Apache HTTP Server is one of the most popular web servers in the world. This guide installs and starts Apache on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and verifies that it is serving content correctly.

Tested and valid on:

  • Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

Prerequisites

  • Ubuntu 24.04 LTS server
  • A user with sudo privileges
  • UFW firewall configured

Step 1 – Update Package Lists

Refresh package index:

sudo apt update

Step 2 – Install Apache

Install from the Ubuntu repository:

sudo apt install apache2 -y

Step 3 – Allow Apache Through UFW

Permit HTTP and HTTPS:

sudo ufw allow 'Apache Full'
sudo ufw status

Step 4 – Start and Enable Apache

Start and enable on boot:

sudo systemctl start apache2
sudo systemctl enable apache2

Step 5 – Verify Apache Is Running

Check service status:

sudo systemctl status apache2

Visit http://your_server_ip — you should see the Apache Ubuntu Default Page.

Step 6 – Key Directory Structure

Important Apache paths:

  • /etc/apache2/apache2.conf — main config
  • /etc/apache2/sites-available/ — virtual host files
  • /etc/apache2/sites-enabled/ — active sites
  • /var/www/html/ — default document root
  • /var/log/apache2/ — logs

Step 7 – Useful Apache Commands

Enable and disable modules and sites:

sudo a2enmod rewrite       # enable a module
sudo a2dismod rewrite      # disable a module
sudo a2ensite mysite.conf  # enable a virtual host
sudo a2dissite 000-default.conf

Step 8 – Test Configuration

Check for syntax errors:

sudo apache2ctl configtest

Conclusion

Apache is now installed on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. Configure virtual hosts for your domains and add SSL with Let’s Encrypt to serve traffic over HTTPS.