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I've installed Ubuntu 12.04 32-bit on my machine. But when I switch on the computer, I get command line:

Ubuntu 12.04 LTS COMP-1245 tty1

And it prompts for username and password. Once I provide my username and password, it authenticates login and then displays a link to documentation.

Now, how can I start GUI? I'm stuck at command line.

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3 Answers 3

105

If you tried the command startx, but the error command not found was returned, then to install a graphical desktop, in case it is not installed, you would type this:

sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop
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  • 1
    Thanks that did it. But why was it not installed while installing the OS itself? Jul 27, 2012 at 8:59
  • 2
    @MrGhimire It should've been. Are you sure you didn't install with the minimal or server CD? You did say you used the desktop CD, but I don't see how that could've installed Ubuntu without gnome.
    – geirha
    Jul 27, 2012 at 10:42
  • @MrGhimire The minimal CD has a menu that asks if you'd like to install extra packages. Among these are ubuntu-desktop, as well a couple other desktops. Select it and make sure to press space on it, then enter to continue. If you just press enter, it'll skip it.
    – JVE999
    May 8, 2014 at 2:04
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    (On my VMware player) Is said ubuntu-desktop is already the newest version. after reboot it is again opening in command line. Jun 18, 2015 at 8:49
32

Try to use startx in your tty , if it does not work on one terminal try Ctrl+Alt+F1 to F6 in order to switch a new tty

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  • 1
    This brings up a background image, and if I right click I get a menu containing "New Folder" , "New Document" etc but nothing useful. I don't get any kind of usable desktop, no dock, not menu bar, nothing.
    – Michael
    Jun 18, 2015 at 18:55
  • I get a Background Image, a green bird in Lubuntu 20_04.
    – Timo
    Nov 1, 2020 at 17:13
9

I have had the same problem. The solution is to install X.org and the Ubuntu Desktop. Also, don't forget the build-essential packages:

sudo apt-get install ubuntu-desktop

You might have to install X.org separately, but also take advantage of this command line because (for my situation) Ubuntu kept trying to use my display port.

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    Why is build-essential needed? It is a tool helping the compilation of programs. While it is, for a developer, useful to have installed - I don't see any compiling in the solution. Unless you want to compile ubuntu-desktop?
    – user423626
    Mar 20, 2016 at 17:02
  • It's required for stuff like DKMS too
    – Suici Doga
    Dec 29, 2017 at 14:53
  • @SuiciDoga: The DKMS package already depends on the necessary build tools. Jun 21, 2018 at 13:48

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