How to Install an Ubuntu Desktop on the Raspberry Pi

Download the Ubuntu MATE Raspberry Pi image from the official website. There is an experimental version for ARMv8 machines, but I'll be using the recommended version for this guide.

Once everything has downloaded, extract the contents of the zipped folder. You should have a .img file. This .img file can be written to a microSD card. I'll be using Etcher to write the OS to my card. I like it because it's free and usually doesn't respond with errors when writing images for the Pi. However, you can use another image writing program if you prefer.

This process is similar to installing Raspberry Pi OS (formerly Raspbian) on the Raspberry Pi.

1. Connect the microSD card to your computer with an SD card adapter.
2. Open Etcher or an image writing program of your choosing.
3. Select the Ubuntu MATE image and write it to the microSD card.

You should receive a notification when the image has been written to the microSD card. Safely remove it from the PC, and insert the microSD card into the slot on the Raspberry Pi.

With the microSD card inserted, power on the Raspberry Pi. When Ubuntu MATE loads, you'll see a welcome screen. These prompts are used to set up the OS. You'll need a USB keyboard and mouse for this step.

On the first screen, set your language and choose a keyboard layout. The next page will ask you to connect to a wireless network. Set a location and then follow the prompts to create a username and password.

It will take a few minutes for the setup process to complete. When everything is ready, you should see an empty desktop. Congratulations! You're running Ubuntu on a Raspberry Pi.