Install Xfce / Xubuntu desktop on Ubuntu 20.04 Focal Fossa Linux

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The objective of this guide is to install Xfce / Xubuntu desktop as an alternative desktop environment on Ubuntu 20.04 Focal Fossa Desktop/Server Linux.

{loadposition ubuntu-20-04-download}

In this tutorial you will learn:

  • How to install tasksel
  • How to install Xfce / Xubuntu desktop
  • How to switch to LightDM display manager
  • How to login to Xfce desktop

Xfce / Xubuntu desktop on Ubuntu 20.04 Focal Fossa Linux

Xfce / Xubuntu desktop on Ubuntu 20.04 Focal Fossa Linux

Vanilla Xfce desktop version on Ubuntu 20.04

Vanilla Xfce desktop version on Ubuntu 20.04

Software Requirements and Conventions Used

Software Requirements and Linux Command Line Conventions
Category Requirements, Conventions or Software Version Used
System Installed or upgraded Ubuntu 20.04 Focal Fossa
Software tasksel
Other Privileged access to your Linux system as root or via the sudo command.
Conventions # – requires given linux commands to be executed with root privileges either directly as a root user or by use of sudo command
$ – requires given linux commands to be executed as a regular non-privileged user

Install Xfce / Xubuntu desktop on Ubuntu 20.04 step by step instructions

  1. We will be using the tasksel command to install Xfce / Xubuntu desktop. In case the tasksel command is not available on your system you can install it by: 
    $ sudo apt install tasksel
  2. Execute the following command to begin the Xubuntu desktop installation: 
    $ sudo tasksel install xubuntu-desktop
OR
$ sudo tasksel install xubuntu-core

    The above commands will install the Ubuntu version of the Xfce desktop environment. If you need a vanilla version of Xfce desktop environment then execute the bellow command and select the lightdm display manager during the installation:

    $ sudo apt install xfce4
    Xfce / Xubuntu desktop installation command on Ubuntu 20.04

    Xfce / Xubuntu desktop installation command on Ubuntu 20.04

    Wait for tasksel to complete the Xfce / Xubuntu desktop installation

    Wait for tasksel to complete the Xfce / Xubuntu desktop installation

  3. lightdm configuration information

    lightdm configuration information

    Use TAB to select lightdm and hit ok button

    Use TAB to select lightdm and hit ok button

  4. Reboot your Ubuntu 20.04 system:
    Reboot your Ubuntu 20.04 system

    Reboot your Ubuntu 20.04 system

  5. Select Desktop session as Xubuntu Session:
    Open Desktop session selection menu, select xubuntu or xfce session, enter password and login

    Open Desktop session selection menu, select Xubuntu sessions or Xfce session, enter password and login

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