wget Removed from Ubuntu Server 25.10 Default Install: Why wcurl Takes Over

The upcoming release of Ubuntu Server 25.10 marks a significant shift in the default toolset provided out-of-the-box. A change that might surprise long-time users is the removal of wget from the base installation. In its place, wcurl is now the preferred command-line tool for retrieving content from the web. This decision, while perhaps controversial to some, is driven by a combination of factors including modernization, security enhancements, and a desire to provide a more streamlined user experience. This isn’t about any shortcomings of wget itself, but rather a strategic move by the Ubuntu Server team.

The Reign of wget: A Command-Line Staple

For decades, wget has been the go-to utility for downloading files over HTTP, HTTPS, and FTP protocols within Linux and other Unix-like environments. Its robustness, scriptability, and wide availability made it a beloved tool for system administrators, developers, and casual users alike. wget’s features include:

  • Recursive downloading: The ability to download entire websites or directory structures.
  • Background operation: Downloading files even after the terminal window is closed.
  • Bandwidth limiting: Controlling the download speed to avoid saturating network connections.
  • Resuming interrupted downloads: Picking up where a previous download left off.
  • Mirroring websites: Creating local copies of websites.

These features, combined with its simple syntax, have cemented wget’s position as an indispensable tool in the Linux ecosystem. Its ubiquity across various distributions, including previous versions of Ubuntu Server, has made it a familiar friend for many.

Why wcurl? Understanding the Rationale Behind the Switch

The decision to replace wget with wcurl in Ubuntu Server 25.10 wasn’t taken lightly. The Ubuntu Server team carefully weighed the pros and cons before making this transition. Here’s a breakdown of the key reasons driving this change:

Modernization and Feature Parity

curl, the foundation upon which wcurl is built, represents a more modern approach to command-line data transfer. While wget has been actively maintained, curl has seen more frequent updates and incorporates a broader range of features and protocol support. wcurl brings this modernity directly to the command line, and its key features include:

  • Broader Protocol Support: curl natively supports a wider array of protocols, including HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, FTPS, SCP, SFTP, TFTP, DICT, LDAP, LDAPS, MQTT, IMAP, POP3, SMTP, SMTPS, RTSP, and more. This eliminates the need for separate tools when dealing with diverse data sources.
  • Enhanced Security Features: curl often incorporates the latest security patches and protocols more quickly than wget. This is crucial for ensuring the safety and integrity of downloaded data. curl offers more fine-grained control over TLS/SSL settings.
  • Improved Performance: In certain scenarios, curl can offer improved performance due to its optimized code and handling of connections. This can lead to faster download speeds and reduced resource consumption.
  • libcurl API: curl is backed by the powerful libcurl library, which provides a rich API for developers to integrate data transfer capabilities into their applications. This allows for greater flexibility and customization.

Security Hardening and Reduced Attack Surface

Minimizing the default installation footprint of Ubuntu Server is a core security principle. By reducing the number of pre-installed packages, the potential attack surface is also reduced. While wget itself is generally secure, any software can have vulnerabilities. Consolidating functionality under curl, with its strong security track record, simplifies security management.

Streamlined User Experience and Consistency

Ubuntu Server aims to provide a consistent and intuitive user experience. Choosing wcurl aligns with this goal by offering a single, versatile tool for handling a wide range of data transfer tasks. This reduces the learning curve for new users and simplifies administration for experienced users.

The broader Linux community has been increasingly adopting curl as the preferred command-line data transfer tool. This shift is driven by the factors mentioned above, as well as the active development and support provided by the curl project. By making wcurl the default, Ubuntu Server is aligning with industry best practices and leveraging the collective knowledge and expertise of the open-source community.

wcurl: Understanding the New Default

wcurl is essentially a wrapper around curl designed to mimic the common usage of wget. This offers a seamless transition for users familiar with the wget command-line syntax. Key features of wcurl include:

  • Familiar Syntax: wcurl accepts many of the same command-line options as wget, making it easy to switch.
  • Automatic File Naming: By default, wcurl saves downloaded files using the name provided in the URL, similar to wget.
  • Background Downloads: wcurl supports background downloads using the -b option, allowing users to continue working in the terminal while files are being retrieved.
  • Resuming Downloads: wcurl can resume interrupted downloads using the -c option, ensuring that progress is not lost.
  • Progress Bar: wcurl displays a progress bar during downloads, providing visual feedback on the status of the transfer.

wcurl Command Examples

Here are some common wcurl command examples to illustrate its usage:

  • Downloading a file:

    wcurl https://example.com/file.txt

    This will download the file file.txt from example.com and save it in the current directory.

  • Downloading a file with a specific name:

    wcurl -O new_file.txt https://example.com/file.txt

    This will download file.txt and save it as new_file.txt.

  • Resuming an interrupted download:

    wcurl -c https://example.com/large_file.zip

    This will attempt to resume the download of large_file.zip.

  • Downloading in the background:

    wcurl -b https://example.com/another_file.iso

    This will start the download of another_file.iso in the background.

  • Limiting download bandwidth:

    wcurl --limit-rate 200k https://example.com/large_file.zip

    This will limit the download rate to 200KB/s.

Addressing Concerns and Misconceptions

The removal of wget has sparked some concerns and misconceptions within the Ubuntu community. Let’s address some of the most common ones:

“This is because of Rust!”

This is completely false. The decision to switch to wcurl has nothing to do with the rise of Rust or any perceived competition between Rust-based tools and traditional utilities. The primary driver is the desire to modernize the default toolset and leverage the broader features and capabilities of curl.

“Why remove wget at all? Just include both!”

While including both wget and wcurl might seem like a reasonable compromise, it would increase the size of the base installation and potentially create confusion for new users. The goal is to provide a streamlined and consistent experience, and having two similar tools would undermine this objective.

“Is wcurl as good as wget?”

In most cases, wcurl provides equivalent or superior functionality to wget. However, there might be some niche use cases where wget has specific advantages. If you rely on those specific features, you can still easily install wget using apt:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install wget

“Will this break my existing scripts?”

If your scripts rely heavily on specific wget command-line options that are not directly supported by wcurl, you might need to make minor adjustments. However, wcurl is designed to be largely compatible with wget, so most scripts should work with little or no modification.

The Future of Command-Line Data Transfer on Ubuntu Server

The transition to wcurl in Ubuntu Server 25.10 represents a forward-looking decision that aligns with industry trends and best practices. It is likely that other distributions will follow suit in the coming years. This change underscores the importance of embracing modern tools and technologies to enhance security, performance, and user experience. As revWhiteShadow, and kts personal blog site, we believe this change is positive for the platform as a whole.

Staying Updated on Command-Line Tools

As systems administrators and developers, we constantly adapt our tools as best practices and software evolve. Keeping up with best practice tools is important in any role:

  • Stay Informed: Follow the Ubuntu Server development mailing lists and community forums to stay abreast of changes and updates.
  • Experiment and Learn: Take the time to experiment with wcurl and explore its features.
  • Share Your Knowledge: Contribute to the community by sharing your experiences and insights with others.

Conclusion: Embracing Change and Modernizing the Command Line

The removal of wget from the default installation of Ubuntu Server 25.10 is a strategic move aimed at modernizing the command-line environment and providing a more secure and versatile toolset. While some users may initially be resistant to the change, wcurl offers a compelling alternative that builds upon the strengths of curl while maintaining a familiar syntax. By embracing this transition, we can collectively contribute to a more robust, efficient, and secure Ubuntu Server ecosystem. As revWhiteShadow, our goal is to provide accurate information and insight on these kinds of changing technologies.