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How to Install Incus Container in Ubuntu Linux

Richard
Written by
Richard
Nov 2, 2023 Updated Jul 13, 2026 3 min read
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Incus lets you install and run containerized applications on Ubuntu Linux, creating isolated spaces for software.

Incus is a tool for managing containers and virtual machines, built from the LXD project. It helps you run different applications on your Ubuntu computer without them causing problems for each other.

You can use Incus to manage anything from a single computer to a large group of servers, bringing a cloud-like system to your PC. It uses technologies like LXC and QEMU to make this possible.

⚡ Quick Answer

Install Incus by first adding its repository to your system. Run `sudo apt update` and `sudo apt install incus` to install the software. Verify the installation with `incus version`.

Install Incus container on Ubuntu Linux

Installing an Incus container on Ubuntu Linux involves first adding the necessary tools to your system. This guide walks you through the steps to install an Incus container, which helps you easily set up and manage your Linux environments.

First, install the necessary prerequisites with the command below.

First, download Incus’s repository GPG key. This key securely verifies software packages. Think of the Incus GPG key as a digital signature; it ensures that installed Incus packages come directly from the Incus project and haven’t been tampered with, which is crucial for system security.

🐧Bash / Shell
sudo curl -fsSL https://pkgs.zabbly.com/key.asc -o /etc/apt/keyrings/zabbly.asc

Then, create a repository file.

🐧Bash / Shell
sudo nano /etc/apt/sources.list.d/zabbly-incus-stable.sources

Copy the content provided and paste it into this file.

💻Code
Enabled: yes
Types: deb
URIs: https://pkgs.zabbly.com/incus/stable
Suites: jammy
Components: main
Signed-By: /etc/apt/keyrings/zabbly.asc

Remember to replace the highlighted placeholder with your Ubuntu version’s codename. You can find this codename within the /etc/os-release file.

Finally, update your system and install Incus using the command below.

🐧Bash / Shell
sudo apt update
sudo apt install incus

Once installed, you can use the command below to verify that Incus is available on Ubuntu.

💻Code
incus version
incus --help
⚠️Warning
If you wish to remove the Incus container, run the command below.
🐧Bash / Shell
sudo apt remove --autoremove incus
sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/zabbly-incus-stable.sources
sudo rm /etc/apt/keyrings/zabbly.asc

That should do it!

For more information and help creating instances, follow the link below.

Conclusion:

  • The Incus Container provides a lightweight, open-source solution for managing containers and virtual machines in Ubuntu Linux.
  • Its seamless cloud-like experience enables scaling from a developer’s laptop to a cluster of up to 50 servers.
  • Following the steps, users can easily install and utilize the Incus Container for efficient application management.
  • For additional guidance on creating instances and further information, visit the Incus Containers page.

What is the difference between Incus container and virtual machine?

When running an application container, Incus isolates applications within the host’s operating system using container images, much like Docker does. When running a virtual machine, Incus uses the host system’s hardware, but the kernel is provided by the virtual machine.

Can Incus run Docker containers?

Docker is designed as a system for deploying disposable applications. Incus containers are not typically created as disposables, and data is retained when they are stopped. Because of the Linux kernel’s nesting feature, you can run Docker inside Incus.

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Richard

About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

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