Are you tired of waiting for your system information tool to load? Looking for a lightning-fast alternative to display your Ubuntu system specs in style? You’ve come to the right place! Fastfetch is revolutionizing how Linux users view their system information, and I’ll show you exactly how to get it running on your Ubuntu machine.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore multiple ways to install Fastfetch on Ubuntu, from the simplest package manager method to building from source code. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced Linux user, you’ll find the perfect installation method for your needs.

What is Fastfetch and Why Should You Use It?

Fastfetch is a modern, blazingly fast system information tool designed specifically for Linux systems. Think of it as the sports car version of system info displays – sleek, efficient, and incredibly quick. While traditional tools can take several seconds to gather and display information, Fastfetch accomplishes the same task in milliseconds.

The tool displays essential system information including your operating system, kernel version, CPU details, memory usage, GPU information, and much more, all presented in an aesthetically pleasing format alongside your distribution’s logo.

Understanding Fastfetch vs Neofetch

If you’re familiar with Neofetch, you might wonder why you should switch. Here’s the thing – while Neofetch has been the go-to choice for years, it has some significant limitations. Fastfetch addresses these issues head-on:

Performance Comparison:

• Fastfetch typically runs 5-10x faster than Neofetch
• Uses significantly less system resources
• Optimized C code vs interpreted shell scripts
• Better handling of multiple displays and complex hardware setups

Feature Advantages:

• More comprehensive hardware detection
• Better support for modern GPUs and CPUs
• Enhanced customization options
• Active development and regular updates

According to recent benchmarks, Fastfetch completes system information gathering in an average of 15-30 milliseconds, compared to Neofetch’s 200-500 milliseconds on the same hardware.

Key Features and Benefits

Fastfetch isn’t just about speed – it’s packed with features that make it incredibly useful:

1. Lightning-Fast Performance: Written in C for maximum efficiency
2. Extensive Hardware Support: Detects modern CPUs, GPUs, and peripherals
3. Highly Customizable: JSON-based configuration system
4. Low Resource Usage: Minimal impact on system performance
5. Cross-Platform: Works on various Linux distributions
6. Active Development: Regular updates and new features

System Requirements for Installing Fastfetch

Before diving into the installation process, let’s ensure your system meets the requirements.

Supported Ubuntu Versions

Fastfetch supports a wide range of Ubuntu versions:

• Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (Jammy Jellyfish) – Recommended
• Ubuntu 20.04 LTS (Focal Fossa)
• Ubuntu 23.04 (Lunar Lobster)
• Ubuntu 23.10 (Mantic Minotaur)
• Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat)

The tool works on both desktop and server editions, though the visual output is optimized for desktop environments.

Hardware Prerequisites

Fastfetch has minimal hardware requirements:

• RAM: 50MB available memory (incredibly lightweight!)
• Storage: 5-15MB disk space depending on installation method
• CPU: Any x86_64 or ARM64 processor
• Network: Required only for initial download

These requirements are so modest that virtually any Ubuntu system from the past decade can run Fastfetch without issues.

Method 1: Installing Fastfetch via Package Manager

The easiest and most straightforward way to install Fastfetch is through Ubuntu’s package manager. This method handles dependencies automatically and ensures you get a stable, tested version.

Using APT Package Manager

Let’s start with the simplest approach. First, update your package list to ensure you have access to the latest software versions:

sudo apt update

Now, install Fastfetch directly from the Ubuntu repositories:

sudo apt install fastfetch

This command will download and install Fastfetch along with any required dependencies. The process typically takes 1-2 minutes depending on your internet connection.

Adding Official Repository

For the most up-to-date version, you might want to add Fastfetch’s official repository. This ensures you receive the latest features and bug fixes as soon as they’re released:

# Add the GPG key
curl -fsSL https://github.com/fastfetch-cli/fastfetch/releases/download/2.0.0/fastfetch.gpg | sudo gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/fastfetch-archive-keyring.gpg

# Add the repository
echo "deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/fastfetch-archive-keyring.gpg] https://github.com/fastfetch-cli/fastfetch/releases/latest/download/ubuntu $(lsb_release -cs) main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/fastfetch.list

# Update and install
sudo apt update
sudo apt install fastfetch

Installing from Ubuntu Universe

If the above methods don’t work, Fastfetch is also available in the Ubuntu Universe repository:

sudo add-apt-repository universe
sudo apt update
sudo apt install fastfetch

After installation, verify it worked by running:

fastfetch --version

You should see version information confirming the successful installation.

Method 2: Installing Fastfetch from Source

For users who want the absolute latest features or need custom compilation options, building from source is the way to go. This method requires more technical knowledge but gives you complete control over the installation.

Installing Build Dependencies

Before compiling Fastfetch, you need to install the necessary build tools and libraries:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install build-essential cmake git libpci-dev libvulkan-dev libwayland-dev libxrandr-dev libxcb-randr0-dev libdconf-dev libdbus-1-dev libmagickcore-dev libxfconf-0-dev libsqlite3-dev librpm-dev libegl-dev libglx-dev libosmesa6-dev ocl-icd-opencl-dev libnm-dev libpulse-dev

This might seem like a lot of dependencies, but each serves a specific purpose in detecting different hardware components and system features.

Required Packages for Compilation

Here’s what each major dependency does:

• cmake: Build system generator
• libpci-dev: PCI device detection (GPUs, network cards)
• libvulkan-dev: Vulkan graphics API support
• libwayland-dev: Wayland display server support
• libdbus-1-dev: System bus communication
• libsqlite3-dev: Database functionality

Downloading and Compiling Source Code

Now let’s download and compile Fastfetch:

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/fastfetch-cli/fastfetch.git
cd fastfetch

# Create build directory
mkdir build
cd build

# Configure build
cmake ..

# Compile (use -j$(nproc) for parallel compilation)
make -j$(nproc)

# Install system-wide
sudo make install

The compilation process typically takes 2-5 minutes depending on your CPU. The -j$(nproc) flag uses all available CPU cores for faster compilation.

Configuration Options

You can customize the build with various CMake options:

# Enable all optional features
cmake -DENABLE_VULKAN=ON -DENABLE_WAYLAND=ON -DENABLE_X11=ON ..

# Disable specific features
cmake -DENABLE_OPENCL=OFF -DENABLE_VULKAN=OFF ..

Common configuration flags:

• -DENABLE_VULKAN=ON/OFF: Vulkan GPU detection
• -DENABLE_OPENCL=ON/OFF: OpenCL compute support
• -DENABLE_WAYLAND=ON/OFF: Wayland display server
• -DCMAKE_BUILD_TYPE=Release: Optimized release build

Method 3: Installing Fastfetch via Snap Package

Snap packages offer a convenient, self-contained installation method that works across different Linux distributions.

Enabling Snap Support

Most modern Ubuntu installations include Snap support by default, but let’s ensure it’s properly set up:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install snapd

Installing from Snap Store

Once Snap is ready, installing Fastfetch is straightforward:

sudo snap install fastfetch

The Snap version automatically handles updates and provides isolation from the rest of your system. However, it might have slightly higher resource usage due to the containerization.

To verify the installation:

snap list fastfetch
fastfetch --version

Method 4: Installing Fastfetch Using Flatpak

Flatpak is another universal package format that’s gaining popularity in the Linux world.

Setting Up Flatpak Repository

First, install Flatpak and add the Flathub repository:

sudo apt install flatpak
sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

Installation Process

Install Fastfetch via Flatpak:

flatpak install flathub io.github.fastfetch_cli.fastfetch

Run Fastfetch using:

flatpak run io.github.fastfetch_cli.fastfetch

You can create an alias for easier usage:

echo 'alias fastfetch="flatpak run io.github.fastfetch_cli.fastfetch"' >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrc

Post-Installation Configuration

Once Fastfetch is installed, you’ll want to customize it to match your preferences.

Creating Custom Configuration Files

Fastfetch uses JSON configuration files for customization. The beauty of this approach is that it’s both human-readable and highly flexible.

Configuration File Location

Configuration files are stored in:

• System-wide: /etc/fastfetch/config.jsonc
• User-specific: ~/.config/fastfetch/config.jsonc

Create your user configuration directory:

mkdir -p ~/.config/fastfetch

Customizing Output Display

Here’s a sample configuration file to get you started:

{
    "logo": {
        "source": "ubuntu",
        "padding": {
            "top": 1,
            "left": 2
        }
    },
    "display": {
        "separator": ": ",
        "color": {
            "keys": "blue",
            "title": "yellow"
        }
    },
    "modules": [
        "title",
        "separator",
        "os",
        "host",
        "kernel",
        "uptime",
        "packages",
        "shell",
        "display",
        "de",
        "wm",
        "wmtheme",
        "theme",
        "icons",
        "font",
        "cursor",
        "terminal",
        "terminalfont",
        "cpu",
        "gpu",
        "memory",
        "swap",
        "disk",
        "localip",
        "battery",
        "poweradapter",
        "locale",
        "break",
        "colors"
    ]
}

This configuration creates a comprehensive system information display with customized colors and formatting.

Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues

Even with the best instructions, you might encounter some hiccups. Here are solutions to the most common problems.

Dependency Problems

If you encounter dependency issues during installation:

# Fix broken packages
sudo apt --fix-broken install

# Clean package cache
sudo apt clean
sudo apt autoclean

# Update package database
sudo apt update

Permission Errors

Permission errors typically occur during compilation or when accessing hardware information:

# Add user to necessary groups
sudo usermod -a -G video,audio,input $USER

# Logout and login again for changes to take effect

Display Issues

If Fastfetch doesn’t display correctly:

1. Check terminal compatibility: Some older terminals might not support all features
2. Verify font support: Ensure your terminal font supports necessary characters
3. Test different configurations: Try the default configuration first

# Run with default config
fastfetch --config none

# Test specific modules
fastfetch --modules os,kernel,cpu,memory

Advanced Fastfetch Usage and Tips

Now that you have Fastfetch installed, let’s explore some advanced usage scenarios.

Command Line Options

Fastfetch offers numerous command-line options for customization:

# Display specific modules only
fastfetch --modules cpu,gpu,memory

# Use different logo
fastfetch --logo arch

# Disable logo entirely
fastfetch --logo none

# Custom configuration file
fastfetch --config /path/to/custom/config.jsonc

# Generate configuration template
fastfetch --gen-config

Integration with Shell Profiles

Many users like to run Fastfetch automatically when opening a terminal. Add this to your shell profile:

For Bash (~/.bashrc):

# Add at the end of the file
if command -v fastfetch &> /dev/null; then
    fastfetch
fi

For Zsh (~/.zshrc):

# Add at the end of the file
if (( $+commands[fastfetch] )); then
    fastfetch
fi

For Fish (~/.config/fish/config.fish):

if command -v fastfetch > /dev/null
    fastfetch
end

Comparing Installation Methods

Let’s break down the pros and cons of each installation method to help you choose the best approach.

Performance Considerations

Maintenance and Updates

APT Package: Updates come with Ubuntu system updates. Most stable but potentially outdated.

Source Compilation: Requires manual updates but gives you bleeding-edge features. Best for enthusiasts.

Snap Package: Automatic updates in the background. Good balance of convenience and current features.

Flatpak: Similar to Snap with automatic updates and good isolation.

Recommendation: For most users, the APT package method provides the best balance of simplicity, stability, and performance. Advanced users who want the latest features should consider source compilation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Fastfetch better than Neofetch?
Yes, Fastfetch is significantly faster than Neofetch (5-10x speedup), uses fewer resources, and provides better hardware detection. It’s written in C versus Neofetch’s shell script implementation, resulting in superior performance.

2. Can I run Fastfetch on Ubuntu Server?
Absolutely! Fastfetch works perfectly on Ubuntu Server editions. While it’s optimized for desktop environments, the system information display functions normally in server terminals.

3. How much disk space does Fastfetch require?
Fastfetch is very lightweight, requiring only 5-15MB of disk space depending on the installation method. The APT package is the smallest, while Snap and Flatpak versions are slightly larger due to bundled dependencies.

4. Will installing Fastfetch affect my system performance?
No, Fastfetch has minimal impact on system performance. It only runs when called and uses very few resources (typically under 50MB RAM). It doesn’t run as a background service.

5. How do I uninstall Fastfetch completely?
The uninstallation method depends on how you installed it:

• APT: sudo apt remove fastfetch
• Snap: sudo snap remove fastfetch
• Flatpak: flatpak uninstall io.github.fastfetch_cli.fastfetch
• Source: sudo make uninstall from the build directory, or manually remove /usr/local/bin/fastfetch