Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS Setup Guide 2026: Complete Beginner Tutorial

Looking for a comprehensive Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS setup guide? You are in the right place. This 2026 tutorial walks you through every step of installing and configuring Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS for production environments. Whether you are a beginner or experienced sysadmin, this guide covers everything from initial installation to security hardening.

Why Choose Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS in 2026?

Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS (Long Term Support) remains the top choice for Linux servers in 2026. With five years of guaranteed security updates until 2029, it provides the stability enterprises need. The LTS version receives critical patches and maintains compatibility with enterprise software stacks. Many organizations choose Ubuntu for its excellent documentation and massive community support. Read more about Linux server best practices on LinuxBlog.io.

System Requirements for Ubuntu Server 24.04

• CPU: 1 GHz dual-core processor (64-bit)
• RAM: 2 GB minimum (4 GB recommended for production)
• Storage: 25 GB free disk space (SSD recommended)
• Network: Internet connection for updates and package installation
• Optional: RAID controller for redundant storage

Step 1: Download Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS ISO

Visit the official Ubuntu website at ubuntu.com/server and download the 24.04 LTS ISO file (approximately 2.7 GB). Always verify the SHA256 checksum to ensure file integrity before creating your bootable media. Corrupted installation media can cause frustrating installation failures.

Step 2: Create Bootable Installation Media

Use reliable tools like BalenaEtcher, Rufus (for Windows), or the dd command on Linux/Mac to create a bootable USB drive. A USB 3.0 drive with at least 4 GB capacity is recommended for significantly faster installation speeds compared to older USB 2.0 drives.

Step 3: Initial Server Installation Process

Boot from your USB drive and follow the installation wizard carefully. Select your preferred language, keyboard layout, and choose the minimal installation option to reduce the attack surface. Configure your network settings including static IP if needed and set a strong root password during the setup.

Step 4: Essential Post-Installation Commands

Immediately after installation, update your package lists and upgrade all installed packages to their latest versions:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y
sudo apt install -y openssh-server ufw fail2ban

Step 5: SSH Security Hardening Configuration

Secure your SSH access immediately after installation. Edit /etc/ssh/sshd_config to disable root login and use key-based authentication exclusively. Consider changing the default port from 22 to a non-standard port and restrict access with the AllowUsers directive for enhanced security. Refer to the official Ubuntu SSH documentation for detailed configuration options.

Step 6: Configure UFW Firewall Rules

The Uncomplicated Firewall (UFW) is Ubuntu’s default firewall tool. Enable it and allow only necessary ports for your services:

sudo ufw default deny incoming
sudo ufw default allow outgoing
sudo ufw allow 22/tcp
sudo ufw allow 80/tcp
sudo ufw allow 443/tcp
sudo ufw enable

Step 7: Enable Automatic Security Updates

Enable automatic security updates to keep your server protected against newly discovered vulnerabilities. Install the unattended-upgrades package and configure it to apply security patches automatically without manual intervention.

sudo apt install -y unattended-upgrades
sudo dpkg-reconfigure -plow unattended-upgrades

Step 8: Install Essential Server Software

Depending on your use case, install web server software like Apache or Nginx. For database servers, consider MySQL, MariaDB, or PostgreSQL. Always use the official Ubuntu repositories via APT for secure installations.

sudo apt install -y nginx
sudo systemctl enable nginx
sudo systemctl start nginx

Step 9: User Management and Access Control

Create individual user accounts for each administrator and add them to the sudo group for privileged access. Never use the root account for daily operations. Implement strong password policies requiring at least 12 characters with mixed case, numbers, and symbols.

Step 10: Monitoring and Log Management

Set up system monitoring with tools like htop, netdata, or Prometheus for real-time metrics. Configure log rotation to prevent disk space issues. Monitor authentication logs for suspicious activity and set up email alerts for critical security events.

Conclusion and Next Steps

This Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS setup guide provides a solid foundation for your server infrastructure. Remember to regularly update your system and monitor security advisories from Canonical. With proper configuration and maintenance, your Ubuntu server will deliver reliable performance for years to come. For more Linux tutorials, check our related guides or visit Debian Documentation for alternative approaches.