Edubuntu
Final 26.10 Release
Edubuntu 26.10 was released alongside Ubuntu on 2026-10-15, with nine months of maintenance until July 2027. Official announcement
Use the Edubuntu 26.10 release notes for download links, desktop component versions and flavor-specific issues. Existing 26.04 examples below retain their LTS scope. Do not assume GNOME 51 or Ubuntu App Center behavior applies to every flavor. Also check shared base-system issues before upgrading.
Edubuntu is an official Ubuntu flavor focused on education. Based on the GNOME desktop environment, it comes pre-installed with a rich collection of educational software, providing an out-of-the-box learning platform for schools, teachers, and students.
Key Features
- GNOME Desktop: Modern and intuitive desktop environment that students can quickly learn
- Rich Educational Software: Learning tools covering all age groups from preschool through high school
- GCompris: Comprehensive early education software suite with 150+ interactive activities
- Classroom Management Tools: Convenient tools for teachers to manage and monitor student computers
- Safe and Friendly: Security configurations suitable for children
System Requirements
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 2 GHz | Quad-core 2 GHz |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB or more |
| Storage | 30 GB | 50 GB or more |
| GPU | OpenGL 2.0 support | Any dedicated or integrated GPU |
Edubuntu requires more installation space than standard Ubuntu due to the large number of pre-installed educational applications. If disk space is limited, you can install educational packages selectively on a base Ubuntu system.
Installation
Option 1: ISO Image Installation
Visit the Edubuntu website to download the 26.04 LTS ISO image.
Option 2: Install on Existing Ubuntu
sudo apt update
sudo apt install edubuntu-desktopEducational apps are installed individually (the age-group metapackages were removed in 26.04):
# The age-group metapackages were removed in 26.04; install educational apps individually
# For example GCompris (100+ activities for ages 2-10)
sudo apt install gcompris-qtGCompris Educational Suite
GCompris is the most important educational application in Edubuntu, providing over 150 interactive learning activities for children ages 2-10:
Activity Categories
- Computer Basics: Keyboard operation, mouse usage
- Mathematics: Counting, arithmetic, geometry, fractions
- Science: Water cycle, circuits, astronomy
- Geography: Country and region identification
- Reading: Letter recognition, spelling practice
- Strategy Games: Chess, memory games
- Experiments: Physics simulations
# Install GCompris standalone
sudo apt install gcompris-qtGCompris supports multiple language interfaces. You can switch to your preferred language in the settings to help students learn more effectively.
Pre-installed Educational Software
Science and Mathematics
| Application | Purpose |
|---|---|
| GeoGebra | Interactive geometry and algebra tool |
| Stellarium | Planetarium simulation for stargazing |
| Kalzium | Periodic table and chemistry learning |
| KBruch | Fraction learning |
| KGeography | Geography knowledge learning |
| Step | Physics simulation experiments |
Language and Programming
| Application | Purpose |
|---|---|
| KLettres | Letter learning |
| Parley | Vocabulary training |
| Scratch | Visual programming (suitable for ages 8+) |
| KTurtle | Logo language programming learning |
| TuxPaint | Children’s drawing program |
Classroom Management
Veyon (formerly iTALC)
Edubuntu can be paired with Veyon for classroom management:
sudo apt install veyon-master # Teacher's computer
sudo apt install veyon-service # Student computersVeyon provides:
- Monitor all student screens
- Remotely lock student computers
- Demonstrate to students (screen broadcasting)
- Remote control student computers
- Send messages to students
User Management
Teachers can create individual accounts for each student using standard Ubuntu user management:
# Create a student account
sudo adduser student01Who Is It For
- Schools and educational institutions: Deploy a unified learning environment for computer labs
- Parents: Provide children with a safe learning platform
- Teachers: Use pre-installed tools for interactive teaching
- Students: Access a rich set of learning and creative tools
- Community libraries and learning centers
If you only need some educational software, you don’t need to install the full Edubuntu desktop. You can install individual educational applications on a standard Ubuntu system using sudo apt install.