Ubuntu Server 25.10 removes wget from default install

Ubuntu Server 25.10 removes wget from its default installation, in favor of the wcurl tool. Here's why the change was made and if it'll affect you.

Ubuntu Server 25.10 abandons wget in favor of wcurl

Ubuntu developers have decided to exclude wget from the default installation of Ubuntu Server 25.10, opting for wcurl instead, a tool that offers similar functionality. This change, confirmed during public discussions, reflects a broader effort to streamline the server environment by minimizing redundant tools. While new installations will not include wget, existing servers will remain unaffected by this update, as wget is being moved to a supported seed, ensuring continued security updates. John Chittum, Engineering Manager at Canonical, explained that the aim is to revisit and revise the software included in the default installation, reducing the number of packages without sacrificing essential features.

Removing wget, a long-standing favorite among Linux users, may stir mixed feelings within the community. Yet, developers defend the change as part of an essential evolution, adopting wcurl due to its integration within curl 8.14.x. This move aligns with the industry's trend towards consolidating tools while accommodating varying user needs. Users accustomed to wget's functionality might adapt their practices, but for many, wcurl presents a capable alternative. The decision reflects a shift in focus, showing the balance between tradition and progress in the software landscape.

Highlights

This shift may redefine user experiences and expectations in the Linux community.