Apache HTTP Server is one of the most widely used web servers in the world. Its modular architecture supports a huge range of functionality including URL rewriting, authentication, and SSL. This guide installs Apache on Ubuntu 26.04 LTS and configures the firewall.

Tested and valid on:

Ubuntu 26.04 LTS

Prerequisites

Ubuntu 26.04 LTS server
A user with sudo privileges
UFW enabled

Step 1 – Update and Install Apache

sudo apt update
sudo apt install apache2 -y

Step 2 – Allow Apache Through UFW

Allow port 80 and 443:

sudo ufw allow 'Apache Full'
sudo ufw status

Step 3 – Verify Apache is Running

sudo systemctl status apache2

You should see active (running).

Step 4 – Test the Default Page

Visit http://your_server_ip. You should see the Ubuntu/Apache default page. Or:

curl -I http://localhost

Step 5 – Key Apache Commands

sudo systemctl start apache2
sudo systemctl stop apache2
sudo systemctl restart apache2
sudo systemctl reload apache2
sudo apache2ctl configtest    # check config

Step 6 – Enable Useful Modules

Enable commonly needed modules:

sudo a2enmod rewrite
sudo a2enmod headers
sudo a2enmod ssl
sudo systemctl restart apache2

Step 7 – Key File Locations

Config: /etc/apache2/apache2.conf
Virtual hosts: /etc/apache2/sites-available/
Web root: /var/www/html/
Logs: /var/log/apache2/

Conclusion

Apache is now running on your Ubuntu 26.04 LTS server. Proceed to configure virtual hosts for your domains, enable SSL with Let’s Encrypt, and install PHP for dynamic content.

How to Install Apache on Ubuntu 26.04