Issues | Linux

Learn about what troubleshooting steps to take if PiecesOS or the Pieces Desktop App isn’t working as expected on your Linux device.


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Installation & Updating Fixes

You can find detailed instructions on how to update PiecesOS and the Pieces Desktop App on your Linux device using the terminal. Additionally, you can check your system's OS and hardware specifications to ensure they meet the minimum recommended requirements.

Versions & Updates

Many issues can stem from running outdated versions of PiecesOS or the Pieces Desktop App on Linux.

Updating PiecesOS

On Linux, PiecesOS and the Pieces Desktop App are distributed via snaps (for Ubuntu-based systems).

To update PiecesOS on Linux:

  1. Run snap info pieces-os to check the current version of PiecesOS

  2. Run sudo snap refresh to update PiecesOS if a newer version is available

Updating the Pieces Desktop App

Similar to PiecesOS, you can update the Pieces Desktop App by:

  1. Running snap info pieces-for-developers to check the current version

  2. Running sudo snap refresh to apply any available updates

Common Installation Issues

Official support is provided for Ubuntu 22.04+ and Ubuntu-based distributions. Other distributions may work but aren’t guaranteed.

Checking Distribution Compatibility

Ensure you’re running a supported Ubuntu-based distribution.

If not, consider switching to a supported environment, as installation on non-Ubuntu distributions isn’t guaranteed.

Updating Snapd

Snap-based installations require an up-to-date snap daemon:

  • Run sudo snap refresh to ensure snapd and its packages are current

Adjusting Graphics & Display Settings

If installation or UI issues persist, consider the following:

  • Switch Between x11 and Wayland: Some applications may work better on one display protocol than the other. Try switching to x11 for compatibility or Wayland for newer features. You can usually select this at the login screen.

  • Update GPU Drivers: Ensure your GPU drivers are up to date. For NVIDIA, check for proprietary driver updates. AMD and Intel users should verify that open-source drivers are current.

  • Optimize Graphics Configurations: Use tools like nvidia-settings, radeon-profile, or similar utilities to adjust your GPU settings for better performance and stability.

These adjustments can resolve many graphical and display-related issues that you may experience while you use Pieces for Developers or PiecesOS.

Checking System Information

You can verify your system’s hardware configuration and ensure it meets recommended specifications by running specific commands in your terminal.

Checking CPU Information

To determine your CPU type and find other important information, type lscpu in your terminal and press Enter.

Checking GPU Information

To determine your GPU type and find other important information, lspci | grep -i vga in your terminal and press Enter.

Confirm that your CPU, GPU, and memory resources are sufficient for running PiecesOS and local AI models (if applicable).

Click here for documentation on what we recommend for minimum device specifications if you plan on utilizing a local LLM.

Checking Ubuntu Version

If the Pieces Installer is not working as intended, you could have an outdated version of Ubuntu. The minimum Ubuntu version that Pieces will run on is Ubuntu 18.

To check what version of Ubuntu you’re running:

  • Open the Settings on Ubuntu

  • Locate the System section at the bottom of the left-hand side menu and click it

  • Open the About section and locate the Operating System label

This section will will display your Ubuntu version information.

Consulting Online Resources

If you encounter persistent installation issues, consult online forums or community guides related to snap and Ubuntu-specific troubleshooting steps.

Restart & Retry

If you’ve updated components, checked hardware, and adjusted configurations without success, restart your machine and try again.

If the problem persists, please open a GitHub issue for further assistance, or book a call with our engineers.

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