Desktop image
The desktop image allows you to try Ubuntu without changing your computer at all, and at your option to install it permanently later. This type of image is what most people will want to use. You will need at least 1024MiB of RAM to install from this image.
Server install image
The server install image allows you to install Ubuntu permanently on a computer for use as a server. It will not install a graphical user interface.
What's New
Every new release of Ubuntu Desktop comes packed with new features and functionality to enable developers, gamers, creators and tinkerers. Ubuntu 23.04 is no exception.
Our focus, as always, has been improving quality, performance and enjoyment for all our users, whether that's more elegant update handling for snaps, improved UI for installation and quick settings or a more accessible gaming experience.
This release also lays some strategic foundations for enterprise security, support and integration. This includes a new approach for desktop image customization and deployment, in addition to expanded identity management solutions. As we look ahead to our next LTS release, Ubuntu 24.04, you'll see these stories evolve and expand over time and we're excited to have you join us on this journey
Refreshed desktop experience
After completing their installation, users will benefit from a range of quality of life improvements to the desktop interface. The latest GNOME takes centre stage but we've also taken the opportunity to refresh the Ubuntu font and address the most commonly requested change to snap update behaviour. Gamers will also benefit from improved out of the box setup with the new Steam snap that has now been promoted to stable.
GNOME 44
Ubuntu Desktop 23.04 ships with the latest version of GNOME which delivers a range of usability improvements. Highlights include the enhanced quick settings menu with support for dark mode switching and detailed bluetooth sub-menus, and the addition of thumbnail views in the GTK file picker.
Improved snap refresh
One of our biggest user experience improvements is in how we handle snap updates for Desktop applications. Previously, users would be alerted to an available update via a notification but be unable to apply it without going to the command line, Ubuntu Software or waiting for the automatic update.
With the latest update to snapd, pending updates are now downloaded in the background and immediately applied when the application is closed. Updates can also be paused for as long as desired using the new snap "hold" feature.
You can read more about this work in the latest Firefox snap update.
The Steam snap moves to stable
Over 150,000 gamers downloaded the early access Steam snap, which is now promoted to the stable channel after extensive testing. The Steam snap bundles key dependencies to run both new and older titles without the need to enable and manage additional PPAs. This includes 32-bit libraries and cutting edge Mesa drivers to deliver the latest updates without affecting the stability of your system.
We are continuing to add new features and improvements going forward and welcome your feedback.
Expanded enterprise management integration
Ubuntu Desktop is committed to delivering an enterprise-grade development experience to all users so that those that learn on Ubuntu can transfer those skills directly into the workplace. But enabling developers by providing them with an Ubuntu desktop can pose challenges to IT administrators when it comes to integrating them with an existing Windows-based ecosystem. Ensuring that Ubuntu supports existing device and identity management tooling reduces that overhead and means administrators can manage mixed OS fleets using the same workflows.
Azure AD authentication
Ubuntu Desktop 23.04 is the first and only Linux distribution to provide native user authentication with Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), enabling users on Microsoft 365 (M365) Enterprise plans to authenticate Ubuntu desktops with the same credentials they use for M365 or Azure. IT administrators are encouraged to evaluate the 'aad-auth' feature in this release and provide feedback for its backport to the current Ubuntu 22.04 LTS release, later this year.
To read more about our work integrating Azure AD authentication with Ubuntu check out our blog or watch the video below.
New Active Directory features
Active Directory (AD) Integration is one of the most popular Ubuntu Desktop enterprise features and Ubuntu Desktop 22.04 LTS brought Active Directory integration to the next level through ADsys, a client that enables full Group Policy support, privilege escalation and remote script executions.
In Ubuntu 23.04 we've added support for enterprise proxy, app confinement and network shares to further expand its functionality before backporting them to Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and Ubuntu 20.04 LTS later this year.
Intune Management
Microsoft Intune is the most popular cloud-based unified endpoint management (UEM) solution in the enterprise, counting over 135 million managed devices as of 2021. While initially designed as a management solution for mobile devices, over the years Intune has evolved to become a comprehensive cross-platform tool to perform all sorts of management activities, from installed application lifecycle management to zero trust conditional access.
At the end of last year Microsoft announced Intune support for Ubuntu. Massimiliano Gori has put together a new blog and tutorial video for those looking to get started with compliance monitoring.
