How to Install Ubuntu on a Raspberry Pi Instead of Raspberry Pi OS

Raspberry Pi OS is the default, but it is not the only option, and for anyone who wants the wider package library and the predictable long-term-support cadence of mainstream Linux, installing Ubuntu on a Raspberry Pi is refreshingly simple. The Raspberry Pi Imager lists official Ubuntu builds right in its menus, so flashing Ubuntu Server or Desktop to an SD card or SSD takes a few clicks rather than any command-line wrestling.

Quick Answer

Use the Raspberry Pi Imager. Under "Other general-purpose OS" it lists Ubuntu, where you pick Ubuntu Server or Ubuntu Desktop and the LTS release you want, then flash it to a microSD card or USB SSD. On a Pi 4 or Pi 5 with at least 4GB of RAM, the Desktop build runs comfortably, while Server suits headless projects.

Why choose Ubuntu over Raspberry Pi OS

Raspberry Pi OS is excellent and tightly tuned to the hardware, so this is not about it being worse. Ubuntu wins when you want consistency with servers and workstations you already run. The apt library is broad, the LTS releases get five years of support, and tutorials, container images, and deployment guides written for Ubuntu work the same on the Pi.

For a home lab, a learning project, or anything you will eventually move to bigger hardware, that consistency pays off. Ubuntu Server is the natural fit for headless container and service work, while Ubuntu Desktop gives you a full GNOME environment on a Pi 4 or Pi 5. If you are deciding between a Pi and a small x86 box for these workloads, the mini PCs range at Evetech is worth comparing against the Pi for headroom.

What you need before you start

1. A Raspberry Pi 4 or Pi 5 with at least 4GB of RAM, which the Desktop build effectively requires.
2. A microSD card of 16GB or larger, class 10 or better, or a USB SSD for noticeably better performance and reliability.
3. A second computer to run the Raspberry Pi Imager, plus a card reader or USB enclosure.
4. Power supply, and for first boot a display, keyboard, and network connection (Server can be configured headless).

Step-by-step: flashing Ubuntu with Raspberry Pi Imager

1. Download and install the Raspberry Pi Imager on your main computer from the official Raspberry Pi site, then launch it.
2. Click "Choose Device" and select your Pi model so the Imager filters to compatible images.
3. Click "Choose OS", scroll to "Other general-purpose OS", select Ubuntu, then pick the build you want. Choose an LTS release such as the current 26.04 LTS for the longest support window, and select Ubuntu Server for headless use or Ubuntu Desktop for a graphical environment.
4. Click "Choose Storage" and select your microSD card or USB SSD. Double-check this, because flashing erases the target.
5. Open the settings gear before writing. For Server especially, set the hostname, enable SSH, create your user account, and pre-configure Wi-Fi so the Pi is reachable on first boot without a screen attached.
6. Click "Write", confirm, and wait for the Imager to flash and verify the image.

First boot and finishing setup

Insert the card or connect the SSD, power on the Pi, and give it a minute or two on the first boot while it expands the filesystem and applies your settings. For Server, find the Pi on your network and connect over SSH using the username you created. For Desktop, log in at the GNOME screen. Then run a package update to pull the latest fixes before you start building anything on it.

Server or Desktop, and SD card or SSD

Pick Server if the Pi will run headless as a file share, container host, or always-on service, since it boots faster and uses less memory. Pick Desktop if you want a full graphical machine. On storage, an SSD over USB is markedly faster and far more durable than an SD card for anything that writes frequently, which is most server workloads. For storage and peripherals to finish the build, the PC best sellers at Evetech cover drives, cards, and accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Ubuntu version should I install on a Raspberry Pi?

An LTS release such as the current 26.04 LTS, since it gets five years of support and the most stable software. The Imager lists the available versions when you select Ubuntu.

Do I need a Pi 4 or Pi 5 for Ubuntu?

For Ubuntu Desktop, yes, with at least 4GB of RAM, because GNOME needs the resources. Ubuntu Server runs more lightly and is the better fit for older or lower-memory boards.

Can I run Ubuntu from an SSD instead of an SD card?

Yes, and it is recommended for performance and longevity. Flash the same image to a USB SSD and boot from it, which is far faster and more durable for frequent writes.

How do I set up Ubuntu Server without a monitor?

Use the Imager's settings panel before flashing to set the hostname, enable SSH, create your user, and add Wi-Fi credentials. The Pi then comes up on the network ready for an SSH connection.