Table of Contents
The Ubuntu ISO file is your gateway to one of the world’s most popular and user-friendly Linux distributions. An ISO is a complete disk image containing everything needed to install Ubuntu on your computer, create a bootable USB drive, run it in a virtual machine, or even set up a Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) environment.
Here is a guide you can use: How to Install Ubuntu on Windows 11 using WSL 2
Whether you’re a desktop user seeking a powerful alternative to mainstream operating systems, a server administrator looking for a robust platform, or a developer seeking a stable foundation, downloading the correct Ubuntu ISO is the crucial first step. This guide outlines the available images for key Ubuntu releases, enabling you to select the ideal version for your specific requirements.
Download Ubuntu 26.04 ISO (Resolute Raccoon)
Ubuntu 26.04 LTS (Resolute Raccoon) is the latest long-term support release, arriving April 23, 2026, with five years of standard support (extendable to 12 years with Ubuntu Pro). It introduces the GNOME 50 desktop environment running exclusively on Wayland, delivering smoother fractional scaling, improved NVIDIA performance, and a fully opaque dock alongside new default apps like the Papers PDF viewer, Loupe image viewer, and Ptyxis terminal emulator.
Under the hood, Linux Kernel 7.0 provides cutting-edge hardware support, with optional x86-64-v3 optimized packages for newer processors. The Mesa 26.0 graphics stack enhances gaming and creative workflows, while AMD ROCm and NVIDIA CUDA are now directly available from Ubuntu’s archives for AI and machine learning development.
Security is a major focus: TPM-backed full disk encryption is now the default, and critical system utilities like sudo-rs, cp, and ls have been rewritten in Rust for memory safety. The new Security Center adds on-demand permission prompting for Snap apps, and systemd 259 enforces cgroup v2 with Dracut as the default initramfs—making Resolute Raccoon a modern, secure, and performance-ready LTS release.
Desktop – Intel or AMD 64-bit architecture | ARM 64-bit architecture
Server – Ubuntu Server 26.04 LTS
WSL image – Intel or AMD 64-bit architecture | ARM 64-bit architecture
Downloading Older Ubuntu LTS ISO Files
While newer LTS releases are generally recommended, specific legacy hardware or software requirements might necessitate older versions. These receive critical security updates via Extended Security Maintenance (ESM), available to Ubuntu Pro subscribers.
- Ubuntu 25.10 ISO (Questing Quokka): As the second latest release (latest is 26.04), Ubuntu 25.10 for desktop PCs and laptops comes with nine months of security and maintenance updates until July 2026, integrating Linux Kernel 6.17, GNOME 49 with a redesigned accessibility menu, lock screen media controls, user menu reboot/shutdown, HDR brightness controls, new Loupe image viewer (replacing Eye of GNOME) and Ptyxis terminal emulator, plus major TPM-backed full disk encryption improvements.
Desktop (Intel or AMD 64-bit architecture | ARM 64-bit architecture) | Server | Netboot | WSL | Torrent
- Ubuntu 25.04 (Plucky Puffin) ISO: The latest interim release offers cutting-edge features and the latest software stack.
Desktop (Intel or AMD 64-bit | ARM 64-bit) | Server | Netboot | WSL | Torrents (Desktop | Server)
- Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat) ISO: A Long-Term Support (LTS) release, Noble Numbat is recommended for stability and extended support (5 years for desktop, 12 years for server with Extended Security Maintenance, or ESM).
Desktop | Server | Netboot | WSL | Torrents (Desktop | Server)
- Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (Jammy Jellyfish) ISO: The previous LTS release, Jammy Jellyfish, remains widely used and fully supported.
Desktop | Server | Torrents (Desktop | Server)
- Ubuntu 20.04 LTS (Focal Fossa) ISO: Offers Desktop and Server Install images.
- Ubuntu 18.04 LTS (Bionic Beaver) ISO: Offers Desktop and Server install images.
- Ubuntu 16.04 LTS (Xenial Xerus) ISO: Offers Desktop and Server Install images.
Desktop (64-bit PC (AMD64) desktop image | 32-bit PC (i386) desktop image)
Server (64-bit PC (AMD64) server install image | 32-bit PC (i386) server install image)
- Ubuntu 14.04.6 LTS (Trusty Tahr) ISO: Offers Desktop and Server Install images. Use extreme caution; this release is very old and only receives ESM updates.
Desktop (64-bit PC (AMD64) desktop image | 32-bit PC (i386) desktop image)
Server (64-bit PC (AMD64) server install image | 32-bit PC (i386) server install image)
Conclusion: Choosing and Acquiring Your Ubuntu ISO
Selecting the right Ubuntu ISO depends on your specific needs: opt for the latest LTS (25.10) for desktops and servers requiring maximum stability and support, the latest interim release (26.04) for the newest features, or an older LTS only if strictly necessary for compatibility.
Remember to verify the integrity of your downloaded ISO using the provided checksums (SHA256) before use, ensuring a safe and uncorrupted installation. Once you’ve chosen your version, acquiring your Ubuntu ISO is straightforward using the links below. Prepare your USB drive or virtual machine, and embark on your Ubuntu journey!
For more Linux guides, visit here.