. Background services were reduced, startup was trimmed, and unnecessary packages were removed. The result is a system that feels focused and efficient without being barebones.
This version also marks a change behind the scenes. Earlier builds of Liya were developed with help from the Ashini Group. That support is now over. From here on out, Liya is fully independent. That might mean fewer updates, but it also means more control and a clearer vision.
For anyone still on Windows 10, this release feels like a challenge. Microsoft’s support is ending soon, and Windows 11 isn’t exactly winning fans. Liya Linux 2.4 offers a clean alternative. It doesn’t spy on you. It doesn’t nag you with ads. It just runs fast and respects your time and your hardware.
If you’ve been looking for a reason to switch to Linux, this might be it. Liya 2.4 Shravya is simple, efficient, and ready for modern machines. It’s not trying to be everything. It’s just trying to be good.
