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To install GNOME on Debian 2025, you’ll first need to ensure your system is up to date. Open your terminal and run:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -yGNOME is available in Debian’s default repositories, so there’s no need to add anything extra. Just install the desktop environment with:
sudo apt install gnome-core -yIf you want the full GNOME experience including additional apps like Evolution, GNOME Games, and LibreOffice, go with:
sudo apt install task-gnome-desktop -yOnce installed, you might want to enable gdm3 (GNOME Display Manager) as your default display manager. If you’re asked to choose a display manager during installation, select gdm3. If you skipped that step or want to change it manually:
sudo dpkg-reconfigure gdm3Then restart your system:
sudo rebootAfter rebooting, you’ll be greeted with the GNOME login screen. Log in and enjoy your new GNOME desktop environment on Debian 2025. If you’re running a minimal install or a VPS and want a lightweight GNOME setup (without all the extra apps), use:
sudo apt install gnome-session gnome-terminal nautilus gnome-control-center gdm3 -yAnd don’t forget to enable the GDM service if it’s not enabled:
sudo systemctl enable gdm3
sudo systemctl start gdm3Need to switch back to another desktop environment or remove GNOME later? Use:
sudo apt purge gnome-shell gnome-session gdm3 -y
sudo apt autoremove --purge -yThat’s all it takes. Clean, fast, and works out of the box on Debian 12 and above.
