Ubuntu 26.04 LTS Server Installation

This guide walks you through creating and installing an Ubuntu 26.04 LTS Server VM on VMware vSphere 8.

1. Download Ubuntu 26.04 LTS Server ISO

https://ubuntu.com/download/server

2. Upload ISO to Datastore


1. Log in to vSphere Web Client
2. Select your target ESXi host or cluster
3. Go to "Storage" → select a datastore
4. Click "Datastore browser" → "Upload" → choose the Ubuntu 26.04 LTS Server ISO

3. Create New VM


1. Right-click the host/cluster → "Create / Register VM"
2. Choose "Create a new virtual machine" → Next
3. Name the VM (e.g., "Ubuntu26Server")
4. Select compatibility: ESXi 8.0 and later
5. Guest OS Family: Linux → Guest OS Version: "Ubuntu Linux (64-bit)"
6. Select datastore → Next
7. Configure VM hardware:
   - CPUs: 2
   - Memory: 4096 MB (4 GB)
   - Network: VM Network (choose appropriate network)
   - Hard Disk: 20 GB
8. Under CD/DVD Drive, select "Datastore ISO file" → browse to Ubuntu 26.04 LTS Server ISO
9. Connect at power on → Finish

4. Power On and Install Ubuntu Server


1. Power on the VM and open the console
2. Follow installation steps:
   - Select language
   - Configure keyboard layout
   - Configure network and hostname
   - Set up storage (automatic recommended)
   - Create user account and set password
   - Choose to install OpenSSH server (optional but recommended)
3. Complete installation and reboot

5. Update the System

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

6. Set Hostname

sudo hostnamectl set-hostname ubuntu26.local

7. Install Useful Packages (Optional)

sudo apt install -y curl wget git vim ufw

8. Reboot the VM

sudo reboot