Ubuntu 26.04 LTS “Resolute Raccoon” is now available for download! Released on April 23, 2026, this is the newest Long Term Support version, bringing TPM-backed full-disk encryption, GNOME 50 on Wayland, and native support for AI/ML toolkits like NVIDIA CUDA and AMD ROCm. Ubuntu Desktop, Server, Cloud, WSL, and Core receive five years of free security and maintenance updates, until April 2031.
On this comprehensive guide, we provide you with verified download links for Ubuntu 26.04 LTS and all its official flavors. If you’re still on an earlier release, it’s possible to upgrade to 26.04. Otherwise, follow the verified links below to download Ubuntu 26.04 LTS. For a full rundown of what’s new, see our Ubuntu 26.04 release information page, and for downloads across all Ubuntu versions, visit our Ubuntu download page.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide:
- How to download Ubuntu 26.04 LTS (latest version)
- Direct download links for all Ubuntu flavors
- BitTorrent download options for faster downloads
- System requirements and installation tips
RELEASE STATUS
Ubuntu 26.04 LTS is the current stable release, available since April 23, 2026. A point release, 26.04.1, is scheduled for August 4, 2026, at which point 24.04 LTS users will be offered the automatic upgrade prompt.
System Requirements and Prerequisites
| Category | Requirements, Conventions or Software Version Used |
|---|---|
| System | Any system that meets Ubuntu 26.04 requirements |
| Software | N/A |
| Other | Privileged access to your Linux system as root or via the sudo command. |
| Conventions | # – requires given linux commands to be executed with root privileges either directly as a root user or by use of sudo command$ – requires given linux commands to be executed as a regular non-privileged user |
Ubuntu 26.04 LTS Download Links – All Official Editions and Flavors
Ubuntu 26.04 (Resolute Raccoon) is a Long-Term Support (LTS) release with updates and security support until April 2031 for the main editions. This version comes in multiple flavors, offering a variety of desktop environments and server editions to cater to different users’ needs. Below is a comprehensive list of all available Ubuntu 26.04 download options with verified working links.
Main Ubuntu Editions
| Edition | Description | Download URL | Torrent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu 26.04 LTS Desktop | Main Ubuntu desktop featuring GNOME 50 running on Wayland by default, with a refined app permissions model and unified software management. Perfect for general users who want a modern, stable, and feature-rich desktop experience. | Direct Download (ISO) | Torrent |
| Ubuntu Server 26.04 LTS | Optimized for server environments, cloud deployments, and data centers. No graphical interface, designed for performance and scalability with Linux kernel 7.0. | Direct Download (ISO) | Torrent |
Official Ubuntu Flavors
| Flavor | Best For | Download URL |
|---|---|---|
| Kubuntu 26.04 LTS | Users who prefer a highly customizable, sleek interface with KDE Plasma and powerful desktop effects | Direct Download |
| Xubuntu 26.04 LTS | Lightweight XFCE distribution ideal for older hardware or users seeking a faster, less resource-intensive desktop | Direct Download |
| Lubuntu 26.04 LTS | The lightest Ubuntu flavor, perfect for very old or low-powered systems with minimal resource requirements | Direct Download |
| Ubuntu MATE | Traditional desktop layout with efficient performance and a familiar interface. Not yet released for 26.04 — the current recommended version remains 24.04.4 LTS. | Direct Download (24.04.4 LTS) |
| Ubuntu Budgie 26.04 LTS | Modern and unique desktop environment combining simplicity and elegance | Direct Download |
| Ubuntu Studio 26.04 LTS | Multimedia creators, with pre-installed tools for audio, video, and graphic design | Direct Download |
| Ubuntu Kylin 26.04 LTS | Chinese-speaking users, with a localized user experience | Direct Download |
| Ubuntu Cinnamon 26.04 LTS | Users who prefer a traditional desktop with modern features, bringing a Linux Mint-like experience to an Ubuntu base | Direct Download |
| Ubuntu Unity 26.04 LTS | Users who prefer the classic Unity desktop experience on a modern Ubuntu base | Direct Download |
| Edubuntu 26.04 LTS | Educational environments, with pre-installed educational software for schools and learning | Direct Download |
Specialized Ubuntu Editions
| Edition | Use Case | Download URL |
|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu Cloud Images 26.04 | Cloud deployments (AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, OpenStack) | Cloud Images |
| Ubuntu Core | IoT and embedded systems, focusing on security and robustness with snap-based architecture. Note: Ubuntu Core is versioned independently from the desktop/server LTS releases — the current line is Ubuntu Core 26. | Core Downloads |
| Ubuntu WSL 26.04 | Windows Subsystem for Linux with enhanced enterprise deployment capabilities | WSL Download |
Download Instructions and Best Practices
Choosing the Right Download Method
Direct Download: Best for users with stable internet connections who want the fastest single download.
BitTorrent: Recommended for slower connections or when downloading multiple ISO files. BitTorrent can help reduce server strain and improve download speeds by sharing bandwidth with other users.
Verification Steps
Before installing, it’s crucial to verify your downloaded ISO file:
- Download the SHA256 checksums: Available on each release page
- Verify the integrity: Use tools like
sha256sumon Linux or built-in verification tools - Check GPG signatures: For additional security verification
Creating Installation Media
Once downloaded, create bootable installation media:
For USB drives: Use tools like:
- Linux: Startup Disk Creator, dd command, or Etcher
- Windows: Rufus or Etcher
- macOS: Etcher or built-in tools
For DVD: Use standard disc burning software compatible with ISO files.
What’s New in Ubuntu 26.04 LTS
Ubuntu 26.04 LTS was released on April 23, 2026, and includes:
- Kernel updates: Linux kernel 7.0, with better hardware and driver coverage for recent CPUs and GPUs
- GNOME 50 on Wayland: The GNOME session is now Wayland-only, with X11 no longer offered as a login option in GDM
- Security hardening: TPM-backed full-disk encryption, expanded memory-safe (Rust-based) system components, and improved application permission prompting
- Livepatch for Arm: Kernel live-patching support extended to Arm-based servers
- AI/ML toolkits: Native support for NVIDIA CUDA and AMD ROCm out of the box
- Graphics stack: Updated Mesa 26 graphics stack
Key Features of Ubuntu 26.04 LTS Resolute Raccoon
Ubuntu 26.04 LTS introduces several notable changes:
- GNOME 50: Latest desktop environment, Wayland-only, with per-monitor scaling and native touch/gesture support
- TPM-backed full-disk encryption: Stronger default protection for both desktop and server installs
- Refined app permissions: A more transparent, user-controllable permission model for installed applications
- Unified software management: Continued consolidation around the App Center and snap-based packaging
- Kernel-to-cloud performance work: Continued optimization across desktop, server, and cloud images
- AI/HPC readiness: Native NVIDIA CUDA and AMD ROCm support for development and production workloads
Support and Lifecycle
Ubuntu 26.04 LTS provides five years of free security and maintenance updates for Ubuntu Desktop, Server, Cloud, WSL, and Core, with support extending until April 2031. Official flavors (Kubuntu, Xubuntu, Lubuntu, Ubuntu Budgie, Ubuntu Studio, Ubuntu Kylin, Ubuntu Cinnamon, Ubuntu Unity, and Edubuntu) receive three years of support. Extended support is available with Ubuntu Pro, extending coverage up to 12 years for enterprise customers.
Support Timeline:
- Standard Support (main editions): 5 years (until April 2031)
- Standard Support (flavors): 3 years
- Ubuntu Pro: 10 years total support (until April 2036)
- Legacy Support Add-on: Up to 12 years for enterprise customers (until April 2038)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Ubuntu 26.04 LTS free to download? Yes, all Ubuntu editions are completely free to download, use, and distribute.
- Can I upgrade from Ubuntu 24.04 LTS to 26.04 LTS? Yes, but the automatic in-place upgrade prompt for 24.04 LTS users becomes available once 26.04.1 is released, scheduled for August 4, 2026. Users on Ubuntu 25.10 are offered the upgrade immediately.
- Which Ubuntu flavor should I choose? Ubuntu Desktop is best for general users and newcomers with GNOME 50. Kubuntu suits users who want extensive customization with KDE Plasma. Xubuntu and Lubuntu are best for older or resource-constrained hardware. Ubuntu Cinnamon offers a Linux Mint-like experience on an Ubuntu base.
- Is Ubuntu MATE available for 26.04? Not yet. As of this writing, Ubuntu MATE’s latest release is still 24.04.4 LTS. Check the Ubuntu MATE download page for updates.
- What are the minimum system requirements? For Ubuntu 26.04 LTS Desktop, you need a 2 GHz dual-core processor or better (64-bit), 4 GiB RAM (8 GiB recommended), 25 GB of hard-drive space, a display capable of 1024×768 resolution, and a DVD drive or USB port for installation media.
- How long will Ubuntu 26.04 LTS be supported? The main editions (Desktop, Server, Cloud, WSL, Core) receive free security updates until April 2031 (5 years). Official flavors receive 3 years of support. With Ubuntu Pro, main-edition support extends to 10 years, and enterprise customers can get up to 12 years with the Legacy Support add-on.
Conclusion
Ubuntu 26.04 LTS Resolute Raccoon is now the current stable release, bringing GNOME 50 on Wayland, TPM-backed disk encryption, and native AI/ML toolkit support to desktop, server, and cloud users alike. Whether you’re looking for a full-featured desktop environment, a lightweight alternative, server deployment, or cloud and IoT solutions, there’s an Ubuntu edition that fits your needs.
All download links in this guide have been verified as of July 2026. Choose the edition that best matches your requirements and enjoy the stability, performance, and security of Ubuntu’s newest Long-Term Support release.
