Installing an Ubuntu Server is slightly different from installing desktop Ubuntu, as Canonical provides a dedicated Ubuntu Server ISO with an efficient, keyboard-driven installer. In this guide, we will install a headless Ubuntu Server on an old DELL Inspiron 530 desktop without a Graphical User Interface (GUI) or desktop environment (DE) to save valuable system resources.
This approach is especially useful for older hardware, although if your computer can handle it and you prefer a graphical interface, you can always install one later.
Part 1: Headless Ubuntu Server: Download & Install
1. Requirements & Installer Controls
Wired Connection
While laptops have built-in Wi-Fi, always prefer an Ethernet connection over Wi-Fi for server stability and speed.
Peripherals
Laptops have a built-in screen and keyboard. For desktop systems, temporarily connect a monitor and keyboard. Once setup is complete, you can unplug them; the server only needs a power cable and an Ethernet cable.
Installer Navigation Controls
The Ubuntu Server installer is designed to be used primarily with the keyboard. The following controls will help you navigate through the installation process:
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
| Tab or Shift + Tab | Move focus between options and buttons. |
| Arrow Keys | Navigate lists and text fields. |
| Spacebar | Toggle checkboxes (select or deselect items). |
| Enter | Confirm selection. |
| Escape | Go back to the previous screen or cancel an option. |
2. Preparing the Installation Media
Download the ISO
Visit the official Ubuntu website and download the latest Ubuntu Server image, preferably an LTS release for long-term support.
Flash the USB Drive
Use Rufus or balenaEtcher to write the ISO image to your USB drive.
Rufus Settings
For Legacy BIOS systems, select MBR - BIOS. For UEFI systems, select GPT - UEFI under Partition scheme and Target system.
Alternatively: You can use a Ventoy USB drive and copy-paste the ISO directly onto the Ventoy partition.
Boot into the Installer
Plug the USB into your target machine, power it on, and repeatedly press your system's Boot Menu key. This is typically F12, F11, F9, F8, or Escape depending on the brand. On some laptops, you may need to press Fn + the key.
Select the USB drive as your boot device.
3. Installing Ubuntu Server (Headless Setup)
When the boot menu appears, select Try or Install Ubuntu Server and press Enter.
Language
Select your preferred Language.
Keyboard & Base Setup
Keyboard Configuration: Select your Layout and Variant, then navigate to Done.
Type of Install: Select Ubuntu Server, which is the standard baseline installation. You can also choose Ubuntu Server (minimized) if you want an ultra-lightweight footprint with minimal pre-installed tools.
Network Configuration & Static IP
The installer will attempt to get an IP address via DHCP automatically. To set a static IP during installation:
- Highlight your active Ethernet interface, for example, eth0, and press Enter or Spacebar.
- Change the selection from IPv4 Method: Automatic (DHCP) to Manual.
- Fill in your network configuration.
Subnet: 192.168.1.0/24 (your Network ID + Subnet Mask in CIDR notation, for more information on networking basics, check out Explained category in the website).
Address: 192.168.1.150 (your preferred static IP).
Gateway: 192.168.1.1 (your router IP).
Name servers: 1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1 (comma-separated your preferred DNS or your router IP).
Select Save and move to Done.
Proxy & Mirror Configuration
Configure Proxy: Leave this blank unless your network requires a proxy server to access the internet, then select Done.
Ubuntu Archive Mirror: The installer automatically detects the fastest mirror based on your location. Keep the default URL and select Done, or you can use the main Ubuntu Archive Mirror by deleting the location part of the URL.
Storage / Disk Partitioning
- Select Use an entire disk.
- Choose your internal hard drive from the list.
Optional: You can uncheck Set up this disk as an LVM group if you prefer standard partitions.
Review the storage summary layout, then navigate down to Done.
Select Continue when warned that formatting will erase all existing data on the chosen disk.
Profile Configuration (User & Hostname)
Unlike Debian, Ubuntu does not enable a separate root account login by default. Instead, the user account created here is automatically given sudo administrative rights.
- Your name: Enter your name.
- Your server's name: Enter your desired hostname, for example, ubuntu-server.
- Pick a username: Enter your preferred user account name, for example, username.
- Choose a password / Confirm password: Enter a strong password for your user account.
Navigate to Done.
Ubuntu Pro Setup
You will be offered an option to enable Ubuntu Pro for extended security updates. Choose Skip for now (you can always attach it later if needed) and select Done.
SSH & Featured Server Snaps
SSH Setup: Check the box for Install OpenSSH server. Choose Import SSH identity if you have keys set up on GitHub or Launchpad, or leave it set to "No" to log in with your password initially.
Featured Server Snaps: The installer offers popular software bundles. Leave all options unchecked to keep the base installation clean and lightweight.
Select Done to begin the installation.
Complete the Installation
The installer will now copy files and apply system updates in the background.
Once the progress bar reaches the end and shows Installation complete!, select Reboot Now.
Remove the USB drive when prompted on screen, then press Enter to boot into your fresh Ubuntu Server.
And that’s it for Part 1! Your base Ubuntu Server is now installed and ready to go.
However, we aren't done just yet—your system still needs essential initial tuning, including SSH security, firewall setup, power management adjustments (preventing the laptop from sleeping when the lid is closed), and display timeouts, but that's for Part 2 for the post-installation configuration!