How to Install Ubuntu Kylin on Ubuntu 22.04 | 20.04

Ubuntu Kylin is a unique and powerful alternative to the standard Ubuntu desktop environment, specifically designed to cater to the needs of Chinese users. This customized Linux distribution has been developed in collaboration with the Ubuntu community, the Chinese government, and the open-source community. By seamlessly integrating Chinese language support and culturally relevant features, Ubuntu Kylin offers a familiar and convenient experience for Chinese Ubuntu users.

Key Differences between Ubuntu Kylin and Ubuntu:

1. Localized Experience: Ubuntu Kylin is tailored for Chinese users, providing a complete Chinese language interface and support for input methods, making it more user-friendly for Chinese speakers.
2. Customized Software Center: Ubuntu Kylin features a specialized software center, which includes a range of popular Chinese applications and tools, ensuring a more culturally relevant user experience.
3. Youker Assistant: Youker Assistant is an exclusive system management tool for Ubuntu Kylin, offering easy and efficient management of system settings and resources tailored to Chinese users’ preferences.
4. Kingsoft WPS Office: Ubuntu Kylin has a pre-installed Kingsoft WPS Office suite, a popular alternative to Microsoft Office, offering full compatibility with Microsoft Office file formats.
5. Integration with Chinese Web Services: Ubuntu Kylin integrates seamlessly with popular Chinese web services like Baidu and Sogou, making it easier for users to search, browse, and utilize these services.
6. Optimized Performance: Ubuntu Kylin is optimized for performance on a wide range of hardware, ensuring a smooth and fast experience for users.

Ubuntu users from China, or who have a Chinese background, or those who regularly interact with Chinese language content may find Ubuntu Kylin’s specialized features and interface beneficial. The dedicated focus on providing a localized and culturally relevant experience ensures a comfortable and enjoyable computing environment tailored to Chinese users.

The following guide will demonstrate how to install the Ubuntu Kylin Desktop Environment on Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish or Ubuntu 20.04 Focal Fossa.

Step 1: Update Ubuntu

Before proceeding, you must ensure your system is up-to-date by executing the following command.

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Step 2: Import Ubuntu Kylin Repository

To install the latest version of Ubuntu Kylin, you need to add the official Ubuntu Kylin repository to your system. Begin by executing the command to install the required packages.

sudo apt install dirmngr software-properties-common apt-transport-https curl -y

For those new to importing GPG keys from Ubuntu’s KeyServer, there may be a problem where the terminal does not generate the needed directories. This can quickly be resolved by utilizing a command to establish these directories, ensuring a hassle-free experience accessing PPAs on Launchpad.

sudo gpg --list-keys

Example output:

gpg: directory '/root/.gnupg' created
gpg: keybox '/root/.gnupg/pubring.kbx' created
gpg: /root/.gnupg/trustdb.gpg: trustdb created

While this step is optional, you can execute the command and repeat the procedure if you encounter any difficulties.

Import the GPG key for the repository to confirm the validity of the packages.

sudo gpg --no-default-keyring --keyring /usr/share/keyrings/ubuntukylin.gpg --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com --recv-keys 9C949F2093F565FF

Example output:

gpg: key 9C949F2093F565FF: public key "Launchpad PPA for UbuntuKylin Members" imported
gpg: Total number processed: 1
gpg:               imported: 1

Import the Ubuntu Kylin repository by utilizing the following command.

echo "deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/ubuntukylin.gpg] http://mirrors.aliyun.com/ubuntukylin/ $(lsb_release -cs) main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ubuntukylin.list

Refresh the cache by executing an APT update after adding Ubuntu Kylin to your sources list.

sudo apt update

Step 3: Install Kylin Desktop Environment

With the imported Ubuntu Kylin repository, you can install the desktop environment by executing the following command.

sudo apt install ubuntukylin-desktop

The installation will consume approximately 1GB in download and require over 3GB of additional space. Upon installation, you will encounter the following prompt window.

Example:

The message in the above output informs you about the display manager to be selected, which in the case of Ubuntu Kylin, is “lightdm.” Press the “TAB” key to select “<Ok>” and then press the “ENTER KEY” to continue.

Example:

Upon completion of the installation, restart your system.

reboot

Step 4: Log in to Ubuntu Kylin

After you’ve completed the installation process and rebooted your system, you’ll immediately notice a change in the design of your boot screen, indicating a successful Ubuntu Kylin Desktop Environment setup. This will give you a reassuring visual confirmation that the installation has been completed successfully.

Example:

Returning to the login screen, you’ll immediately observe that the background has been transformed. This is another sign that the Ubuntu Kylin Desktop Environment installation has succeeded. Simply log in to access your new and improved desktop environment, ready for use.

Example (Click to Enlarge Image):

Upon logging in, you will be greeted with a stunning and visually appealing desktop, a key feature of Ubuntu Kylin. The layout and design of the desktop environment have been optimized to provide an intuitive and user-friendly experience. You will find a range of pre-installed applications and tools, making it easy to get started with your work or leisure activities right away.

For first-time users, it’s recommended to take some time to customize your settings and preferences to ensure that your experience with Ubuntu Kylin is tailored to your specific needs. You can change the desktop background, adjust the display resolution, install additional software, and more. This will help you get the most out of your new desktop environment and make it your own.

Example (Click to Enlarge Image):

Conclusion: Installing Ubuntu Kylin on Ubuntu Linux

Ubuntu Kylin is an excellent choice for a fast, reliable, easy-to-use operating system designed for the Chinese market. With its optimized features, user-friendly desktop environment, and wide range of applications, Ubuntu Kylin is the perfect choice for new and experienced users. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily install Ubuntu Kylin on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 and start experiencing the benefits of this operating system. Whether you need to be productive, entertain yourself, or enjoy a simple and intuitive desktop experience, Ubuntu Kylin has you covered.