Download Ubuntu Server Iso [portable]
Replace /dev/sdX with your correct USB device (not a partition like /dev/sdX1 ). This command destroys all data on the target device.
As of 2026, the current LTS release is , with the next LTS being Ubuntu 26.04 LTS (expected April 2026). For most server deployments, you should choose the latest LTS point release (e.g., 24.04.2 rather than 24.04.0) because point releases include accumulated security updates and hardware enablement stacks. download ubuntu server iso
Before downloading, verify the target hardware meets minimum specifications: Replace /dev/sdX with your correct USB device (not
wget -c https://releases.ubuntu.com/24.04.2/ubuntu-24.04.2-live-server-amd64.iso For most server deployments, you should choose the
– Released every six months (e.g., 23.10, 24.10). These receive nine months of support and include newer software versions. They are suitable for developers, test environments, or users needing the latest kernel and packages.
Use (recommended), balenaEtcher , or the Windows dd alternative. Rufus automatically detects the ISO and sets the correct partition scheme (GPT for UEFI, MBR for BIOS).
The file size is typically 1.5 GB to 2.5 GB depending on the release. Save it to a location you remember (e.g., ~/Downloads/ ). While downloading, note the filename – you will need it for verification.