Ubuntu Budgie

Final 26.10 Release

Ubuntu Budgie 26.10 was released alongside Ubuntu on 2026-10-15, with nine months of maintenance until July 2027. Official announcement 

Use the Ubuntu Budgie 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.

Ubuntu Budgie is an official Ubuntu flavor featuring the Budgie desktop environment, originally developed by the Solus project. Budgie is known for its clean and elegant design philosophy, striking an excellent balance between modern aesthetics and system efficiency.

Key Features

• Modern Clean UI: A tidy interface design without visual clutter
• Raven Sidebar: Multi-function panel integrating notification center, calendar, and quick settings
• Rich Applets: Extend panel functionality through small applications
• Low Resource Usage: Beautiful visual effects with well-controlled memory consumption
• Ready Out of the Box: Carefully selected default applications and configuration

System Requirements

Installation

Option 1: ISO Image Installation

Visit the Ubuntu Budgie website  to download the 26.04 LTS ISO image.

Option 2: Install on Existing Ubuntu

sudo apt update
sudo apt install ubuntu-budgie-desktop

After installation, log out and select the Budgie session at the login screen.

Raven Sidebar

Raven is the most distinctive component of the Budgie desktop. Press Super + N or click the icon on the right side of the panel to open it.

Raven Has Two Main Areas

Notification Area:

• Centralized display of all application notifications
• One-click clear all notifications
• Group notifications by application

Applet Area:

• Calendar and clock
• Volume and media playback controls
• Power management
• Night mode toggle
• Quick settings panel

Applets

The Budgie panel supports a wide range of applets to extend functionality:

Built-in Applets

• Application Menu: Browse installed applications by category
• Taskbar: Show running windows
• System Tray: Display background application icons
• Workspace Switcher: Manage virtual desktops
• Clock: Date and time display

Install Additional Applets

# Since 26.04 budgie-extras is split into individual applet packages; install what you need
sudo apt install budgie-window-shuffler    # Window tiling management
sudo apt install budgie-dropby-applet      # USB device quick management
sudo apt install budgie-kangaroo-applet    # Quick folder navigation
sudo apt install budgie-weathershow-applet # Weather display
sudo apt install budgie-previews budgie-hotcorners-applet  # Window previews and hot corners

After installation, enable them in Budgie Desktop Settings -> Panel -> Add Applet.

Desktop Settings

Right-click the desktop or open Budgie Desktop Settings through system settings:

Panel Settings

• Adjust panel position (top/bottom)
• Set panel size and transparency
• Manage applet arrangement on the panel
• Add multiple panels

Window Management

• Window animation effects
• Window snapping and tiling
• Virtual desktop count settings

Themes and Appearance

# Materia is no longer packaged in 26.04; Arc is a similar flat alternative
sudo apt install arc-theme
 
# Install Papirus icons
sudo apt install papirus-icon-theme

Default Applications

Who Is It For

• Users who like a modern clean UI but don’t want GNOME’s more radical design choices
• Users seeking a balance between aesthetics and efficiency
• Users who want a polished “just works” desktop out of the box
• Users who prefer great defaults over extensive customization
• Users migrating from macOS (the interface style has similarities)