How to Upgrade Ubuntu 24.04 LTS to Ubuntu 26.04 LTS

Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, codenamed Resolute Raccoon, is the latest long-term support release of Ubuntu. If you are running Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat), you can now upgrade directly to Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS without reinstalling your operating system from scratch.

The upgrade brings a newer Linux kernel, GNOME 50, updated applications, security improvements, and refreshed development tools. Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS also includes fixes and improvements made since the initial release, making it a sensible choice for users who prefer a more mature release.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to upgrade Ubuntu 24.04 LTS to Ubuntu 26.04 LTS using the graphical interface or the terminal. We’ll also cover the essential preparations, post-upgrade checks, and common problems you might encounter.

What’s New in Ubuntu 26.04 LTS?

Before upgrading, here are some of the main changes you’ll find in Ubuntu 26.04 LTS:

• GNOME 50: A newer desktop environment with updated animations, improved accessibility, and desktop usability enhancements.
• Linux kernel 7.0: A newer kernel that brings updated hardware support and system improvements.
• Updated applications: Newer versions of Firefox, LibreOffice, Thunderbird, and other desktop software.
• Wayland-focused desktop: Ubuntu continues its transition away from the traditional X.org desktop session.
• Improved security: New security capabilities, expanded memory-safe system components, and updated cryptographic defaults.
• Updated developer tools: Newer versions of popular programming languages, libraries, and development tools.

Ubuntu 26.04 LTS receives five years of standard security maintenance, through April 2031. Ubuntu Pro can extend security coverage further.

Official release notes: https://documentation.ubuntu.com/release-notes/26.04/

Before You Upgrade: Important Preparations

A release upgrade changes a large part of your operating system. Taking a few precautions can help prevent data loss and reduce the likelihood of software problems.

1. Back Up Your Important Files

Back up your documents, photos, downloads, browser profiles, and other important files to an external drive or another secure location.

If you use Ubuntu for work, consider backing up application configurations, SSH keys, databases, and project files as well.

Although Ubuntu’s upgrade process is designed to preserve your files and installed applications, a backup gives you a way to recover if something goes wrong.

2. Check Your Available Disk Space

Ubuntu needs several gigabytes of free storage to download and install the new packages.

For Ubuntu Desktop 26.04 LTS, the published system requirements recommend at least 6 GB of RAM and 25 GB of storage. You should ideally have additional free disk space before starting the upgrade.

To check your available storage, open a terminal and run:

df -h

Look at the available space on the filesystem containing your Ubuntu installation.

3. Install All Available Updates

Your existing Ubuntu 24.04 installation should be fully updated before you begin.

Open a terminal and execute:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

Enter your password when prompted and allow the updates to finish.

If Ubuntu asks you to restart the computer, do so before continuing.

4. Check Your Current Ubuntu Version

Confirm that your computer is running Ubuntu 24.04 LTS:

lsb_release -a

The output should identify Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, also known as Noble Numbat.

If you use third-party software repositories, custom drivers, or Personal Package Archives (PPAs), make a note of them. Some may be disabled during the upgrade and may need to be reconfigured afterward.

Method 1: Upgrade Ubuntu 24.04 LTS Using the Graphical Interface

For most desktop users, the graphical upgrade method is the simplest option.

Step 1: Open Software Updater

Open the application menu and launch Software Updater.

Ubuntu will check for available updates. If it finds updates for your current installation, install them first.

Once the system is up to date, Software Updater can check whether the new Ubuntu release is available.

Step 2: Start the Release Upgrade

If Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS is available for your computer, a notification should appear offering the new release.

Click Upgrade to begin.

Read the release information and follow the instructions displayed on the screen. Ubuntu will check your current installation, calculate the required package changes, and show which applications will be installed, upgraded, or removed.

Review the proposed changes before confirming.

Step 3: Complete the Upgrade

During the upgrade, Ubuntu will download and install the required packages.

Depending on your internet connection, computer performance, and the number of installed applications, this process may take a considerable amount of time.

Keep your computer connected to power, particularly if you’re using a laptop. Avoid shutting it down or interrupting the process.

You may also be asked whether to remove obsolete packages from the previous Ubuntu release. Unless you have a specific reason to retain them, removing them is generally recommended.

Step 4: Restart Your Computer

When the installation finishes, Ubuntu will prompt you to restart.

Restart the computer to load the new operating system. After logging in, verify that your applications, network connection, sound, graphics, and other essential hardware work correctly.

Note: Ubuntu 24.04 LTS users may receive the graphical upgrade notification progressively. If it hasn’t appeared yet, you can try the terminal method below.

Method 2: Upgrade Ubuntu 24.04 LTS to 26.04 LTS Using the Terminal

If you prefer working in the terminal or the graphical upgrade notification isn’t appearing, you can use Ubuntu’s official release-upgrade utility.

Step 1: Update Your Existing System

Open a terminal using Ctrl + Alt + T and run:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

Wait for the process to finish. Restart the computer if required.

Step 2: Ensure the Release Upgrade Tool Is Installed

Run the following command:

sudo apt install update-manager-core

This installs the package that provides Ubuntu’s release-upgrade functionality if it isn’t already present.

Step 3: Check the LTS Upgrade Setting

Open the release-upgrade configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/update-manager/release-upgrades

Look for the following line:

Prompt=lts

For an LTS-to-LTS upgrade, this setting should be Prompt=lts. If you change it, save the file and exit the editor.

In Nano, press Ctrl + O, then Enter to save, followed by Ctrl + X to exit.

Step 4: Start the Upgrade

Run the official release-upgrade command:

sudo do-release-upgrade

Ubuntu will check whether a supported release upgrade is available and guide you through the process.

Follow the on-screen prompts carefully. Review any package removal proposals and configuration-file questions before confirming.

If the upgrade utility reports that no new release is available, do not immediately force a development-release upgrade. Check the troubleshooting section below first.

Step 5: Restart and Verify the Installation

After the upgrade completes, restart your computer:

sudo reboot

Once Ubuntu starts again, open a terminal and run:

lsb_release -a

The system should now identify Ubuntu 26.04 LTS.

You can also check the kernel version with:

uname -r

The kernel version can vary depending on installed updates and hardware-enablement packages, so use the Ubuntu release information to confirm the operating system version.

What to Do If the Ubuntu 26.04 Upgrade Is Not Available

If Software Updater says that your system is up to date but doesn’t offer Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, try the following steps.

1. Install Pending Updates and Restart

Run:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
sudo reboot

After restarting, open Software Updater again or run:

sudo do-release-upgrade

2. Check the Release Upgrade Configuration

Open:

sudo nano /etc/update-manager/release-upgrades

Make sure the configuration contains:

Prompt=lts

Save any changes and try the upgrade again.

3. Check for Third-Party Repository Problems

External repositories and PPAs can sometimes interfere with a release upgrade.

If the upgrade utility reports problems with third-party packages, review the messages it displays. You may need to remove or update incompatible packages before continuing. Ubuntu may also disable external repositories during the upgrade.

Avoid deleting repositories or removing packages indiscriminately. If you’re unsure which package is causing the problem, record the error message and investigate it before proceeding.

4. Avoid Forcing a Development Release

Do not use sudo do-release-upgrade -d as a routine fix. This option can select a development release rather than the intended stable upgrade path.

Ubuntu officially enabled upgrades from Ubuntu 24.04 LTS to Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS on September 29, 2026. If the upgrade still isn’t offered, consult the official upgrade documentation and release notes for any relevant issues.

Official upgrade documentation: https://ubuntu.com/desktop/docs/en/26.04/how-to/upgrade-ubuntu-desktop/

What to Check After Upgrading to Ubuntu 26.04 LTS

Once you have logged in to the upgraded system, spend a few minutes checking the following:

• Wi-Fi and Ethernet: Confirm that you can connect to your network.
• Graphics and display: Check screen resolution, external monitors, and graphics acceleration.
• Sound and Bluetooth: Verify that your audio devices and Bluetooth peripherals work.
• Applications: Open the applications you use regularly and check for compatibility issues.
• External repositories: Review any PPAs and third-party repositories that Ubuntu disabled.
• System updates: Open Software Updater or run sudo apt update to check for additional updates.

If you rely on proprietary NVIDIA drivers or other specialized hardware drivers, verify that the correct drivers are installed and working before returning to important work.

If you encounter a problem, check the official release notes and Ubuntu support channels before attempting major package removals or system changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I upgrade directly from Ubuntu 24.04 LTS to Ubuntu 26.04 LTS?

Yes. Ubuntu officially supports the direct LTS-to-LTS upgrade from Ubuntu 24.04 LTS to Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS. You do not need to install Ubuntu 24.10, 25.04, or 25.10 first.

Will upgrading delete my personal files?

The standard release-upgrade process is designed to preserve personal files and installed applications. However, no major operating system upgrade is entirely risk-free, so you should back up your important data beforehand.

Is Ubuntu 26.04 LTS free?

Yes. Ubuntu is free to download and use, and upgrading through the official release-upgrade utility does not require a purchase.

Can I return to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS if I don’t like the new version?

Ubuntu does not support a straightforward in-place downgrade. Returning to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS generally requires reinstalling the older release, so make sure you have a complete backup before upgrading.

How long does the upgrade take?

The duration depends on your internet connection, computer performance, installed software, and the number of packages that need to be changed. Allow enough time to complete the process without interruption.

Conclusion

Upgrading from Ubuntu 24.04 LTS to Ubuntu 26.04 LTS is straightforward now that the official LTS upgrade path is available. Most desktop users can upgrade through Software Updater, while terminal users can run sudo do-release-upgrade.

Before starting, back up your data, install pending updates, and check that you have enough free storage. After the upgrade, verify your hardware, applications, and external repositories to make sure everything is working as expected.

If you depend on your computer for work or run important services, consider testing the upgrade on a spare system or virtual machine first.

Official Sources

• Ubuntu 26.04 LTS Release Notes
• Official Ubuntu Desktop Upgrade Guide
• Ubuntu Announcement: Upgrades to Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS Enabled
• Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS Announcement