How To Install Enlightenment Desktop on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

Ubuntu 24.04, often referred to by its codename “Noble Numbat,” is a powerful and user-friendly Linux distribution that arrives with numerous performance improvements. Although it comes with GNOME 46 by default, users who want an alternative window manager or desktop environment often explore Enlightenment. Renowned for its speed, customization, and low resource usage, Enlightenment offers an entirely different approach to desktop design. This detailed guide explains how to install Enlightenment Desktop on Ubuntu 24.04, covering everything from system requirements and pre-installation steps to troubleshooting and removal.

System Requirements

Before installing Enlightenment, verify that your system meets the recommended hardware requirements:

• Processor: At least a 1 GHz CPU (64-bit compatible).
• RAM: Minimum of 1 GB recommended (2 GB or more for smoother performance).
• Storage: 4 GB of available disk space (though 10 GB or more provides extra room for software and logs).
• Graphics: Basic integrated graphics are sufficient; Enlightenment generally has modest GPU requirements.

Enlightenment is known for being lightweight and efficient, so it runs well on machines with average or even minimal specifications. However, having a slightly more powerful system ensures a smoother experience, especially if you plan to run multiple displays or resource-intensive applications.

Understanding Enlightenment Desktop

Enlightenment, sometimes referred to just as “E” or “Enlightenment Window Manager,” sets itself apart from other desktop environments by emphasizing speed, modularity, and aesthetic flexibility. It is more than a mere window manager; it leverages the Enlightenment Foundation Libraries (EFL) to deliver a modern interface with support for compositing, special effects, and theming.

Its design philosophy revolves around user customization. You can tweak nearly every desktop element, from widget placement to window transitions. Unlike GNOME or KDE, Enlightenment maintains a smaller footprint, limiting background processes in favor of speed.

The most recent release is Enlightenment 0.26.0, which introduced important upgrades and bug fixes. Highlights often include:

• Enhanced Task Previews: Users gain a smoother workflow when switching between multiple tasks.
• DDC Backlight Settings: Better support for adjusting brightness on external monitors.
• Experimental Wayland Support: Gradually improving for users who prefer Wayland over Xorg.
• Watermark and Configuration Updates: Additional customization for theming and backgrounds without complicated workarounds.

Many distributions default to popular environments like GNOME, but Enlightenment stands out for its low resource usage. Its minimal memory consumption can be beneficial on older hardware. With Enlightenment, you have a lightweight yet visually appealing experience that manages to stay highly efficient. Ubuntu 24.04 is an excellent base for installing Enlightenment because of its updated kernel, software repositories, and security patches.

Pre-Installation Steps

Preparation is key to a smooth Enlightenment installation. Prior to installing, follow these pre-installation steps:

1. Update System Packages: Open a terminal and run:

   sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
   

   This step ensures you have the latest security patches and bug fixes.

2. Back Up Important Data: Although installing a new desktop environment is generally safe, it’s wise to create a backup of your crucial files. Use external storage or a cloud-based solution to prevent data loss in unforeseen circumstances.
3. Check Compatibility: Confirm your software repositories are in sync with Ubuntu 24.04’s official repositories. Conflicts are less likely if your system is fully updated.
4. Install Dependencies: If you plan to build from source, you will need developer tools:

   sudo apt install build-essential meson ninja-build libssl-dev libjpeg-dev libpng-dev
   

   Additional libraries may be required depending on your intended configuration, especially if you want features like hardware-accelerated OpenGL or multi-monitor support.

Installation Methods (Approx. 600 words)

There are two popular ways to install Enlightenment on Ubuntu 24.04: installing via a Personal Package Archive (PPA) or building from the source. The PPA method is simpler and recommended for most users, while building from source provides more control.

Method 1: Using a PPA Repository

Many users prefer a PPA because it offers a hassle-free experience. Enlightenment’s official or unofficial PPAs often host up-to-date builds. Below are the general steps:

1. Add the Enlightenment PPA:

   sudo add-apt-repository ppa:niko2040/e19
   sudo apt update
   

   This repository frequently hosts the latest stable Enlightenment versions [3].

2. Install Enlightenment:

   sudo apt install enlightenment
   

   The package manager resolves dependencies automatically, downloading everything necessary for Enlightenment. This may include the EFL libraries, optional modules, and basic Enlightenment applications.

3. Post-Installation Tasks: Wait for the installation to finish. Log out of your current session. On the login screen, click the gear-shaped icon or session menu. Select “Enlightenment” before entering your password. After logging in, Enlightenment starts for the first time, triggering a setup wizard that walks you through language selection, keyboard layouts, and window behavior preferences.

This method is popular among Ubuntu users because it streamlines the update process. When new Enlightenment builds become available, Ubuntu’s package system can install them automatically alongside system updates.

Method 2: Building from Source

Building from source requires more technical knowledge but enables customization and the bleeding-edge features of Enlightenment. It involves compiling the Enlightenment Foundation Libraries and the desktop environment itself.

Here is a summarized set of steps to compile Enlightenment from source:

1. Install Development Tools:

   sudo apt install build-essential meson ninja-build git libssl-dev libjpeg-dev libpng-dev \
   libluajit-5.1-dev libdbus-1-dev libx11-dev libxext-dev libxrender-dev \
   libxrandr-dev libxfixes-dev libxcomposite-dev libxcursor-dev libxdamage-dev \
   libxinerama-dev libgl1-mesa-dev libglu-dev
   

   Additional libraries may be required if you plan to use optional modules.

2. Download Source Code: Clone the Enlightenment and EFL repositories from a reliable source:

   cd ~
   git clone https://git.enlightenment.org/enlightenment/efl.git
   git clone https://git.enlightenment.org/enlightenment/enlightenment.git
   

3. Compile EFL:

   cd ~/efl
   meson build
   cd build
   ninja
   sudo ninja install
   

   This process installs the necessary EFL libraries used by Enlightenment.

4. Compile Enlightenment:

   cd ~/enlightenment
   meson build
   cd build
   ninja
   sudo ninja install
   

5. Refresh Your Environment: If needed, append library paths:

   sudo ldconfig
   

6. Launch Enlightenment: Log out of your Ubuntu session. Select “Enlightenment” from the session menu on your display manager (GDM, LightDM, SDDM, etc.), then log in. The initial configuration wizard will start, guiding you through locale, theme, and behavior preferences.

Building directly from source grants you greater flexibility, including the ability to choose specific versions of Enlightenment or EFL, enable advanced modules, or patch the software yourself. It is, however, more time-consuming and requires additional maintenance.

Configuration and Customization

After installing Enlightenment, it’s time to personalize its appearance and functionality. Enlightenment centers around modular configuration, meaning you can customize widgets, themes, window effects, or panels to fit your style.

1. Initial Setup Wizard: The wizard first appears when you log into an Enlightenment session. It asks about your language, mouse or touchscreen profile, window size, and focus preferences. The system then generates a basic configuration file.
2. Themes: Enlightenment includes a built-in theme manager. Open the main menu by right-clicking on the desktop (or pressing Ctrl + Alt + M), then navigate to Settings > Theme. You can download additional themes from various Enlightenment community repositories.
3. Shelves and Gadgets: “Shelves” function like panels. You can add “gadgets” (similar to widgets) to place clocks, virtual desktops, system monitors, or battery indicators. To do so, right-click on an empty area of a shelf and select Shelf Settings.
4. Window Management: Enlightenment is known for its advanced window manipulation features. You can assign custom keybindings, enable window tiling, or define how windows snap to screen edges. Go to Settings > Window for a comprehensive list of toggles.
5. file manager and Applications: Enlightenment bundles a few native apps, such as Terminology (terminal emulator) and Rage (video player). There are also file managers like Enlightenment File Manager (EFM) and auxiliary tools for a seamless experience.

Every facet of Enlightenment can be tweaked, offering the freedom to design a desktop environment that’s unique to your workflow. Many themes, icon packs, and further “gadget” modules are community-made, so exploring user forums and repositories can reveal new ways to extend your environment.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Occasionally, Enlightenment users encounter display, configuration, or stability issues. Most are fairly quick to fix:

• Missing Xorg Session: If you see only a Wayland session in your login screen, rename the Enlightenment .desktop file to differentiate Xorg from Wayland. This resolves conflicts where the system chooses Wayland by default [19].
• Graphics or Compositing Errors: Disable hardware acceleration temporarily by editing your Enlightenment Settings > Advanced, especially if you suspect outdated GPU drivers.
• Incorrect Locale or Keyboard Layout: Re-run the Enlightenment wizard by deleting or editing ~/.e configuration files, then logging out and in.
• Multi-Monitor Problems: Use the Screen Setup tool in the Enlightenment Settings menu. If displays are not detected, confirm your GPU driver is installed and recognized.

In many cases, simply updating your system or re-installing Enlightenment from the PPA resolves minor bugs. For serious problems, consult official Enlightenment user forums.

Uninstallation Guide

If you need to remove Enlightenment:

1. Uninstall the Desktop:

   sudo apt remove --autoremove enlightenment
   

2. Remove PPA (if used):

   sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:niko2040/e19
   

3. Return to Default DE: Log out, choose GNOME or another session to continue with your preferred desktop environment.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Enlightenment Desktop. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing Enlightenment Desktop Environment on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the Enlightenment website.