Install Ubuntu Server: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Install Ubuntu Server: Complete Step-by-Step Guide Learn how to install Ubuntu Server safely, configure storage and networking, enable SSH, complete the first updates and prepare the system for DevOps, cloud and production workloads.

What is Ubuntu Server?#

Ubuntu Server is a Linux distribution designed for servers, virtual machines, cloud instances, containers and infrastructure platforms. It normally installs without a desktop interface, which keeps the system lightweight and encourages command-line administration.

Organizations use Ubuntu Server for web hosting, databases, Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD tools, monitoring systems, file services, automation and private-cloud workloads.

Cloud and virtual machines Ubuntu images are widely available on AWS, Azure, Google Cloud and major virtualization platforms.

DevOps platforms Run Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins, GitLab Runner, Nexus and infrastructure automation tools.

Enterprise services Host web servers, APIs, databases, DNS, monitoring and internal applications.

Automation ready Use Bash, Ansible, cloud-init and autoinstall for repeatable server provisioning.

Installation workflow#

Download ISO

→

Create media

→

Install

→

Secure and verify

System requirements#

Ubuntu can run on small systems, but a useful server should have enough capacity for updates, logs and the applications you plan to install.

Backup warning: Disk partitioning can erase existing data. Back up important files and confirm the correct installation disk before approving storage changes.

Choose an Ubuntu release#

For most servers, use the latest Ubuntu Long Term Support release. LTS releases receive a longer maintenance lifecycle and are generally preferred for enterprise and production environments.

• Use an LTS release for long-lived servers.
• Use interim releases only when you specifically need newer features and can handle more frequent upgrades.
• Confirm that your application vendor supports the selected release.

Download the Ubuntu Server ISO#

1. Open the official Ubuntu Server download page.
2. Select the current LTS server image for your architecture.
3. Download the ISO to a trusted workstation.
4. Optionally verify the checksum before creating installation media.

Verify the ISO checksum on Linux#

Compare the result with the checksum published by Ubuntu. A mismatch may indicate an incomplete or altered download.

Create a bootable USB#

You can use a graphical USB-writing tool on Windows, macOS or Linux. On Linux, the dd command can write an ISO directly, but selecting the wrong target device can destroy data.

Be careful: Replace /dev/sdX with the whole USB device, not a partition. Review lsblk twice before running dd .

Install Ubuntu Server in a virtual machine#

For VMware, VirtualBox, Proxmox, Hyper-V or another hypervisor:

1. Create a new 64-bit Linux virtual machine.
2. Assign CPU, memory and disk resources.
3. Attach the Ubuntu Server ISO to the virtual optical drive.
4. Connect the virtual network adapter.
5. Boot the VM from the ISO.

Lab recommendation: Use 2 vCPUs, 4 GB RAM and a 30–40 GB thin-provisioned disk for a comfortable beginner environment.

Step-by-step installer walkthrough#

1. Choose the language#

Select the language used by the installer and the installed system.

2. Update the installer when offered#

The installer may offer an update. Apply it when internet access is available and your change process allows it.

3. Select the keyboard layout#

Choose the correct keyboard layout and test special characters before continuing.

4. Select the installation type#

The normal Ubuntu Server option is suitable for most systems. A minimized installation can reduce the initial package set but may require more manual package installation later.

5. Configure networking#

Wired interfaces commonly receive an address through DHCP automatically. Record the interface name and assigned address. You can configure a static address during the installer or later with Netplan.

For detailed static networking, read Configure a Static IP Address on Ubuntu with Netplan .

6. Configure proxy and mirror settings#

Leave the proxy empty unless your organization requires one. Use the default Ubuntu archive mirror unless a local or approved enterprise mirror is available.

7. Configure storage#

For a beginner lab, the guided option using the entire disk is usually simplest. Review the selected disk and partition summary before confirming.

Production note: Plan separate capacity for logs, application data, databases and container storage. A single small root filesystem can fill quickly.

8. Create the initial administrator account#

Enter:

• Your name
• Server hostname
• Administrator username
• A strong password

The initial user is normally granted sudo access. Avoid generic usernames such as admin when your organization has stronger naming standards.

9. Configure Ubuntu Pro if required#

You can attach an Ubuntu Pro subscription during or after installation. Skip it in a basic lab if it is not required.