Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, codenamed "Noble Numbat," was officially released on April 25, 2024. Yesterday (August 29, 2024), the first point release, version 24.04.1, became available. With the upgrade channel now open, users of Ubuntu 22.04 can officially upgrade to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. This step by step guide explains how to upgrade to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS desktop from Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and other Ubuntu non-LTS versions with screenshots.
The method of upgrading between LTS releases and normal edition to LTS is quite same, except a small change in the Software updater application.
Table of Contents
1. Prerequisites
Before upgrading to latest Ubuntu version, we must take care of some important things first.
1.1. Backup Important Data
First of all, we strongly recommend you to backup your important data, configuration files, browser settings, dot files and anything that you can't afford to lose. Please check our Backup tools section. We have published guides about many backup applications. Choose that suits your requirements.
1.2. Update Your Current Ubuntu System
Next, update your current Ubuntu system using the following commands:
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade -y
Once the update is completed, reboot the system to apply the updates:
sudo reboot
The Ubuntu 22.04 LTS users will soon receive a prompt to upgrade directly to 24.04 LTS, either automatically or as part of a scheduled update. A pop up window will appear if a new Ubuntu version is available. You can simply click the "Yes, Upgrade Now" button to start the Ubuntu upgrade process and follow the onscreen instructions.
If this message doesn't appear for any reason, go to the next step.
1.3. Setting up Software Sources
Now, open Software & Updates application from the Dash or Menu.
This is the important part. You should choose the correct Ubuntu update source from the "Updates" section.
[NOTE]
Ubuntu has two types of releases - LTS (Long Term Support) and interim releases. LTS versions, like Ubuntu 22.04 LTS or Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, are recommended for users who want a stable system that doesn't change much. These are supported for a long time, usually 5 years.The interim releases (E.g. Ubuntu 23.10) come in between the LTS versions. They give users a chance to try out new features and updates before they are included in the next LTS version. Please note that the interim releases only get updates and support for 9 months. They are meant for users who want to use the newest software and don't mind some instability.
If you want to upgrade to a LTS version, for example Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, do the following:
In the Software & updates window, go to Updates tab, make sure you have selected "For long-term support versions" from the "notify me of new Ubuntu version" drop down box.
If you want to upgrade Ubuntu Non-LTS version (E.g. Ubuntu 23.10), you should choose "For any new version" option from the "notify me of new Ubuntu version" drop down box in the Updates section.
Close the Software & Updates app.
2. Upgrade To Ubuntu 24.04 LTS Desktop
Now, run the following command from your Terminal to start upgrading your current Ubuntu version to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS:
sudo update-manager -d
You will see a message something like below. Click "Upgrade" to start upgrading process.
“The software on this computer is up to date.
However, Ubuntu 24.04.1 LTS is available now (you have 22.04)”.
Next, you will see Ubuntu 24.04 LTS release notes. Click "Upgrade" to continue.
Now, the actual upgrade process will start. The Ubuntu software updater will setup new software channels (sources) on your current Ubuntu box and prepare to get new packages. This would take a few seconds.
After analyzing the current desktop, the updater will display the summary of how many packages are going to be newly installed, how may packages will be upgraded, how many packages are going to be removed, and what is the total download size etc.
Click "Start Upgrade" button to continue:
Now, all necessary packages will be downloaded, upgraded and installed. This will take a while to complete depending on the speed of your Internet connection.
Keep an eye on the screen. During the upgrade process, the updater will occasionally ask your consent to make any changes in your system.
Starting from Ubuntu 24.04, all new releases of Thunderbird are only available to Ubuntu users through the snap package. Click Next to upgrade to the thunderbird snap:
After all packages are upgraded, you will be asked to remove obsolete packages. Click "Remove" to delete the unused packages.
Finally, click “Restart now” to complete the upgrade. This will reboot your system to use the newly upgraded Ubuntu 24.04 LTS desktop.
We have now successfully upgraded to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS Noble Numbat desktop.
You can verify if the upgrade was successful by checking the Ubuntu version from the "Settings -> System -> About" section.
You can also check the Ubuntu version from command line by running the following command:
lsb_release -a
Sample output:
No LSB modules are available.
Distributor ID: Ubuntu
Description: Ubuntu 24.04.1 LTS
Release: 24.04
Codename: noble
3. Troubleshooting
Just in case if your Ubuntu system is crashed due to power failure or network connectivity issue in the middle of the Upgrade process, you might end up with broken Ubuntu. In such cases, refer the following guide to fix it.
Do you want to know how to upgrade to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS server? Refer the following guide. The following guide is written for Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, but the steps are quite same.
