Ubuntu Server delivers services reliably, predictably, and economically. Ubuntu is the world's most popular Linux distribution for cloud environments and is suitable for small to large-scale Linux operations, making it a well-tested base on which to build your instances. Ubuntu Server for AWS runs on an AWS-optimized kernel, which includes improved device drivers, like ENA, and out-of-the-box support for accelerators like GPUs. This means faster instance starts and better runtime performance for your workloads. For more information, visit https://ubuntu.com/aws.
Minimal Ubuntu Server images include only the essential packages needed to run your workloads, ensuring that you can:
Maintain full control over which packages are installed to support your workloads.
Reduce the attack surface by eliminating unnecessary software.
Optimize performance with smaller image sizes and faster boot times.
Ubuntu is free and will always be, with the option to obtain additional security, management tools and technical support when you need it through additional commercial offerings from Canonical.
Why developers and devops choose Ubuntu Server for AWS:
Production-ready: Ubuntu is the leading Linux in the public cloud with > 50% of Linux workloads
Developer friendly: Ubuntu is the #1 Linux for developers offering the latest library and tools to innovate with the latest technologies
No mandatory licenses: Ubuntu Server is freely available, with no mandatory licenses and unlimited VMs
Continuous security updates: Canonical publishes images on a daily basis, ensuring security is built-in from the moment an instance launches
Optimized performance: optimized kernel, with improved boot speed, outstanding runtime performance and advanced device support
Portability: Ubuntu is available in all regions with content mirrors to avoid the need to go across regions or out to the Internet for updates
5 years of patching and maintenance: Minimal Ubuntu 26.04 LTS offers 5 years of standard security maintenance from its release date. This can be extended to a total of 10 years with an Ubuntu Pro subscription. Furthermore, the maintenance can be extended for an additional 5 years using the Legacy add-on. For more information, visit https://ubuntu.com/aws/pro.
Highlights
5 years of support since its release date
No mandatory licenses
Get additional security coverage and optional phone support with Ubuntu Pro
AWS Marketplace now accepts line of credit payments through the PNC Vendor Finance program. This program is available to select AWS customers in the US, excluding NV, NC, ND, TN, & VT.
This software is free to use, so Canonical charges nothing for the operating system itself. Each dimension listed is a separate AWS Graviton-based Arm instance type, billed hourly through AWS. You pay only the standard AWS compute cost for the instance you launch, not a software fee. Pricing scales with the size and family of the instance you choose. Smaller sizes like nano, micro, and medium cost less per hour, while larger sizes such as 24xlarge, 48xlarge, and metal variants cost more. Instance families (compute, memory, storage, or general purpose) target different workload needs.
Top-of-mind questions for buyers
What do I get with each hourly instance dimension, and what am I charged for?
Each dimension maps to one AWS Graviton-based Arm instance type running this operating system. The software carries no charge. You pay only the standard AWS compute rate for the running instance. Larger sizes and specialized families cost more per hour based on their processor, memory, and storage capacity.
Am I charged for the software when an instance is stopped or paused?
The software itself is free, so no software fee applies whether the instance runs or stops. You pay AWS only for running compute time. A stopped instance stops compute charges, though attached AWS storage may still accrue standard fees separate from this listing.
How long will this operating system receive security updates and patches?
This free version has a five-year lifetime with security patches for the kernel and key infrastructure components. Canonical mirrors updates and publishes images across AWS regions worldwide. Updates arrive continuously from Canonical's security teams, delivered in-region for faster access.
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An AMI is a virtual image that provides the information required to launch an instance. Amazon EC2 (Elastic Compute Cloud) instances are virtual servers on which you can run your applications and workloads, offering varying combinations of CPU, memory, storage, and networking resources. You can launch as many instances from as many different AMIs as you need.
Version release notes
Automated version update for new release
Additional details
Usage instructions
For Ubuntu Cloud Guest it is suggested to manually configure your Security Group/Firewall settings. The 1-Click Security Group opens only port 22 so that you can access your instance via ssh using login 'ubuntu'. If you chose the 1-Click Security Group, you may change it later to enable applications using the AWS Console or API.
AWS Support is a one-on-one, fast-response support channel that is staffed 24x7x365 with experienced and technical support engineers. The service helps customers of all sizes and technical abilities to successfully utilize the products and features provided by Amazon Web Services.
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