Last Updated on 17 hours by Sachin G
Big changes are coming for Ubuntu Server users this October with the release of Ubuntu 25.10, and if you’re used to using wget or screen’s time to take note.
Wget Removed from Default Install: Say Hello to Wcurl
In a bold move to streamline the system, Ubuntu Server 25.10 will no longer include wget it by default. Instead, it’s being replaced by a more user-friendly alternative: wcurl.
According to It’s FOSS, this change affects fresh installations of 25.10. However, if you’re upgrading from a previous version, your existing wget The installation will remain untouched.
Why the Switch?
The goal, as explained by John Chittum, Engineering Manager at Canonical, is to reduce redundancy and remove tools with duplicate functionality in Ubuntu’s default installation.
This is made much easier because of
wcurlbeing made available in the version ofcurlin 25.10. It is a drop-in replacement for the simple calls, and has the majority ofwgetfunctionality,” said Chittum.
What is Wcurl?
If you’re unfamiliar with it, wcurl is essentially a simplified wrapper around curl. It offers:
- Easy downloading without remembering complex curl flags
- Automatic filename handling
- Redirect following
- Parallel downloads
- Overwrite protection
It’s ideal for common download tasks and uses curl under the hood with smart defaults, making it beginner-friendly.
Need advanced features like site mirroring or FTP? Stick with
wget— it’s still the best tool for those jobs.
sudo apt install wgetAlso, it’s worth noting that wget it remains in the ‘supported’ seed group, meaning it will continue receiving security updates throughout the release cycle.
Tmux Replaces GNU Screen and Byobu
longside wget, Ubuntu 25.10 is also phasing out two terminal multiplexers:
- GNU Screen (link)
- Byobu
These tools are being replaced by Tmux as the default terminal multiplexer in Ubuntu.
If you haven’t used it yet, Tmux is a modern, feature-rich tool that supports:
- Split panes
- Sessions saved across SSH disconnects
- Powerful keybindings
- Active community development
The move is part of a broader cleanup initiative to remove overlapping tools while keeping the system lean and efficient.
What to Expect with Ubuntu 25.10
| Feature | Removed | Replacement | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| File Downloader | wget | wcurl | Not installed by default, still supported |
| Terminal Multiplexer | screen, byobu | tmux | Default option |
| Redundant Packages | Various | Pruned | To reduce clutter |
- New installations: come with
wcurl, notwget
- Upgrades: Keep your current tools unless manually removed
- Security: Canonical will continue to update supported packages like
wget
If you’re a long-time Linux admin, saying goodbye to wget or screen might sting a little. But the new tools aim to make your life easier and your systems more manageable. And remember — nothing is stopping you from bringing them back.
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I’m Sachin Gupta — a freelance IT support specialist and founder of techtransit.org. I’m certified in Linux, Ansible, OpenShift (Red Hat), cPanel, and ITIL, with over 15 years of hands-on experience. I create beginner-friendly Linux tutorials, help with Ansible automation, and offer IT support on platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and PeoplePerHour. Follow Tech Transit for practical tips, hosting guides, and real-world Linux expertise!