Ubuntu on different platforms

Ubuntu is available on multiple platforms. Relevant features, use-cases, and documentation are summarised below.

Universal features (apply to all Ubuntu editions below)

Long-Term Support (LTS) releases every two years, maintained for 5 years (extendable to 10 years with Ubuntu Pro).
Common security-update infrastructure (Livepatch, ESM, unattended-upgrades, CVE tracker).
Access to the Snap packaging ecosystem alongside traditional .deb packages where relevant.
A predictable release cadence (interim releases every six months).
Optional enterprise support with Ubuntu Pro.

Name	Target platform	Features	Links	Example use-cases
Ubuntu Desktop	Personal computers (laptops, desktops)	GNOME-based GUI by default Optimised for everyday computing Extensive range of desktop applications	Desktop documentation	General-purpose personal computing Office productivity, browsing, media consumption
Ubuntu Server	Physical or virtual servers, HPC clusters	No GUI installed by default Security-hardened, stable platform Headless and cloud-friendly	Server documentation	Hosting web services & databases Infrastructure / DevOps automation
Ubuntu Cloud	Public, private, multi & hybrid clouds	Pre-built cloud images Optimised for fast boot and scale-out Cloud-init for first-boot configuration	Cloud documentation	Rapid VM provisioning on AWS/Azure/GCP Large-scale automated IaaS (OpenStack, MAAS)
Ubuntu Core	IoT devices, embedded systems, robotics	Fully snap-based, immutable OS Atomic over-the-air updates Small footprint & secure boot	Core documentation	Industrial controllers & gateways Smart appliances, kiosks, edge computing Robotics platforms
Ubuntu on WSL	Windows 10/11 via Windows Subsystem for Linux	Ubuntu userspace inside Windows Native command-line tools Seamless file-system & networking integration	Ubuntu on WSL documentation	Software development on Windows with Linux toolchains Cross-platform scripting & testing
Ubuntu Pro	Enterprise & regulated environments	Extended Security Maintenance (10 years) FIPS 140-2, CIS, DISA-STIG hardening Kernel Livepatch and compliance tooling	Pro documentation	Finance, healthcare, government deployments Long-term, secure production fleets
Real-time Ubuntu	Robotics, industrial automation, automotive, low-latency audio	PREEMPT_RT real-time kernel Deterministic scheduling & µs-level latencies Delivered as an Ubuntu Pro add-on	Real-time Ubuntu documentation	Robot motion control Factory PLC replacement High-performance audio production Medical devices

Notes

Ubuntu Pro is available on Desktop, Server, Cloud images and Ubuntu on WSL, providing Extended Security Maintenance (ESM), Livepatch and automated compliance profiles (CIS, DISA-STIG, FIPS 140, Common Criteria).
Flavours: Official Ubuntu flavours (Kubuntu, Xubuntu, Ubuntu MATE, Ubuntu Budgie, Ubuntu Studio, etc.) offer alternative desktop environments or specialist creative toolsets on the same Ubuntu base.