Ubuntu Server, a version of the Ubuntu operating system, typically doesn't come with a graphical user interface (GUI) out of the box. Instead, it focuses on using a command-line terminal to efficiently manage server tasks. While this approach helps boost performance, there are times when using GUI-based tools can make managing the server easier and improve the user experience.

If you're looking to add a desktop environment to your Ubuntu Server, this guide is here to help. We'll walk you through how to install a desktop (GUI) on an Ubuntu server, step by step. By following these instructions, you'll be able to use GUI applications alongside the powerful features of Ubuntu Server, finding the right balance between functionality and resource usage.

But before we get started, make sure you have the following requirements:

  • A server running Ubuntu Linux Server

  • A user account with sudo or root privileges

  • Access to the apt package manager, which is included by default with Ubuntu Server.

Let's get started on enhancing your Ubuntu Server with a graphical interface!

Want to explore more about Ubuntu's features? Check out our comparison of Ubuntu vs Fedora to see how these two popular Linux distributions stack up against each other!

Ubuntu Server's Default Configuration

Before learning how to install a desktop (GUI) on an Ubuntu server, let’s briefly talk about the Ubuntu Server itself. Ubuntu Server, developed by Canonical, is a specialized edition of the Ubuntu operating system tailored for server usage. Unlike its desktop counterpart, Ubuntu Server does not include a graphical user interface (GUI) by default. This minimalist approach prioritizes resource efficiency and streamlined performance for server-specific tasks. 

While a Command-Line Interface (CLI) may suffice for experienced administrators and developers, Ubuntu Server acknowledges the diverse preferences of its users by offering the flexibility to install a GUI desktop of choice. This allows users to customize their server environment according to their specific needs and workflow preferences effectively.

 

When to Consider Installing Ubuntu Server GUI

We said we’re going to teach you how to install a desktop (GUI) on an Ubuntu server, but when do you have to do it? When it comes to installing a desktop GUI on your Ubuntu Server, it brings several benefits, especially when you need things to be easy to use and manage:

1. Easier Server Management:

Using a graphical interface makes it easier, especially for those moving from desktop Linux to Ubuntu Server. It helps users get used to the system quickly, making it faster to handle multiple tasks.

2. Simple Access to Applications:

Many server management apps now have built-in support for graphical interfaces. This means you can navigate them more easily and interact with them intuitively. You don't have to rely solely on typing commands, as you can see and click options on the screen.

3. Convenient Remote Management:

In today's connected world, managing servers remotely is vital. Installing a GUI allows you to use remote access tools like VNC and RDP more seamlessly. This makes it easier to handle server tasks from anywhere, boosting efficiency.

 Additionally, if you're looking for a comprehensive management solution for your Ubuntu server, consider installing Webmin. It's an easy-to-use web-based interface that simplifies server administration tasks.

How to install a desktop (GUI) on an Ubuntu server: Step-by-Step Guide

Setting up a Graphical User Interface (GUI) on your Ubuntu Server involves installing a display manager followed by your preferred desktop environment. Below are step-by-step instructions on how to install a desktop (GUI) on an Ubuntu server and the most commonly used Linux desktop environments.

Step 1: Establish Server Connection 

Before proceeding, ensure secure communication by connecting to your server via an SSH client.

Step 2: Update Package Index 

Keep your server up to date by refreshing and updating the package index:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y 

How to install a desktop (GUI) on an Ubuntu server

Update Package Index 

Entering Y starts the upgrade process. 

 Once you've completed the upgrade, you may want to further enhance your development environment. For example, learning how to install Composer on Ubuntu can significantly streamline your PHP project management. Check out our guide on How to Install Composer on Ubuntu to get started.

Step 3: Choose Your Desktop Environment 

Ubuntu offers various desktop environments tailored to different preferences:

  • GNOME: The default desktop environment for Ubuntu Desktop versions.

  • KDE Plasma: A sleek alternative with modern aesthetics.

  • XFCE: A lightweight GUI for Ubuntu server prioritizing performance.

  • MATE: Balancing performance with visual appeal.

Select based on your preferences and resource requirements.

 

Step 4: Install Your Chosen Desktop Environment 

Install your selected desktop environment using the following install Ubuntu-desktop command lines:

  • GNOME:

sudo apt install -y ubuntu-desktop 

Install Your Chosen Desktop Environment 

  • KDE Plasma:

sudo apt install -y kde-plasma-desktop 

  • XFCE:

sudo apt install -y xfce4 xfce4-goodies 

  • MATE:

sudo apt install -y mate-desktop 

 

Step 5: Integrate a Display Manager 

Now that you used sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop, ensure smooth user session management by installing a display manager:

  • For GNOME or Unity (GNOME Display Manager - gdm):

sudo apt install -y gdm3 

  • For KDE Plasma (Simple Desktop Display Manager - sddm):

sudo apt install -y sddm 

  • For XFCE and LXDE (LightDM):

Integrate a Display Manager 

sudo apt install -y lightdm 

  • For lightweight options (SLiM):

sudo apt install -y slim sudo systemctl enable slim sudo systemctl start slim 

 Once you've set up the GUI, if you need to perform administrative tasks or access root privileges, you may want to switch to the root user. For a detailed guide on how to easily switch to the root user on Ubuntu, check out our How to Switch to Root User on Ubuntu guide.

Step 6: Finalize the Installation 

Reboot your server to apply the changes:

sudo reboot 

Finalize the Installation 

After rebooting, your server will be equipped with the chosen desktop environment and display manager, ready for use. This was the easiest way, for those who want to learn how to install a desktop (GUI) on an Ubuntu server.

 

Choosing the Right Desktop Environment:

Ubuntu Server offers a variety of desktop environments, each catering to different preferences and system requirements. Now that you know how to install a desktop (GUI) on an Ubuntu server, let's explore the available options and discuss factors to consider when selecting the most suitable desktop environment for your Ubuntu Server.

GNOME:

  • GNOME is the default desktop environment for standard Ubuntu installations.

  • It features dynamic workspaces and a powerful activities overview, making it easy to navigate and manage tasks. You can check our article on How To Install Gnome GUI on CentOS 7, if you’re interested. 

KDE Plasma:

  • KDE Plasma is another popular desktop environment known for its unique design and advanced customization options.

  • It offers numerous window effects and shortcuts, allowing users to tailor their desktop experience to their preferences.

MATE:

  • MATE provides an intuitive and attractive desktop experience reminiscent of traditional operating systems like Microsoft Windows or Apple's macOS.

  • It is lightweight and suitable for machines with limited resources, making it ideal for older hardware.

Xfce:

  • Xfce is a lightweight, stable, and configurable desktop environment, perfect for servers with modest resources.

  • It works efficiently on older hardware and is well-suited for everyday tasks, offering stability and ease of use.

 

Factors to consider when selecting the best GUI for Ubuntu Server:

You read all about how to install a desktop GUI on an Ubuntu server Windows, but how can we choose the best GUI for Ubuntu server? 

  1. Resource Efficiency: Evaluate the system requirements of each desktop environment and choose one that aligns with the resources available on your server.

  2. Ease of Use: Consider the user-friendliness and intuitiveness of the desktop environment, especially if you are new to server administration.

  3. Customization Options: When you learn how to install desktop GUI on Ubuntu server 20.04, determine the level of customization you require and choose a desktop environment that offers the flexibility to tailor the interface to your preferences.

  4. Stability and Updates: Assess the stability and frequency of updates for each desktop environment to ensure a reliable and secure server environment.

If you’re interested, you can check out list of 10 Best Desktop Environment for Linux. 

 

Troubleshooting and Common Issues

You probably know how to install a desktop (GUI) on an Ubuntu server. But you should also know that installing a desktop environment on Ubuntu Server may encounter several challenges. Here, we address potential issues users may encounter during the installation process and provide solutions to common problems:

1. Dependency Errors:

Problem: Dependency errors may occur when installing the desktop environment due to missing or incompatible packages.

Solution: Resolve dependency issues by updating the package index and ensuring all necessary dependencies are installed before proceeding with the desktop environment installation.

2. Installation Failures:

Problem: Installation failures can occur if there are conflicts with existing packages or if the installation process is interrupted.

Solution: Ensure that the system is up to date and resolve any conflicts with existing packages before attempting to install the desktop environment again. If the installation fails, check the system logs for errors and troubleshoot accordingly.

3. Performance Degradation:

Problem: When you install GUI on Ubuntu server, it may lead to performance degradation, especially on servers with limited resources.

Solution: Optimize system performance by using lightweight desktop environments or minimizing resource-intensive processes running in the background.

4. Network Configuration Issues:

Problem: You might know how to install a desktop GUI on an Ubuntu server Mac, but Network configuration issues may prevent remote access to the server or inhibit the download of necessary packages during installation.

Solution: Double-check network settings and ensure that the server has internet access. If remote access is required, configure the firewall to allow incoming connections.

5. Display Manager Configuration Problems:

Problem: When you install a desktop on Ubuntu server, configuring the display manager incorrectly may result in login screen errors or failure to start the desktop environment.

Solution: Verify the display manager configuration settings and ensure that they match the requirements of the installed desktop environment. Refer to the desktop environment documentation for guidance on configuring the display manager correctly.

For further system management, you may also want to explore how to list users on your Ubuntu VPS. Check out our detailed guide on how to list users in Ubuntu Linux VPS for more insights.

6. Graphic Card Compatibility Issues:

Problem: When you install a desktop environment on Ubuntu server, some desktop environments may not support certain graphics cards, leading to display errors or system instability.

Solution: Check the compatibility of your graphics card with the chosen desktop environment and install appropriate drivers if necessary. When you install a GUI on Ubuntu server, consider using a desktop environment known for better compatibility with a wider range of graphics hardware.

 

Conclusion

In this article, we've explored the process of installing a desktop environment on Ubuntu Server, offering a comprehensive guide on how to install a desktop (GUI) on an Ubuntu server. Whether you're setting up an Ubuntu VPS for remote management or simply prefer a graphical interface for your server tasks, this guide provides the essential steps to get you started.

By following the steps outlined in this guide and applying the troubleshooting tips provided, readers can successfully integrate a desktop environment into their Ubuntu Server setup, enhancing their server management experience. This is especially beneficial when accessing your server remotely through Ubuntu Server RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol), allowing for a more intuitive and visual approach to managing server operations.

We encourage readers who search for Ubuntu server with GUI Download to explore and experiment with different desktop environments to find the one that best suits their needs and preferences. This flexibility ensures that you can tailor your Ubuntu server environment to your specific use case, whether for development, administration, or other server-based tasks. 



FAQ

1. Can we install GUI on Ubuntu server? 

Yes, you can install a GUI on Ubuntu Server by installing a desktop environment such as GNOME, KDE Plasma, XFCE, or MATE using package installation commands.

 

2. How do I add a desktop to Ubuntu Server? 

To add a desktop to Ubuntu Server, you can install a desktop environment of your choice using Ubuntu install desktop from command lines, such as sudo apt install ubuntu-desktop for GNOME.

 

3. How to install Gnome on Ubuntu server? 

To install GNOME on Ubuntu Server, you can use the command sudo apt install ubuntu-desktop.

 

4. Does Ubuntu Server 22.04 have a GUI?

Ubuntu Server 22.04 does not come with a GUI by default, but you can install desktop GUI on Ubuntu server 22.04 by following the provided instructions for Ubuntu install desktop GUI.