- Ubuntu Wiki
- Flavors
- Ubuntu flavours
- Edubuntu
- Kubuntu
- Lubuntu
- Ubuntu Budgie
- Ubuntu Cinnamon
- Ubuntu Kylin
- Ubuntu MATE
- Ubuntu Studio
- Ubuntu Unity
- Xubuntu
- Ubuntu-based variants
- Looking for Ubuntu?
- Download Ubuntu Desktop
- Ubuntu 22.04.2 LTS
- Ubuntu 23.04
- How to install Ubuntu Desktop
- Install Ubuntu Desktop
- How to run Ubuntu Desktop on a virtual machine using VirtualBox
- How to install Ubuntu Desktop on Raspberry Pi 4
- Upgrade Ubuntu Desktop
- Certified on hundreds of devices
- Secure enterprise management with Ubuntu Pro Desktop
- Ubuntu VMs on Linux, Mac or Windows
- Mini-clouds on desktops with Multipass
- Access the Linux Terminal on Windows with Ubuntu WSL
- Run system containers with LXD
- Help is always at hand
Ubuntu Wiki
Ubuntu Flavors are a distinct experience relative to the «plain» Ubuntu Desktop, whether it be a particular desktop environment, a specific intended use case, or a particular theme. The difference between the flavors are in the set of packages installed.
However, all flavors of Ubuntu use the same repository for downloading updates, so the same set of packages is available regardless of which flavor you have installed. In other words, everything that’s available on Ubuntu is available on all the other flavors. Similarly, all flavors share a core set of packages with stock Ubuntu.
In these two ways, each flavor is Ubuntu, while also being unique relative to it.
New flavors have to go through a process to become a Recognized Flavor.
These are not to be confused with unofficial derivatives.
Flavors
All of these flavors distribute installation images that are nothing more than curated groups of software packages to be installed over the Ubuntu base, producing unique computing experiences for users. The images remain in the form of ISO files sized to fit CD/DVD optical media, but are increasingly stored on USB flash drives or served via the internet. Each image is constructed from a master file listing the packages to be included, known as a seed, with robust tools that allow anyone to replicate them using a program called germinate.
Ubuntu flavours
Ubuntu flavours offer a unique way to experience Ubuntu, each with their own choice of default applications and settings. Ubuntu flavours are owned and developed by members of our global community and backed by the full Ubuntu archive for packages and updates.
Edubuntu
Edubuntu is an official flavor of Ubuntu crafted for use in the education world. Teachers and students will have access to a huge ecosystem of learning software and educational tools built on a familiar and usable desktop. Edubuntu provides a fast, stable, secure and privacy conscious option for schools, universities and other places of learning.
Kubuntu
Kubuntu unites Ubuntu with KDE and the Plasma desktop, bringing you a full set of applications including productivity, office, email, graphics, photography, and music applications ready to use at startup with extensive additional software installed from not one, but two desktop package managers.
Built using the Qt toolkit, Kubuntu is fast, slick and beautiful. Kubuntu is mobile-ready, enabling easy integration between your PC desktop and phone or tablet with KDE Connect.
Lubuntu
Lubuntu is designed to be a simple, easy to use system that is light, fast and modern. Lubuntu provides the LXQt desktop environment which is focused on Qt technologies. Lubuntu comes with the essential applications and services needed to browse the Internet, chat, play and be productive.
Ubuntu Budgie
Ubuntu Budgie is a proud official Ubuntu flavour. We combine the simplicity and elegance of the Budgie desktop environment with the power and familiarity of an Ubuntu based operative system.
The result is a modern and fast desktop distribution with great defaults, yet fully customizable.
Ubuntu Cinnamon
Ubuntu Cinnamon combines Ubuntu with the intuitive Cinnamon desktop. Built upon the legacy of GNOME 2, Ubuntu Cinnamon provides a traditionally modern experience crafted for professional and home users alike. The hassle free desktop allows for deep personalization options and add-ons for a little extra spice.
Ubuntu Kylin
The Ubuntu Kylin project is tuned to the needs of Chinese users, providing a thoughtful and elegant experience out-of-the-box. The lightweight Ubuntu Kylin User Interface (UKUI) is perfect for older machines, and an ideal introduction to Linux for first-time users.
Ubuntu MATE
Ubuntu MATE is a stable, easy-to-use operating system with a configurable desktop environment. It is ideal for those who want the most out of their computers and prefer a traditional desktop metaphor. With modest hardware requirements it is suitable for modern workstations, single board computers and older hardware alike. Ubuntu MATE makes modern computers fast and old computers usable.
Ubuntu Studio
Ubuntu Studio is pre-configured for content creation of all kinds. Whether you’re an audio engineer, musician, graphic designer, photographer, video producer, or streamer, this is a full-fledged desktop computing system that will fit your needs. If you can dream it, you can create it with Ubuntu Studio.
Ubuntu Unity
Bringing the best of Ubuntu and Unity together, Ubuntu Unity is a beautiful, slick and lightweight Ubuntu flavour. With its beautiful design, efficient and elegant workflow, and features like the heads-up display (HUD), the Global Menu, powerful search and a high level of customizability (using the Unity Tweak Tool), you’ll be able to work with an unparalleled level of efficiency. You can also choose from a wide range of window animations and effects available in Compiz.
Xubuntu
Xubuntu comes with Xfce, which is a stable, light and configurable desktop environment with a lot of consideration for usability. Whether you have a high-end computer or even a moderately older machine, Xubuntu is able to provide you with a smooth and usable desktop experience. Xubuntu has an expansive list of customization options so you can make the desktop your own.
Ubuntu-based variants
In addition to the officially recognised flavours, dozens of other Linux distributions take Ubuntu as a base for their own distinctive ideas and approaches.
A complete list of known flavours, editions and customizations is maintained on the Ubuntu Wiki’s UbuntuFlavors page ›
Looking for Ubuntu?
Download the latest release of Ubuntu desktop, the open source operating system that powers millions of PCs and laptops around the world. It’s easy to install on Windows or macOS, or run Ubuntu alongside them!
Download Ubuntu Desktop
The open-source desktop operating system that powers millions of PCs and laptops around the world. Find out more about Ubuntu’s features and how we support developers and organisations below.
Ubuntu 22.04.2 LTS
The latest LTS version of Ubuntu, for desktop PCs and laptops. LTS stands for long-term support — which means five years of free security and maintenance updates, guaranteed until April 2027.
Recommended system requirements:
- 2 GHz dual-core processor or better
- 4 GB system memory
- 25 GB of free hard drive space
- Internet access is helpful
- Either a DVD drive or a USB port for the installer media
For other versions of Ubuntu Desktop including torrents, the network installer, a list of local mirrors and past releases see our alternative downloads.
Ubuntu 23.04
The latest version of the Ubuntu operating system for desktop PCs and laptops, Ubuntu 23.04 comes with nine months of security and maintenance updates, until January 2024.
Recommended system requirements are the same as for Ubuntu 22.04 LTS.
For other versions of Ubuntu Desktop including torrents, the network installer, a list of local mirrors and past releases see our alternative downloads.
How to install Ubuntu Desktop
Install Ubuntu Desktop
Follow this tutorial to install Ubuntu Desktop on your laptop or PC.
You can also run Ubuntu from a USB to try it without installing it on your machine.
How to run Ubuntu Desktop on a virtual machine using VirtualBox
Learn how to run Ubuntu Desktop on any operating system using VirtualBox. Set up a virtual machine with this quick start guide.
How to install Ubuntu Desktop on Raspberry Pi 4
Read the complete guide to installing Ubuntu Desktop on a Raspberry Pi 4 (2GB or above).
Upgrade Ubuntu Desktop
If you’re already running Ubuntu, you can upgrade in a few clicks from the Software Updater.
Discover how with this quick tutorial.
Certified on hundreds of devices
Many of the world’s biggest PC manufacturers certify their laptops and desktops for Ubuntu, from ultra-portable laptops to high-end workstations. Ubuntu certified hardware has passed our extensive testing and review process, ensuring that Ubuntu runs well out-of-the-box. Our partners also offer select devices preloaded with optimised Ubuntu images.
Secure enterprise management with Ubuntu Pro Desktop
Ubuntu Pro Desktop is a comprehensive subscription delivering enterprise-grade security, management tooling, and extended support for developers and organisations. Ubuntu Pro Desktop is free for personal use on up to five machines.
- Security updates for the full open source stack
- Advanced Active Directory and LDAP integration
- Estate monitoring and management
- FIPS 140-2 certified modules and CIS hardening
- Minimise rolling reboots with Kernel Livepatch
- Optional weekday or 24×7 support tiers
For more information, download our whitepaper:
Ubuntu VMs on Linux, Mac
or Windows
Mini-clouds on desktops with Multipass
With Multipass you can download, configure, and control Ubuntu Server virtual machines with the latest updates preinstalled. Set up a mini-cloud on your Linux, Windows, or macOS system.
Access the Linux Terminal on Windows with Ubuntu WSL
For a more integrated environment, activate Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) to run Linux applications and workflows while developing cross-platform on your Windows machine.
You can download Ubuntu directly from the Microsoft Store.
Run system containers with LXD
When running Linux on Linux, consider LXD system containers instead of VMs for optimizing resources. LXD runs a full OS inside containers, providing all the benefits of a VM without the usual overhead.
Help is always at hand
Join our global community for support and tips on how to get started with Ubuntu.