How to Install Cockpit for Linux Server
Manage Linux Servers With Cockpit
Start by creating an Ubuntu Linux Server in your virtualization platform of choice (this tutorial uses Proxmox). Download the latest Ubuntu Server here. Example: Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.
Update Ubuntu Server
First, update all packages before installation:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
Reference documentation here.
Installing Cockpit
The Cockpit repository is usually enabled by default. Update packages then install Cockpit:
. /etc/os-release
sudo apt install -t ${VERSION_CODENAME}-backports cockpit
Access Cockpit by visiting in your browser:
https://IP_ADDRESS_OF_MACHINE:9090
Software Tab
Use the Software tab in Cockpit to perform any missing updates before continuing.
Fix Cache Whilst Offline Error
If you see “Cannot download packages whilst offline,” fix it with steps from the Cockpit FAQ:
- Edit config:
sudo nano /etc/NetworkManager/conf.d/10-globally-managed-devices.conf
Add:
[keyfile]
unmanaged-devices=none
- Set up a dummy network interface:
sudo nmcli con add type dummy con-name fake ifname fake0 ip4 1.2.3.4/24 gw4 1.2.3.1
Reboot:
sudo reboot
How to Use Cockpit
Overview
See health, hardware, bugs, and config at a glance.
Logs
Access logs easily for investigation and oversight.
Storage
View partition usage, drive capacity, mount locations, create partitions, and change sizing/formatting via the three-dot menus.
Networking
Monitor Ethernet, add VPNs, bonds, teams, bridges, and more.
Accounts
Manage users, groups, recent logins, and add SSH keys directly from user profiles.
Services
See running processes on the server.
Applications
Manage software, containers, and virtual machines via browser. Official apps listed here, community apps available online.
Install VM management:
sudo apt install cockpit cockpit-machines
Refresh browser to see new applications.
Start and enable Cockpit services:
sudo systemctl start cockpit
sudo systemctl enable cockpit
Software Updates
Use this tab to update your server.
Terminal
Built-in SSH access for direct command-line management.
Cockpit Server Accounts
Manage multiple servers by clicking your username (top left) and adding more hosts, enabling server-switching from a single portal.