Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-03

How to Fix: ifconfig missing after Ubuntu 18.04 install

Ubuntu 18.04 minimal install missing net-tools package

Quick Answer: Try installing the net-tools package using apt-get, e.g., "sudo apt-get install net-tools".

📋 Table of Contents

  1. 💡 Why You Are Getting This Error
  2. ✅ Best Solutions to Fix It
  3. 💡 Conclusion

The error 'ifconfig: command not found' occurs when the user attempts to run the ifconfig command in Ubuntu 18.04 after a minimal install, indicating that the net-tools package is not installed by default.

This issue can be frustrating for users who rely on network configuration tools like ifconfig, and it highlights the importance of ensuring all necessary packages are installed during the installation process.

💡 Why You Are Getting This Error

  • The primary reason this error happens is that the net-tools package was removed from the default Ubuntu repositories in Ubuntu 18.04 and later versions. This change affects users who have selected the minimal install option, as it omits essential system tools.
  • An alternative reason could be a misconfiguration of the package manager or an incomplete installation process.

✅ Best Solutions to Fix It

Reinstalling the net-tools package

  1. Step 1: Open the terminal and run the command 'sudo apt update' to ensure the package list is up-to-date.
  2. Step 2: Next, install the net-tools package using the command 'sudo apt install net-tools'. This will reinstall the necessary tools, including ifconfig.
  3. Step 3: Once the installation is complete, verify that the ifconfig command is available by running 'ifconfig' in the terminal.

Using alternative network configuration tools

  1. Step 1: Alternatively, users can use other network configuration tools such as ip addr show or ip link show to achieve similar results.
  2. Step 2: These commands can be used to display information about network interfaces and configure them manually.

💡 Conclusion

To resolve the 'ifconfig: command not found' error in Ubuntu 18.04 after a minimal install, users can reinstall the net-tools package or use alternative network configuration tools. By following these steps, users can regain access to essential network management features.

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