Ubuntu Server 25.10 drops wget from default install and replaces it with wcurl

Ubuntu Server 25.10 will no longer include wget in its default installation, opting instead for wcurl, a wrapper included with curl 8.14.x, as the new standard for command-line downloads. This decision is part of Ubuntu's strategy to streamline its server distribution by eliminating redundant tools. wcurl is designed to serve as a drop-in replacement for wget, translating most basic wget commands for compatibility with curl. Users who require advanced wget features can still manually install it from the core repository, with full support and security updates guaranteed throughout the Ubuntu 25.10 support cycle.

In addition to replacing wget, Ubuntu 25.10 will also remove the terminal multiplexers byobu and screen, leaving tmux as the sole preinstalled option. These changes aim to simplify the server environment, reducing clutter while maintaining the flexibility for users to customize their setups according to specific needs.

wcurl offers robust functionality, supporting parallel downloads, automatic filename selection, and safe file handling to prevent overwriting. It also includes features like retries on failure, file timestamp preservation, and robust handling of special characters in URLs. Ubuntu 25.10 and Ubuntu Server 25.10 are set for release on October 9, 2025.