Things to Do After Installing Ubuntu 26.04 LTS for a Fast, Secure Setup

Installing Ubuntu 26.04 LTS is only the first step toward building a smooth, secure, and productive Linux desktop. While Ubuntu works well out of the box, a few important post-installation tasks can improve performance, hardware support, security, media playback, and daily usability. This guide covers the essential things to do after installing Ubuntu 26.04, based on key setup areas such as updates, drivers, codecs, backups, privacy, firewall, and desktop customization.

1. Update Your Ubuntu System

The first thing you should do after installing Ubuntu 26.04 is update the system packages. Installation images may not include the latest security patches and bug fixes.

Open Terminal and run:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

After the update finishes, reboot your computer if a new kernel or driver update was installed.

sudo reboot

2. Install Additional Drivers

Ubuntu supports most hardware automatically, but some devices may need proprietary drivers. This is especially important for NVIDIA graphics cards, Wi-Fi adapters, and certain laptop components.

Go to Software & Updates > Additional Drivers and check if Ubuntu recommends any driver. Select the suggested option, apply changes, and restart your system.

3. Install Media Codecs

Ubuntu does not include every media codec by default due to licensing restrictions. To play common video and audio formats smoothly, install Ubuntu Restricted Extras:

sudo apt install ubuntu-restricted-extras

This package adds support for many media formats, Microsoft fonts, and useful archive tools.

4. Enable Flatpak and Flathub

Ubuntu includes Snap support by default, but many Linux users also prefer Flatpak for desktop applications. To install Flatpak support, run:

sudo apt install flatpak gnome-software-plugin-flatpak

Then add Flathub:

flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

Reboot once to complete integration.

5. Install Your Daily Apps

A fresh Ubuntu setup includes basic tools, but you may need extra applications such as VLC, Chrome, Git, Docker, VS Code, Zoom, Slack, or Discord. Use Ubuntu App Center, APT, Snap, or Flatpak depending on availability and your preference.

6. Set Up Backups Early

Backups should be configured before important files are added. Open Settings > System > Backup and choose an external drive, cloud storage, or network location. At minimum, back up your home folder because it contains documents, downloads, browser data, SSH keys, and app settings.

7. Review Privacy and Security Settings

Go to Settings > Privacy & Security and review location services, screen lock, diagnostics, and lock-screen notifications. Disable features you do not use and keep screen lock enabled, especially on laptops.

8. Enable the Firewall

Ubuntu includes UFW, a simple firewall tool. Enable it with:

sudo ufw enable

Check the firewall status:

sudo ufw status

For most desktop users, this helps block unwanted incoming connections.

9. Customize the Desktop

Ubuntu 26.04 uses the GNOME desktop environment. Open Settings > Appearance to change dark mode, accent color, dock behavior, desktop icons, scaling, and keyboard shortcuts. For extra options, install GNOME Tweaks:

sudo apt install gnome-tweaks

10. Clean Unused Packages

After installing updates and apps, remove unnecessary dependencies:

sudo apt autoremove

You can also clear downloaded package cache:

sudo apt clean

Conclusion

Ubuntu 26.04 LTS is ready to use after installation, but updating packages, installing drivers, enabling codecs, setting up backups, activating the firewall, and customizing the desktop will give you a much better experience. Start with the essentials, then install only the apps and tools you actually need for daily work.