Canonical released Ubuntu 24.10, dubbed “Oracular Oriole,” on October 10, 2024. This version introduces performance enhancements and better hardware support, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of Ubuntu’s first stable release.
While Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Long-Term Support) remains supported and will receive five years of free security updates, upgrading to 24.10 can offer benefits like the latest Linux kernel and features.
Why Upgrade to Ubuntu 24.10?
Although upgrading isn’t necessary for Ubuntu 24.04 users, as it will be supported for at least five more years (with the option for an additional five through an Ubuntu Pro subscription), Ubuntu 24.10 has its advantages. It will receive nine months of security and maintenance updates and is compatible with Ubuntu Pro, providing access to the latest enhancements.
Ubuntu 24.10 features the latest upstream Linux kernel, allowing users to take advantage of new capabilities, though it might impact stability. The release also includes the updated GNOME 47 desktop, an upgraded App Center, an experimental Security Center, and improved Snap package management.
For more details, check out the official announcement about “Oracular Oriole.”
How to Upgrade
Upgrading from Ubuntu 22.04 to 24.10 can be done via the command line or the built-in software updater:
- Launch the Software Updater: Ensure you have the latest version of Ubuntu 22.04 (currently 22.04.01).
- Modify Updater Settings: Change settings to allow upgrades to regular non-LTS releases.
- Check for Upgrade: Rerun the software updater, which should then display the option to upgrade your OS.
If you proceed, the upgrade tool will connect to the necessary software channels and download the required packages. Note that Ubuntu will disable third-party repositories and PPAs by default during the upgrade, but you can re-enable them via the command line after upgrading to version 24.10.
Step 1: Prepare Your System
Upgrading Ubuntu is straightforward, but it’s wise to take precautions to safeguard your data:
- Save and Close Open Files: Make sure to save any changes and close all active programs.
- Connect to AC Power: If you’re using a laptop, plug it in to prevent battery issues during the update.
- Backup Your Files: Use your preferred backup utility to ensure all important files are safely stored.
- Check for Updates: Verify that your Ubuntu 24.04 installation is fully updated. Here’s how to do it:
- Click on the Activities launcher and type “software” into the search bar.
- Select the Software Updater icon to automatically check for updates.
- If updates are available, click Install Now to proceed.
- Your computer may need to restart to complete the updates. If prompted, select Restart Now from the Software Updater menu.
Alternatively, you can update Ubuntu 24.04 using the command line:
- Open Terminal.
- Run the following commands:
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgradePress “Y” to confirm you wish to update the OS to the most recent version.
Step 2: Get Ready to Upgrade
After your system reboots, follow these steps to prepare for the upgrade:
- Launch the Software Updater: Repeat the previous steps to open the Software Updater.
- Install Available Updates: If there are any further updates available, download and install them. Once completed, you should see a notification confirming that your system is up to date.
- Adjust Update Settings:
- Click on Settings to open Software & Updates.
- Navigate to the Updates tab.
- In the dropdown labeled “Notify me of a new Ubuntu version,” select For any new version. This setting will allow Ubuntu 24.10 to show as an upgrade option.
- Click Close and relaunch the Software Updater.
You should now see a notification indicating that while Ubuntu 22.04 is up to date, Ubuntu 24.10 is available for upgrade. Click Upgrade to proceed.
If the notification doesn’t appear, you can manually check for the latest version via Terminal:
sudo update-manager -cStep 3: Start the Upgrade
- Launch the Upgrade Utility: Once the Ubuntu upgrade utility starts, it will display an overview of the new features in Oracular Oriole, along with a link to the official release notes for more detailed information.
- Read the Overview: Review the information provided, then click Start Upgrade to download the latest release upgrade tool.
- Distribution Upgrade Process: The “Distribution Upgrade” tool will launch, showing a tilde next to “Preparing to Upgrade.” The utility will update the OS software channels.
- Confirmation to Upgrade: After the preparation is complete, a window will prompt, “Do you want to start the upgrade?” Click Details to see more about the packages that will be changed or removed, and then choose Start Upgrade to continue.
During the upgrade, you may receive notifications that Oracular is not responding. If this happens, select Wait each time; the upgrade process should continue without any issues.
Step 4: Install Your Upgrades
After initiating the upgrade, you’ll be notified that the lock screen will be disabled during the process. Click Close to proceed.
- Downloading Packages: The upgrade tool will begin downloading and installing the necessary packages. During this time, the desktop wallpaper will switch to the default background for Oracular Oriole.
- Handling Prompts: You might encounter a prompt regarding “libc6,” asking if Ubuntu should restart services during package upgrades without confirmation. Click Next to proceed.
- Terminal Option: If you prefer detailed installation information, you can select the Terminal option.
Step 5: Cleaning Up
Once the installation completes, the release upgrade tool will start the cleanup process. A window will prompt you to “Remove obsolete packages.”
- Review Obsolete Packages: Click Details to view more information about these packages. Choose Keep or Remove as you see fit; removing them is often advisable since they can take up unnecessary space.
Step 6: Confirm Your Upgrade
After addressing the obsolete packages, Ubuntu will prompt you to restart your system to finalize the upgrade.
- Restart Your System: After logging in, confirm the upgrade by going to Activities and launching About in System Settings. You should see the operating system listed as Ubuntu 24.10.
- Command-Line Verification: If you prefer using the command line, open Terminal and run:
lsb_release -aThe OS “Release” should indicate 24.10 if the upgrade was successful.
Step 7: Re-Enable PPAs and Repos
During the upgrade, any third-party repositories (PPAs) are automatically disabled for a smoother process. To re-enable them:
- Open Terminal: Run the following command to edit the sources list:
sudo nano /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ubuntu.sources- Modify the Sources: If any third-party repos are listed, scroll down and remove the ‘#’ at the beginning of the line to uncomment them.
- Save Changes: Press Ctrl + X, then Y to save and exit. These changes will take effect the next time you update your system.
Stay Updated
Even if you didn’t enable third-party repos, keeping your system updated is crucial:
- Using Software Updater: Open Activities, search for “software,” and launch Software Updater.
- Using Terminal: You can also update via Terminal using the latest version of APT (3.0) with the following command:
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgradeThis method is recommended for your first update post-upgrade, as it alerts you if any third-party repos are disabled.
Upgrading via the Command Line
For experienced users, upgrading via the command line can be quicker:
- Configure Upgrade Settings: Open Terminal and run:
sudo nano /etc/update-manager/release-upgradesChange Prompt=LTS to Prompt=normal. Save and exit with Ctrl + X, then Y.
- Update Ubuntu: Ensure Ubuntu 22.04 is fully updated:
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade- Launch Upgrade Tool: Initiate the upgrade with:
sudo do-release-upgradeFollow the prompts, and press ‘y’ to confirm the removal of obsolete packages.
We hope this step-by-step guide helps you successfully upgrade to Ubuntu 24.10, allowing you to take advantage of its new features and improved performance!
