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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesAfter installing Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, first check whether you selected the installer’s optional third-party software, then install any offered system updates and confirm your hardware works as expected. Codec installation, Flatpak and other software-source changes are optional—not a mandatory post-install checklist.
1. Check what you selected during installation
Ubuntu’s optional third-party software choice can install support for some graphics and Wi-Fi hardware and additional media formats. Ubuntu’s 26.04 release summary says the included package set provides a non-free AAC codec for supported Bluetooth headsets. The installer choice is optional, so do not assume it was selected or that every media format is covered. Ubuntu 26.04 release notes
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If you are unsure what you chose, start by using the system and checking whether your display, wireless connection, sound and Bluetooth headset work. Avoid installing a generic codec bundle or graphics package just because it appears on a post-install checklist.
2. Install available system updates
Check for updates and install those Ubuntu offers. Ubuntu’s desktop documentation recommends applying available updates and restarting if prompted. If a restart is requested, save your work and reboot so the update can take effect. Ubuntu Desktop: Update and upgrade
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3. Check drivers against your actual hardware
Test the devices you rely on before changing drivers. If Wi-Fi, graphics or another component is not working correctly, consult current Ubuntu 26.04 documentation for that hardware and its release-specific guidance. A driver recommendation can depend on the device and installation configuration; one generic instruction is not appropriate for every PC.
Ubuntu 26.04 release notes describe restrictions affecting some third-party DKMS drivers when TPM-backed full-disk encryption is used, including the possibility that hardware modules are unavailable. Review that guidance before attempting to add third-party drivers to an encrypted installation. Ubuntu 26.04 release notes
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Do not rely on older instructions that direct you to an “Additional Drivers” tab in Software & Updates: that settings app is no longer included by default, and the sources cited here do not establish a definitive replacement path for Ubuntu 26.04. Follow current, hardware-specific Ubuntu documentation rather than guessing at a menu or command.
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4. Treat codecs and video acceleration as separate questions
The optional installer software is relevant if you need the additional formats it provides, including AAC for supported Bluetooth headsets. That does not establish that it includes every codec a particular media file might require.
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AMD and Intel systems have VA-API hardware-accelerated video encoding and decoding enabled by default in Ubuntu 26.04, according to Ubuntu’s release summary. Do not install extra acceleration packages as a routine first step; investigate only if a specific workload or application is not behaving as expected. Ubuntu 26.04 release notes
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.5. Choose app sources based on the app you need
Flatpak is an option to investigate if an app you want is available through that format, but it is not a required Ubuntu setup step. The official Ubuntu material cited here does not establish a release-specific Flatpak installation procedure, so this guide does not prescribe commands or settings for configuring it.
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When choosing an app source, consider these points:
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- Third-party repositories: Add one only when you trust its publisher and need the software it provides. Ubuntu warns that third-party sources are not checked by Ubuntu members for security or reliability.
- Confinement: Ubuntu’s documentation recommends confined snaps where possible. That is general source guidance, not a Flatpak-specific comparison or a claim that one format is always best.
Ubuntu Desktop: Adding software sources
6. Keep a backup in mind for future maintenance
A fresh installation does not require buying a backup drive. Before a significant future upgrade, however, Ubuntu recommends backing up personal data to external storage. An external hard drive or SSD is one way to do that; choose a backup method that leaves you with a separate copy of the files you cannot afford to lose. Ubuntu Desktop: Back up your files
7. Know how long Ubuntu 26.04 is supported
Ubuntu 26.04 LTS was released on 23 April 2026. Ubuntu says it receives five years of standard security updates and critical bug fixes, through April 2031; Ubuntu Pro extends security maintenance through ten years of ESM availability. Ubuntu 26.04 release notes
Ubuntu lists a 2 GHz dual-core processor or better, 6 GB of RAM and 25 GB of free storage for a comfortable Desktop experience. These are contextual system requirements, not a shopping list for a machine that already runs your installation. Ubuntu Desktop download and requirements
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