If you use Ubuntu 25.04, you have a very important deadline coming up. On 15 January 2026, Ubuntu 25.04 Plucky Puffin officially reaches its "End of Life". This date comes exactly nine months after its release in April 2025.
Once this deadline passes, Canonical will stop sending security updates or new packages to your system. To keep your computer safe and fast, you should upgrade to the latest version immediately.
Time to Upgrade to Ubuntu 25.10 "Questing Quokka"
The best path forward is to upgrade to Ubuntu 25.10, which came out on 9 October 2025. This version is an "interim release," which means it builds the foundation for the next major stable version coming in 2026.
What is new in Ubuntu 25.10?
- A Modern Desktop: You get GNOME 49, which lets you control your music and power settings right from the lock screen.
- New Default Apps: The system now includes the Loupe image viewer and the Ptyxis terminal emulator.
- Better Security: This is the first version to use safer code for core tools like "sudo". It uses a new Rust-based tool called sudo-rs to help block attacks.
- Stronger Encryption: You can test a new way to lock your hard drive using your computer's security chip (TPM).
- New Technology: It runs on Linux kernel 6.17, which helps the latest hardware run better.
How to Upgrade Ubuntu 25.04 to Ubuntu 25.10
You can easily switch from version Ubuntu 25.04 to 25.10. Before you start, please backup your important data just in case if things goes sideways.
For Desktop Users:
1. First, open your Update Manager and click the Settings button.
2. Next, click the Updates tab.
3. Ensure the menu for "Notify me of a new Ubuntu version" is set to "For any new version".
4. Then, go back to the Update Manager and click Check to find new updates.
5. Finally, install any pending updates, and then click the Upgrade button when it appears.
For Server Users:
1. First, make sure the ubuntu-release-upgrader-core tool is on your system.
2. Next, check your settings in /etc/update-manager/release-upgrades and set the Prompt line to "normal".
3. Finally, run the following command and follow the steps on your screen:
sudo do-release-upgrade
Looking Ahead: The 15-Year Support for Ubuntu LTS Versions
After you move to version 25.10, your next big step happens in April 2026. On 23 April 2026, Canonical will release Ubuntu 26.04 LTS "Resolute Raccoon".
The Ubuntu 26.04 LTS release is special because it offers an incredible 15 years of security maintenance. Canonical reached this total by combining three programs:
- Standard Support: You get the first 5 years of standard security updates.
- Ubuntu Pro: This extends your support to 10 years.
- Legacy Add-on: A final extension adds another 5 years, bringing the total to 15 years.
This long life cycle starts with Ubuntu 14.04 and continues for all future LTS releases. It gives you peace of mind and keeps your system stable for over a decade.
Upgrade 25.04 Today
Staying on an old version of Ubuntu is risky. Without security notices, your system might become an easy target for hackers. By moving to Ubuntu 25.10 today, you can make your Ubuntu system resilient and performant.
This upgrade also gets you ready for the big Long Term Support (LTS) release coming in April 2026.
