The Unity Desktop Environment is a sleek, modern interface that was originally developed by Canonical for Ubuntu, providing a distinctive user experience with features like the Dash, HUD (Head-Up Display), and a globally integrated menu. While Ubuntu has since transitioned to GNOME as its default desktop environment, Unity remains a popular choice for users who appreciate its efficient design and user-friendly interface. Unity offers a more streamlined workflow compared to GNOME, with a focus on simplicity and ease of access, making it a great alternative for users who want to customize their desktop experience.
On Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, or 20.04, Unity can be installed alongside the default GNOME Desktop Environment using the command-line terminal and Ubuntu’s default repository. This method allows you to switch between Unity and GNOME, depending on your preferences, without affecting your existing setup. This guide will walk you through the installation process, ensuring that you can enjoy both desktop environments on your Ubuntu system.
Install Unity Desktop via Terminal Commands
Update Ubuntu Before Unity Desktop Installation
Before installing the Unity desktop environment, update your Ubuntu operating system to have all existing packages up-to-date.
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeProceed with Unity Desktop Installation
When installing the Unity desktop environment, you can choose between minimal, standard, or complete options, each catering to different needs and preferences.
- Minimal Installation: Provides only the essentials to run Unity, perfect for users desiring a lightweight, fast desktop environment.
- Standard Installation: Includes commonly used applications and features suitable for most users.
- Complete Installation: Encompasses all features and applications, ideal for users seeking a fully-featured desktop environment.
For users of Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and onwards, ensure successful login to Unity by installing the necessary package with the following command:
sudo apt install dbus-x11Note: This can be skipped, but if any issues during the installation just refer back to this command.
Option 1: Install Unity DE Minimal
The first installation option is minimal installation. Run the following command to install.
sudo apt install ubuntu-unity-desktop --no-install-recommendsThe minimal installation option for the Unity desktop environment ideally suits testing purposes or individuals with older hardware. This option includes only the essential components needed to run the environment, requiring an 80-100MB download and an additional 280-300MB of space for installation.
Option 2: Install Unity DE Standard
Next, you can install the standard installation of Unity desktop environment with the following command.
sudo apt install ubuntu-unity-desktopThe most commonly recommended option for the average desktop user is the standard Unity desktop environment installation, offering a balanced mix of features and performance. The installation package requires a download of approximately 250-300MB and occupies 1600-1700MB of space.
Option 3: Install Unity DE Complete
The last option is to install the whole experience of the Unity desktop environment with the following command.
sudo apt install ubuntu-unity-desktop --install-suggestsInstalling the complete Unity desktop environment gives you access to all features and applications, but it may burden older systems with unnecessary bloat. Newer methods won’t necessarily benefit either, as the installation includes potentially unneeded applications like Firebird and jackd2. Consider installing these applications separately. This installation package demands a substantial 3GB download and requires an extra 16GB of space. Opt for the standard installation for a balanced blend of features and performance without specific installation needs.
Select Desktop Environment for Unity DE
Next, a prompt window will ask about the display manager during installation. The display manager, or lightdm, manages a Linux system’s graphical login screen and user sessions. The prompt will ask you to choose between using lightdm or another display manager, such as gdm or sddm.
The default option is lightdm for the Unity desktop environment; select this option.
Once complete, you must reboot your system for the new changes to take effect.
rebootLog in to Unity DE on Ubuntu
After restarting your desktop, you will arrive at your login screen. In the top right-hand corner of the login entry box, select the Unity session as the default option and log in.
Upon logging in, you’ll notice several changes to the user interface, including alterations in color and background. You can customize these features further through the Appearance menu. You’ll also observe modifications in the layout, launcher, and other unique Unity features.
Note: Remember, the screenshot examples will vary between LTS releases and short-term releases, given the version of the Unity desktop environment that was shipped with it.
Managing Ubuntu Desktop Environment
Switching Default Display Managers
To switch back to using GDM and GNOME in the future, open a terminal and run the command to reconfigure the default display manager after switching from Unity and LightDM.
sudo dpkg-reconfigure gdmRemove Unity Desktop Environment
There may be instances where you need to remove Ubuntu Unity from your system, whether to try a different desktop environment or revert to a previous configuration. Follow these steps to delete Ubuntu Unity:
Open a terminal and execute the following command:
sudo apt autoremove '^unity' --purgeThis command will remove Ubuntu Unity and purge all associated files from your system, restoring your desktop environment to its previous state.
Re-install Gnome Desktop Environment (if needed)
After removing Ubuntu Unity, reinstalling the GNOME Desktop Environment may be necessary, as the uninstallation process might have removed some essential GNOME packages.
To reinstall GNOME, update your system’s package list and then install the ubuntu-gnome-desktop package with the following commands:
sudo apt install --reinstall ubuntu-gnome-desktop
sudo systemctl enable gdm3 --nowAfter completing these steps, reboot your system to apply all changes. Use the following command to reboot:
rebootConclusion
Installing the Unity Desktop Environment on Ubuntu next to the default GNOME setup gives you the flexibility to choose between two distinct desktop experiences. By following the command-line installation method via the Ubuntu default repository, you can seamlessly integrate Unity into your existing system, allowing for easy switching between Unity and GNOME. Whether you prefer Unity’s unique features or simply want to explore different desktop environments, this setup ensures a versatile and customizable user experience on Ubuntu. Regular updates from Ubuntu’s repositories will keep both environments running smoothly, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds.