How To Install WPS Office on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS
In this tutorial, we will show you how to install Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. Ubuntu 24.04 LTS users seeking a powerful Microsoft Office alternative often find themselves choosing between various office suite options. WPS Office stands out as a compelling solution that combines excellent compatibility with Microsoft Office formats, modern interface design, and robust functionality. This comprehensive guide walks you through multiple installation methods for WPS Office on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, ensuring you can choose the approach that best fits your technical expertise and system preferences.
Whether you’re migrating from Windows, looking for better Microsoft Office compatibility than LibreOffice provides, or simply want a feature-rich office suite that doesn’t strain your system resources, WPS Office delivers exceptional value. The installation process varies depending on your preferred method, but each approach offers unique advantages for different user scenarios.
What is WPS Office and Why Choose It for Ubuntu 24.04
WPS Office represents a comprehensive office productivity suite developed by Kingsoft, offering three core applications that mirror Microsoft Office functionality. The suite includes WPS Writer for document processing, WPS Presentation for creating slideshows, and WPS Spreadsheets for data management and analysis.
Core Components and Functionality
WPS Writer serves as the word processing component, featuring advanced formatting tools, collaborative editing capabilities, and extensive template libraries. The application handles complex document layouts, supports multiple file formats, and provides seamless compatibility with Microsoft Word documents. Users can create professional documents, newsletters, reports, and academic papers with confidence.
WPS Presentation rivals PowerPoint in functionality, offering sophisticated slide design tools, animation effects, and transition options. The presentation software supports various multimedia formats, enables real-time collaboration, and exports to multiple formats including PDF, PowerPoint, and web-friendly options.
WPS Spreadsheets provides comprehensive data analysis tools, formula compatibility with Excel, and advanced charting capabilities. The application handles large datasets efficiently, supports macro functionality, and maintains formatting consistency when working with Microsoft Excel files.
Competitive Advantages Over Alternative Office Suites
WPS Office excels in Microsoft Office compatibility, often handling complex formatting and advanced features better than other alternatives. The suite maintains document fidelity when opening, editing, and saving Microsoft Office files, reducing conversion issues and formatting problems.
Resource efficiency sets WPS Office apart from heavier alternatives. The application suite consumes less memory and storage space while maintaining full functionality, making it ideal for older hardware or systems with limited resources.
The modern user interface design mirrors contemporary software aesthetics while remaining intuitive for users transitioning from Microsoft Office. Interface customization options allow users to tailor the workspace to their preferences and workflow requirements.
System Requirements and Pre-Installation Preparation
Minimum System Requirements
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS compatibility requires specific system specifications to ensure optimal performance. Your system needs at least 2GB of RAM, though 4GB provides better performance for complex documents and multitasking scenarios. Storage requirements include 1.5GB of available disk space for the complete installation, plus additional space for user documents and temporary files.
Processor requirements specify x86_64 architecture compatibility, supporting both Intel and AMD processors from the last decade. Graphics requirements remain minimal, with integrated graphics sufficient for standard office productivity tasks.
Pre-Installation System Preparation
Begin by updating your Ubuntu 24.04 LTS system to ensure compatibility and security. Open the terminal using Ctrl+Alt+T and execute the following commands:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y
Verify available disk space using the df command to ensure sufficient storage for installation:
df -h /
Confirm your system architecture to download the correct WPS Office package:
uname -m
Most modern systems use x86_64 architecture, but verification prevents installation issues.
Method 1: Installing WPS Office Using Official Deb Package
Downloading the Official Package
Navigate to the official WPS Office Linux download page using your preferred web browser. The website automatically detects your system architecture and recommends the appropriate package version. Download the .deb package directly through the browser or use wget for command-line downloading:
cd ~/Downloads
wget https://wdl1.pcfg.cache.wpscdn.com/wpsdl/wpsoffice/download/linux/11723/wps-office_11.1.0.11723.XA_amd64.deb
Replace the URL with the current download link from the official website, as version numbers change with updates.
Installation Process Using APT
The APT package manager provides the most reliable installation method for .deb packages. Navigate to your downloads directory and install the package:
cd ~/Downloads
sudo apt install ./wps-office_*.deb
APT automatically resolves dependencies and handles package conflicts. If dependency issues arise, use the fix-broken command:
sudo apt --fix-broken install
Alternative installation using dpkg requires manual dependency management:
sudo dpkg -i wps-office_*.deb
sudo apt-get install -f
License Agreement and Font Installation
During installation, WPS Office presents a license agreement requiring acceptance. The installer also prompts for Microsoft font installation to improve compatibility with Microsoft Office documents. Accept font installation for optimal document rendering and formatting consistency.
The installation process automatically configures desktop entries, file associations, and system integration components. Desktop environment integration enables launching WPS Office applications from the applications menu or file manager.
Verification and Initial Launch
Test the installation by launching WPS Office from the applications menu or using terminal commands:
wps
et
wpp
These commands launch Writer, Spreadsheets, and Presentation respectively. Successful launching confirms proper installation and system integration.
Method 2: Installing via Snap Package Manager
Understanding Snap Package Benefits
Snap packages provide containerized applications with automatic updates, enhanced security through sandboxing, and simplified dependency management. Ubuntu 24.04 LTS includes Snap support by default, making installation straightforward.
Snap packages isolate applications from the host system, reducing conflicts and improving system stability. Automatic updates ensure you receive the latest features and security patches without manual intervention.
Installation Commands and Process
Install WPS Office using the snap package manager with a single command:
sudo snap install wps-office
For multilingual support, install the international version:
sudo snap install wps-office-multilang
Verify installation success by listing installed snap packages:
snap list | grep wps
Snap-Specific Considerations
Snap applications have restricted file system access by default. Grant additional permissions for accessing external storage devices and network locations:
sudo snap connect wps-office:removable-media
sudo snap connect wps-office:network
System theme integration may require additional configuration depending on your desktop environment. Some custom themes might not fully integrate with snap applications.
Method 3: Installing via Flatpak
Flatpak Setup and Repository Configuration
Install Flatpak if not already present on your Ubuntu 24.04 LTS system:
sudo apt install flatpak
Add the Flathub repository for access to WPS Office:
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
Restart your session or reboot to complete Flatpak integration with your desktop environment.
Installation Process and Runtime Management
Install WPS Office from Flathub using the following command:
flatpak install flathub com.wps.Office
Flatpak automatically downloads required runtime dependencies, which may take additional time during first installation. The process ensures all necessary libraries and components are available.
Launch WPS Office using Flatpak:
flatpak run com.wps.Office
Desktop Integration and Permissions
Configure file system permissions for accessing user documents:
flatpak override --user --filesystem=home com.wps.Office
Grant network access for cloud integration features:
flatpak override --user --share=network com.wps.Office
Method 4: Ubuntu Software Center Installation
Graphical Installation Approach
Open Ubuntu Software Center from the applications menu or by searching for “Software.” Use the search function to locate WPS Office, though availability may vary depending on repository configuration.
The graphical interface provides user-friendly installation with automatic dependency resolution and progress indication. Click the “Install” button to begin the installation process.
Benefits and Limitations
Ubuntu Software Center offers simplified installation for users preferring graphical interfaces over command-line methods. The center manages updates automatically and integrates with system notifications.
However, Software Center versions may lag behind official releases, and package availability depends on repository inclusion policies. Direct package installation often provides more current versions.
Post-Installation Configuration and Setup
Initial Configuration and Customization
Launch WPS Office for first-time setup configuration. The initial wizard guides you through language preferences, user interface themes, and cloud service integration options.
Configure default file associations by right-clicking document files and selecting “Open With Other Application.” Choose WPS Office applications as default handlers for Microsoft Office formats.
Set up WPS Cloud integration for document synchronization across devices. Create a free account or sign in with existing credentials to enable cloud features.
Font Optimization for Enhanced Compatibility
Install Microsoft fonts to improve document rendering and compatibility:
sudo apt install ttf-mscorefonts-installer
Additionally, install Windows fonts package for extended compatibility:
sudo apt install fonts-liberation fonts-liberation2
Rebuild font cache after installation:
sudo fc-cache -f -v
Performance Optimization Settings
Access WPS Office settings through Tools > Options to configure performance preferences. Disable unnecessary startup features to improve loading times and reduce memory usage.
Configure automatic save intervals and backup options to prevent document loss. Set reasonable intervals that balance data protection with system performance.
Adjust graphics acceleration settings based on your hardware capabilities. Enable hardware acceleration for better performance on capable systems.
Key Features and Capabilities Overview
WPS Writer Advanced Features
WPS Writer provides comprehensive document creation tools including advanced formatting options, style management, and collaborative editing capabilities. The application supports complex document structures with headers, footers, tables of contents, and cross-references.
Template library access offers professionally designed document templates for various purposes including resumes, letters, reports, and academic papers. Custom template creation enables standardized document formatting across organizations.
Real-time collaboration features allow multiple users to edit documents simultaneously with change tracking and comment systems. Version history maintains document evolution records for review and rollback purposes.
WPS Presentation Professional Tools
WPS Presentation delivers PowerPoint-comparable functionality with sophisticated slide design tools, animation effects, and multimedia integration. Master slide templates ensure consistent presentation formatting and branding.
Advanced animation and transition effects create engaging presentations with professional polish. Timeline-based animation control provides precise timing and sequencing for complex presentations.
Export options include multiple formats such as PDF, PowerPoint, video files, and web-compatible formats. Presentation broadcasting enables real-time sharing with remote audiences.
WPS Spreadsheets Data Analysis
WPS Spreadsheets handles complex data analysis with Excel-compatible formula support, pivot tables, and charting tools. The application manages large datasets efficiently with sorting, filtering, and conditional formatting capabilities.
Advanced charting options create professional data visualizations with customizable styling and formatting. Chart types include standard options plus specialized business intelligence visualizations.
Macro support enables automation of repetitive tasks and complex calculations. VBA compatibility allows importing and executing existing Excel macros with minimal modification.
Updating and Maintaining WPS Office
Built-in Update Mechanism
WPS Office includes automatic update checking accessible through Help > Check for Updates. The application notifies users of available updates and guides through the download and installation process.
Configure automatic update preferences in application settings to balance convenience with system control. Choose between automatic downloads, notification-only, or manual checking options.
Manual Update Methods
For package-based installations, use standard Ubuntu update procedures:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
Snap installations update automatically, but manual updates are possible:
sudo snap refresh wps-office
Flatpak updates require explicit commands:
flatpak update com.wps.Office
Version Management and Rollback
Package managers maintain version history enabling rollback to previous versions if needed. Snap and Flatpak provide built-in version management with simple rollback commands.
Document compatibility considerations may require specific WPS Office versions for enterprise environments. Version pinning prevents unwanted updates that might affect document formatting or feature availability.
Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues
Dependency Resolution Problems
Broken dependencies commonly occur with manual .deb installation. Use APT’s fix-broken command to resolve missing packages:
sudo apt --fix-broken install
sudo apt autoremove
Repository conflicts may require manual package source management. Check enabled repositories and disable conflicting sources if necessary.
Font Rendering and Display Issues
Poor font rendering affects document appearance and compatibility. Install additional font packages and configure font smoothing:
sudo apt install fonts-liberation fonts-liberation2 fonts-crosextra-carlito fonts-crosextra-caladea
Adjust system font scaling for high-DPI displays through system settings. WPS Office inherits system font rendering preferences but includes application-specific scaling options.
Performance and Memory Optimization
High memory usage may occur with large documents or multiple applications. Configure WPS Office memory limits through application preferences and close unnecessary background processes.
System resource monitoring helps identify performance bottlenecks:
htop
Graphics acceleration issues affect performance on some systems. Disable hardware acceleration if experiencing stability problems or visual artifacts.
File Association and Integration Problems
Missing file associations prevent proper document opening from file managers. Manually configure file associations through system settings or use command-line tools:
xdg-mime default wps-office-wps.desktop application/vnd.ms-word
xdg-mime default wps-office-et.desktop application/vnd.ms-excel
xdg-mime default wps-office-wpp.desktop application/vnd.ms-powerpoint
Desktop integration problems may require desktop database updates:
sudo update-desktop-database
Congratulations! You have successfully installed WPS Office. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing WPS Office on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official WPS Office website.