Ubuntu 22.04 and 20.04 are both popular LTS (Long-Term Support) releases widely used by developers, system administrators, and Linux enthusiasts. If you’re upgrading or choosing between these two versions, understanding the key differences in their initial setup processes can help you get started more efficiently. This listicle breaks down the main setup changes and improvements so you know what to expect when installing Ubuntu 22.04 compared to 20.04.
1. Default Desktop Environment and GNOME Version
Ubuntu 22.04 ships with GNOME 42, whereas 20.04 uses GNOME 3.36. This upgrade brings a noticeably smoother and more modern desktop experience in 22.04, including an updated Activities Overview and improved multi-monitor support during setup. The installer recognizes hardware better and offers a more responsive UI, making the initial configuration feel quicker and more polished.
2. Updated Installer with New Subiquity Backend
While Ubuntu 20.04 uses the traditional Ubiquity installer, 22.04 has made strides to integrate the newer Subiquity installer, especially in server editions, and has begun incorporating aspects of it in desktop installs. This change introduces a more modular and flexible setup process, including better network configuration options and faster disk partitioning. The hybrid approach in 22.04 means users get a more streamlined, modern installation experience.
3. Enhanced ZFS Support During Installation
Ubuntu 22.04 offers improved native support for ZFS as a root filesystem during setup, including automatic snapshots with Zsys integration. In contrast, 20.04 had experimental ZFS support that was less user-friendly and required manual configuration for snapshots. This enhancement makes 22.04 a better choice for users wanting advanced filesystem features out of the box.
4. Improved Network Configuration Options
During the initial setup, 22.04 provides more intuitive Wi-Fi and wired network configuration, including support for WPA3 and better handling of captive portals. Ubuntu 20.04’s network setup was more basic and sometimes required manual command-line intervention for complex scenarios. The newer release’s network setup improvements reduce friction, especially for laptops and devices on modern wireless networks.
5. Streamlined User Account Creation and Privacy Settings
Ubuntu 22.04’s installer has updated prompts around user account creation, including clearer options for enabling full disk encryption and deciding whether to send usage data to Canonical. These privacy and security choices are more transparent and easier to configure upfront compared to 20.04, which buried some privacy options deeper or required post-install tweaks.
6. Snap Package Integration During Setup
In 22.04, the initial setup process leans more heavily on Snap packages, including the default Firefox installation as a Snap rather than a traditional deb package as in 20.04. This change affects how software updates are handled after installation and can influence startup times and resource usage. Users should be aware of this shift as it impacts the software management model immediately following setup.
7. Updated Default Kernel and Hardware Support
Ubuntu 22.04 installs with Linux kernel 5.15 LTS, compared to kernel 5.4 in 20.04. The newer kernel improves hardware compatibility, particularly for newer CPUs, GPUs, and peripherals, which means fewer manual driver installs during or after setup. This is especially useful for users with recent hardware looking for a hassle-free installation.
8. New Theming and Visual Setup Options
During initial login and setup, Ubuntu 22.04 introduces an updated Yaru theme with a refreshed look and better dark mode integration. The setup wizard also allows users to select light or dark mode preferences early on. Ubuntu 20.04 had more limited theming choices at setup, making 22.04 feel more modern and customizable right away.
9. Faster Boot and Setup Times Due to Optimizations
Thanks to kernel improvements, systemd updates, and better initialization scripts, Ubuntu 22.04 boots faster and completes setup processes more quickly than 20.04. This can be especially noticeable on SSDs and modern hardware, reducing the wait time between powering on a machine and reaching a fully configured desktop.
10. Integration with Newer Cloud and Virtualization Tools
Ubuntu 22.04’s installer includes improved support for cloud-init and virtualization environments, making it easier to deploy in cloud or containerized setups. The initial setup recognizes and optimizes for virtual machines with better guest tools and drivers. This contrasts with 20.04, where some cloud or VM features required manual post-install configuration.
How to Choose
When deciding between Ubuntu 22.04 and 20.04, consider your hardware and software requirements first. If you have newer hardware or want the latest long-term kernel and GNOME experience, 22.04 is the better choice with its improved hardware support and updated desktop. However, if you rely on legacy software or need maximum stability with tried-and-true components, 20.04 remains a solid option. Also, consider your preference for Snap packages and ZFS features, as these are more mature and integrated in 22.04. Ultimately, the choice hinges on balancing cutting-edge features against proven stability for your specific workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ubuntu 22.04 compatible with all software that runs on 20.04?
Most software compatible with 20.04 will run on 22.04, but some older applications may require updates due to newer libraries and dependencies in 22.04.
Can I upgrade directly from Ubuntu 20.04 to 22.04?
Yes, Ubuntu supports direct upgrades from 20.04 LTS to 22.04 LTS via the update-manager or command line, preserving most settings and installed software.
Is the installation process in 22.04 more resource-intensive than 20.04?
While 22.04 includes newer software, its installation process is optimized and generally requires similar or slightly higher resources, but not significantly more than 20.04.
Does Ubuntu 22.04 support full disk encryption during setup?
Yes, 22.04 offers full disk encryption with LUKS during installation and makes enabling it more straightforward compared to 20.04.
Are there any major differences in default applications after setup?
Yes, 22.04 uses Snap versions for some default apps like Firefox, whereas 20.04 used deb packages. This affects update mechanisms and startup behavior.
How does ZFS support differ between 20.04 and 22.04 during installation?
Ubuntu 22.04 provides improved ZFS integration with automatic snapshot management and easier setup, while 20.04’s ZFS support was more experimental and required manual steps.
Final Thoughts
Ubuntu 22.04 builds on the solid foundation of 20.04 by modernizing the initial setup experience with better hardware support, updated desktop environments, and enhanced filesystem options. Its improvements in network configuration, theming, and Snap integration offer a more polished and user-friendly installation process. That said, 20.04 remains a dependable choice for users prioritizing maximum stability and traditional package management. Understanding these setup differences empowers you to select the Ubuntu LTS release that best fits your needs and ensures a smoother start with your Linux environment.
Related
- WinCC SCADA Data Logging Without Excel: 10 Practical Methods
- Print Siemens WinCC SCADA Reports Using PHP Script Easily
- Siemens WinCC SCADA Excel Integration Guide for Beginners