How to Install a Graphical Interface on Ubuntu Server

Edited 6 days ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

Graphical InterfaceUbuntuServerLinuxInstallationSetupOperating SystemsGUIDesktopManagement

Ubuntu Server is a powerful operating system widely used in data center and cloud computing environments. It is often preferred for its simplicity, security, and robustness. Unlike desktop versions of Ubuntu, the server version does not come with a graphical user interface (GUI) by default. This is because server environments are usually managed via the command line, which is resource-efficient and suitable for administrative tasks. However, there are situations where a GUI can be helpful, especially for users who are more comfortable with a graphical interface or who need to manage a server using specific graphical tools. In this document, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to install a graphical interface on your Ubuntu Server step by step.

Understanding Ubuntu Server vs desktop

Before we dive into the installation details, it is important to highlight the difference between Ubuntu Server and Ubuntu Desktop. The Server edition is optimized for performance and reliability in handling network services and workloads. It does not come with a desktop environment, which means all operations are performed using the command line. In contrast, Ubuntu Desktop includes a GUI that is generally more suitable for everyday users and provides a more interactive experience. Some users prefer the Server edition with GUI to get the best of both worlds - the robustness of Server and the easy-to-use interface.

Preparing for installation

Before you begin the installation, there are a few conditions you should consider. First, you need to make sure your server has internet access. This will allow you to download the necessary packages. In addition, you need access to your server either physically or remotely (via SSH, for example). Finally, make sure your system is up to date to avoid compatibility issues.

Common GUI options for Ubuntu Server

There are many desktop environments you can choose to install on your Ubuntu server. Here are some of the popular ones:

• GNOME: GNOME is the default desktop environment for Ubuntu desktop versions. It's intuitive and modern, but it may require more system resources than other environments.
• Xfce: Xfce is a lightweight desktop environment that performs well on systems with limited resources. It is less resource-intensive than GNOME but still provides a pleasant user experience.
• KDE Plasma: KDE offers an attractive and feature-rich desktop interface. It is known for its configurability and fast performance.
• LXDE: Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment is another lightweight option, ideal for lower specification machines.

Updating and upgrading your system

Before installing any new packages, it is important to update the existing package list and upgrade the installed packages to their latest versions. Open your terminal and execute the following commands:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

sudo apt update command refreshes the package index, while sudo apt upgrade upgrades all installed packages to their latest versions. This ensures that you're starting with the most current software library.

Installing GUI on Ubuntu Server

Installing the GNOME Desktop

To install the GNOME desktop environment, which is the default for Ubuntu, enter the following command in the terminal:

sudo apt install ubuntu-desktop

This command will install the full Ubuntu desktop package, including the necessary applications and services. Note that this package is extensive, which means it may take some time to download and install, depending on your internet speed and machine specifications.

Once the installation is complete, you can start the graphical interface using the following command:

sudo systemctl start gdm3

Here, gdm3 is the GNOME display manager, which is responsible for providing the login screen and starting the desktop environment.

Installing the Xfce Desktop

Xfce requires fewer resources to install, making it suitable for older or less powerful machines. To install Xfce, execute the following in the terminal:

sudo apt install xubuntu-desktop

This command installs the Xfce environment for a consistent experience with its suite of applications integrated with Ubuntu. Once the installation is complete, you may need to start or restart the lightdm service, which acts as the display manager.

sudo systemctl start lightdm

Installing the KDE Plasma Desktop

For a more attractive and configurable desktop, consider KDE Plasma. Start the installation with the command:

sudo apt install kde-plasma-desktop

It provides a minimal installation of the KDE environment with the main components. After installation, the sddm service must be activated. You can start it as follows:

sudo systemctl start sddm

Installing the LXDE Desktop

LXDE is one of the lightest desktop environments, perfect for systems with very limited resources. To install LXDE, use:

sudo apt install lubuntu-desktop

After the installation process is complete, start the lightdm service as follows:

sudo systemctl start lightdm

Configuring the default desktop manager

When installing multiple desktop environments, they may come with different display managers. The system must know which manager to use. Run the following command to set your desired default display manager:

sudo dpkg-reconfigure gdm3

Replace gdm3 with lightdm or sddm if you are using Xfce or KDE Plasma. Follow the on-screen prompts to set your preferred manager.

Starting the graphical interface on boot

By default, Ubuntu Server starts in non-graphical mode. To boot the server in GUI mode, you need to change the default target in systemd. Use this command:

sudo systemctl set-default graphical.target

This tells the system to start with a graphical session on boot.

Troubleshooting common problems

After making these changes, you may encounter some issues, such as:

• Login loop: If you are unable to log in due to a login loop, check your disk space. The system may be low on storage.
• Black screen: A black screen after logging in indicates a problem with the display server. Check the logs at /var/log/Xorg.0.log for errors.

Restarting the display manager and checking system resources can often resolve these problems.

Conclusion

Installing a GUI on Ubuntu Server can change the way you interact with your server, making it more user-friendly for those who prefer graphical tools. This guide provides detailed information on how to set up different desktop environments on Ubuntu Server. Each environment comes with its own unique benefits, and you should choose based on your specific needs and system capabilities. Always make sure your system is updated to maintain security and ensure smooth operation.

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