> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://doc.engenius.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://doc.engenius.ai/server-os-deployment-guide/os-installation/installing-ubuntu-server.md).

# Installing Ubuntu Server

This chapter provides a complete walkthrough for installing Ubuntu Server. Unlike Windows Server, the Ubuntu Server installer uses a text-based interface. You will use your keyboard's arrow keys, the **Tab** key, and **Enter** to navigate and make selections.

<figure><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfOLriIrJ-ca_Ffvz9jwwWY8xIbuM29Lx2mkjZ13aEqbQv7ZIDfEuxlkhiwjpM3So5XL7NWVg2L03lobJ44lVcu4FsfEseIH40Vr68w0MXZlLvz6aXu201sACXc6LYeMrTBNNNtIYdJsKXAoYgkEw?key=uwFYMbYh65GcoFV-1h4GjA" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## **Installation requirements**

Before you start, please ensure you have the following:

* **Ubuntu Server ISO**: Download the latest Long-Term Support (LTS) version from the official [Ubuntu Server download page](https://ubuntu.com/download/server).
* **Virtual Media Mounted**: You must have the Ubuntu Server ISO file mounted using the **Virtual Media** feature in the BMC, as detailed in [Initial Firmware Configuration.](/server-os-deployment-guide/initial-server-setup/initial-firmware-configuration.md)

## **Step-by-step installation guide**

From the KVM console, you will see the server boot from the mounted ISO file.

<figure><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXe4x0T4BQXJtowWugbc0NcTP6B4uHtxihvPwqMUMHh07rtyDWMwO9PC3RyfwZGrhzcuedS0rUTF_WeqfSqzkTm-thCugD9w0gbnTgI2Q_zSSAsYfBXHOKVhFNonN9q4alLFYRhay5dUF4cAHk4Q04E?key=uwFYMbYh65GcoFV-1h4GjA" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

1. After a few moments, the GNU GRUB boot menu will appear. With **Try or Install Ubuntu Server** highlighted, press **Enter**.

   <figure><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXebVOsJ9WqHh2v9V6X6-aX4RjkstvBHVjyppZydbTNZBUlCcBBEU84S2zTJXCHHtLplpVR0Ab-nRnrJG49ZMUAM7bq0CIOUQVzOMTm1EI1ZgtoftFYmTUy2golkyINI0EMr4A0zIfmEE8F2v4u3WxQ?key=uwFYMbYh65GcoFV-1h4GjA" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### **Proceed through the installation wizard**

The text-based installer will now load. Use the arrow keys to move and **Enter** to confirm your selections.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
**Select Language**

Choose your **preferred language** on the installer welcome screen and press **Enter**.

<figure><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdn3pjZLj1I4eM1XUSpMgJZQbvNr4Kp3U63WbVpkbVhqw8ta_0j5RyJRJIPMg0DhUlMR0EC8jZR9Mc-pGSgReeGekkKhcitoMfT_8lbmKmUcRkys5ux0VyIxvXDz1TU4NjrL08L085UnS40iPr2fmU?key=uwFYMbYh65GcoFV-1h4GjA" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Configure Keyboard Layout**

Select your **keyboard layout** or use the **"Identify keyboard"** option to detect it automatically.\
When done, navigate to **Done** and press **Enter**.

<figure><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXeSz4ovuIrQLLae4x6IfEQmC1SPhROQIOR-Yx7NuXyUfZ2OY8fKOEYJAJL4rwO0a91M97QiAEuXHOdrj7TaFWmIdAzwjVeycTUr8CjYA2JYZP86FhC2upvdB7agYT5fK7U9dTh3DhhU1oCn0x3xmmQ?key=uwFYMbYh65GcoFV-1h4GjA" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Choose Type of Installation**

Select the desired **installation type**.

<figure><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXeQv62uNvMtGN4PlBlF3DGC66nHOkGykaGQfsXAgf4WFD2OIcZh_9KrhLNpD6q4yNdfKlceWcxGpwFdYJ76Rv4bvRSEpopZaUW9cy3UQM3d6q9SQZGr2NOn-zjEDQMBxF7zC1Ek1BYhkVFUxOgBqyc?key=uwFYMbYh65GcoFV-1h4GjA" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="success" %}
**Best Practice:**\
For most users, select the **standard Ubuntu Server** install.\
Avoid the minimized version unless you're deploying to a high-density, resource-constrained environment—it omits many common tools.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Verify Network Configuration**

The installer will auto-configure networking via **DHCP**.\
Check that the network interface (e.g., `enp0s3`) has received an IP address.\
Navigate to **Done** and press **Enter**.

<figure><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdsoSQSGY7gGWAq0WZQURtBHVidwYFDLgY5sYNLtO0j3zTF6n5lbiUVwZE4RAnw6_mTEA50bU5_Hx3z5tHTiPZdp6k-2k1hjFCoTONGiGl4lWcT5z_4VkJbHkzK9iiOnkClgPHKyRgjU81SFa4DflE?key=uwFYMbYh65GcoFV-1h4GjA" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Configure Proxy (Optional)**

If your environment requires a **proxy** to access the internet, enter it here.\
Otherwise, leave it blank and select **Done**.

<figure><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXf8XYWvM9Gfj0bn4gxpS6vEeIxAk_N5-K2XI5hC4GmJrL63ZlNGL1KzRkq1tJ8vHWvk5oU554g8ysKd0MPHE_ctB0T4vPefNLs9x59QSIsKmixe50BGkNw8RrcSAMJzrcWgK1GONMC-JiCXxPhJmiQ?key=uwFYMbYh65GcoFV-1h4GjA" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Confirm Ubuntu Archive Mirror**

The installer will suggest a default **package mirror**.\
You can typically accept the default. Select **Done**.

<figure><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXftnQDGCZq8twkNTuPH9UCgu5khg53KphS9K99wJBJ3S1seIC6JHukqffreezaeh6ZdxqwmXuDgG4zz3kasp_Lw_S9tVBQMoezCUb_JsaaYayIsxz23poLfnVJ7Ud4Fxk0dPXdpKGrhLJdk_G_VqJo?key=uwFYMbYh65GcoFV-1h4GjA" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Guided Storage Configuration**

Choose how to partition your disk.

<figure><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXf-TV1vIKh_OxOwEyfzR_fwrBAPxJTOrdH6w1uGWbfaW-TCg2kjADBxtu8jnHs6nn-2bzouTwxB_jGvJmP5-gkn75VhN9O4BSeyoGN0uxoobw8Orvwx0GvvDTSFwuyKGuMG1viye6XrTzvPlgBZBg?key=uwFYMbYh65GcoFV-1h4GjA" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXe9FcS3YyX8bSU9Ck69CFT5ADvqMFC2GaGEw3MqntXaazSTp76CnVeyz8bOSeb2DI-yXBKCG0o0smu2P-LYfw_DUWWDeWzWszAp5yVc2eF14TJThobOL3rmBqTiWGP3Eq0jPbx9lCyuqQFMmSJoVw?key=uwFYMbYh65GcoFV-1h4GjA" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="success" %}
**Pro Tip: Use the entire disk with LVM.**&#x20;

For simplicity and flexibility, select **Use an entire disk**and check the box for **Set up this disk as an LVM group**. LVM (Logical Volume Management) makes it much easier to resize partitions in the future if your needs change.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Review Storage Configuration Summary**

Carefully review the partition layout.\
Make sure the correct **target disk** is selected.

<figure><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdfSPl8KluLzPpmTVyhAYFPmQS2rDqnwHQUgpgb2qDNkhCOMVf4tK7S4BDXFvcI2v2w24ObUW5sumnRm_GWSmC89VzJpX7CM6rmZQsZ1JUZxzaHQ-tH-EgzJJnZnAaLPmwd2TcqH4NMhCB3rdOwb00?key=uwFYMbYh65GcoFV-1h4GjA" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Confirm Destructive Action**

This is the final warning before erasing the selected disk.\
Navigate to **Continue** and press **Enter**.

<figure><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdYF4vuRoG4FL9Q_BjHKwKHDxnGwl7zo5-NWe-mpzzkW5TJQ2FntsafjsgUDUUfsd8fxez1s3KiRjWg8jOX38J4vuqyMf9m7zwmP-DQSGnAscv4SYpiirVSjdOT8i5YE9itWwUpqaJdIYwkXNZVH50?key=uwFYMbYh65GcoFV-1h4GjA" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

⚠️ **Warning:** This step is **irreversible**. All existing data on the disk will be permanently deleted.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Create Administrator Profile**

Enter the following information:

* Your **name**
* The server’s **hostname**
* A **username**
* A strong **password**

<figure><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcYeliaSQ3IbiwVQ-adVGFATJOzRJgle7LuHMh80jkHZ-ohAP78C6KGKZPjMGm79zjjJf1EQZEnKajuQdc79XDTEMEKEW_znKXw6E2nZxOHggGHh2xVgXTFpB-dGjz1Lvo60_bWeaYUX4OUbu4BoA?key=uwFYMbYh65GcoFV-1h4GjA" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Wait for System Installation**

The installer will now **copy files** and install the operating system.\
This process will take several minutes.

<figure><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXeFqmI5RET3U6BcayEISOOqSZ1DgD7h_O6VedwjxlqBlRThcNRPu8U7e5O6EK6PTjyU-H20snjdjGQJr3VBZAp3IgC5yMurdK7I06Byq8JW-xwtow39LL4AgVm7j3n28Z2P4GH53f5blr2VdQd4r-4?key=uwFYMbYh65GcoFV-1h4GjA" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Complete Installation and Reboot**

Once the installation completes, you'll see an **"Installation complete!"** message.\
Navigate to **Reboot Now** and press **Enter**.

<figure><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXd5Fg846AcE2gzKcqI1-l2_Ene2NhfQOZYXHdKUUut1Hr6OAuv-szbNAnH84TAImumxNAgRem-6hkzTxi8hXXUn3Hiq1kZIAK094t-j4ejO12QrIJxsmQO7mXAsRHBO93LpR9lsCgBjTZS1grszXXM?key=uwFYMbYh65GcoFV-1h4GjA" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Important:** Remember to unmount the ISO file from the **Virtual media** page in the BMC interface before rebooting. If you don't, the server may boot back into the installer.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

### **Post-installation checks**

After the server reboots and you log in with the user account you created:

* **Check for Updates:** Run `sudo apt update` followed by `sudo apt upgrade` to install the latest security patches and software updates.
* **Verify Network Services:** Ensure critical services like SSH are running by checking `sudo systemctl status ssh`.
* **Review System Logs:** Use the `journalctl -f` command to check for any errors that may have occurred during the first boot.


---

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