Install Ubuntu LTS Server via OrbStack on macOS

OrbStack is an extremely fast, lightweight, and resource-efficient alternative to Docker Desktop and traditional virtual machines (like VirtualBox or VMware) on macOS. It is highly optimized for Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4) chips.

With OrbStack, you can spin up a non-GUI Ubuntu LTS Server machine in seconds.

YouTube Video Tutorial

If you prefer a visual walkthrough, you can watch our step-by-step video guide here:

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you have:

• A Mac running macOS 12 (Monterey) or newer.
• Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4) or Intel processor.

Installation & Configuration

Step 1: Install OrbStack

You can install OrbStack using either of the following methods:

Method A: Using Homebrew (Recommended)

Open your macOS Terminal and run:

brew install --cask orbstack

Method B: Direct Download

1. Download the installer from the official OrbStack website.
2. Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag OrbStack into your Applications folder.
3. Launch OrbStack from your Applications folder.

Step 2: Create a New Ubuntu LTS Machine

1. Open the OrbStack GUI application.
2. Click on the Machines tab on the sidebar.
3. Click the + New Machine button in the top right corner.
4. Set the options:
   • Name: e.g., ubuntu-server
   • OS: Select Ubuntu
   • Version: Select 24.04 (or the latest LTS)
5. Click Create. OrbStack will pull the lightweight image and start the virtual machine in seconds.

Alternatively, you can create the machine directly from your macOS terminal using the OrbStack CLI:

orb create ubuntu:24.04 ubuntu-server

Step 3: Access your Ubuntu Server Terminal

Once created, you can access the command-line interface of your new Ubuntu Server:

• GUI: Click the terminal icon next to ubuntu-server in the OrbStack application.
• Terminal CLI: Run the following command in your macOS Terminal:

  orb -m ubuntu-server

  (This drops you directly into a root shell on your Ubuntu VM)

Verification & Next Steps

1. Verify that your VM is running the latest Ubuntu LTS:

   lsb_release -a

2. Update packages to ensure the VM is up to date:

   apt update && apt upgrade -y

3. OrbStack automatically shares your macOS home directory under /mnt/mac and routes ports natively to localhost. This makes it incredibly easy to start Docker Compose or run web servers that you can access instantly at http://localhost:<port>.