Download the ISO Image
The first step in installing Ubuntu 26.04 LTS is obtaining the correct installation image (ISO file). This page will help you download the right version quickly from official or mirror sources.
Official Download Links
The Ubuntu official website provides the latest version ISO downloads:
- Desktop edition: https://ubuntu.com/download/desktop
- Server edition: https://ubuntu.com/download/server
The official download servers are located overseas. Users in some regions may experience slow speeds, so using a nearby mirror is recommended.
Recommended Mirror Sites
The following mirror sites host Ubuntu 26.04 LTS ISO files and typically offer full-speed downloads:
| Mirror Site | URL |
|---|---|
| Tsinghua University TUNA | https://mirrors.tuna.tsinghua.edu.cn/ubuntu-releases/26.04/ |
| University of Science and Technology of China | https://mirrors.ustc.edu.cn/ubuntu-releases/26.04/ |
| Alibaba Cloud | https://mirrors.aliyun.com/ubuntu-releases/26.04/ |
| Huawei Cloud | https://mirrors.huaweicloud.com/ubuntu-releases/26.04/ |
| NetEase | https://mirrors.163.com/ubuntu-releases/26.04/ |
Desktop vs Server Edition
Desktop Edition
- Includes the full graphical desktop environment (GNOME)
- Comes with a browser, office suite, and other common applications
- Suitable for personal computers, laptops, and daily use
- Provides a Live mode to try the system without installing
Server Edition
- Does not include a graphical interface; CLI only
- Minimal installation with lower resource usage
- Includes common server tools and services
- Suitable for cloud instances and physical server deployments
Architecture Selection
amd64 (x86_64)
The vast majority of desktops and laptops use this architecture. If your computer has an Intel or AMD processor, choose the amd64 version. This is the most common choice.
arm64 (AArch64)
For ARM architecture devices, including:
- Raspberry Pi 4/5 (64-bit mode)
- Some ARM servers (e.g., Huawei Kunpeng, Ampere Altra)
- Apple Silicon Macs (running via virtual machine)
ISO File Naming Convention
Ubuntu ISO file names follow a fixed format, for example:
ubuntu-26.04-desktop-amd64.iso
ubuntu-26.04-live-server-amd64.iso26.04: Version numberdesktop/live-server: Edition typeamd64: Architecture
Recommended Download Tools
For large file downloads, it’s recommended to use tools that support resuming interrupted downloads:
# Download using wget (supports resume)
wget -c https://mirrors.tuna.tsinghua.edu.cn/ubuntu-releases/26.04/ubuntu-26.04-desktop-amd64.iso
# Multi-threaded download using aria2
aria2c -x 16 https://mirrors.tuna.tsinghua.edu.cn/ubuntu-releases/26.04/ubuntu-26.04-desktop-amd64.isoAfter downloading, it is strongly recommended to verify the ISO to ensure the file is intact.
FAQ
Which version should I download?
If you are a regular desktop user, choose the Desktop edition — it includes the graphical interface and common software. If you need to deploy a server or cloud instance, choose the Server edition — it’s lighter and focused on command-line operations.
Should I choose amd64 or arm64?
The vast majority of users should choose the amd64 version. As long as your computer uses an Intel or AMD processor (including laptops and desktops), amd64 is the correct choice. arm64 is only for Raspberry Pi, ARM servers, or running on Apple Silicon Macs via a virtual machine.
How big is the ISO file?
The Desktop edition ISO is approximately 5-6 GB, and the Server edition ISO is approximately 2-3 GB. Make sure your USB drive or download directory has enough storage space.
What if the download is slow?
Use a nearby mirror site (such as Tsinghua TUNA, Alibaba Cloud, or USTC) instead of the official download URL for faster speeds. Also consider using the aria2 multi-threaded download tool, or wget’s resume feature to avoid re-downloading.