Comments
How to Upgrade Ubuntu to the Latest Version
Edited 4 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team
UbuntuUpgradeUpdateLinuxOperating SystemsSoftwareSystemDesktopCommand LineMaintenance
This content is available in 7 different language
Upgrading Ubuntu to the latest version is a task that ensures you have access to the latest features, security fixes, and stability enhancements. It can be fairly simple, but it requires careful preparation and a series of steps to ensure everything runs smoothly. This guide will walk you through the process of upgrading your Ubuntu system step by step, as well as providing ideas and instructions to help you avoid common mistakes.
1. Preparing for the upgrade
Before upgrading Ubuntu, there are some important considerations and preparations you should make to ensure a smooth transition:
1.1 Back up important data
The most important step before any system upgrade is to back up your important files. While Ubuntu upgrades are generally stable, there is always a risk of something going wrong. You can use an external hard drive, cloud storage, or any other backup solution you like.
1.2 Check the hardware requirements
Make sure your hardware meets the requirements of the new Ubuntu version. Newer versions may require more resources, and checking compatibility beforehand can avoid post-upgrade dilemmas.
1.3 Update the current system
It is always a good idea to apply the latest updates to your existing Ubuntu installation. This includes the latest security updates and patches. You can update your system by opening the terminal and typing:
$ sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
And then:
$ sudo apt dist-upgrade -y
The `dist-upgrade` command will ensure that dependency changes are handled, which is necessary for a clean transition to the new version.
2. Understanding release types and schedules
There are two main types of releases in Ubuntu:
- LTS – Long Term Support: These are released every two years and provide stability over time with five years of support.
- Regular releases: These are made every six months and are supported for nine months, containing the latest features and improvements available, but the support cycle is shorter.
It’s important to understand whether you want the Long Term Support (LTS) version or the regular release, as this determines the stability and frequency of your upgrades.
3. Upgrade
Once you've completed the preparations, you can proceed with the upgrade. Here are the steps to do so:
3.1 Using the Command Line (Terminal)
The command line method is often preferred for its simplicity and control. Open the terminal and do the following:
- Install the `update-manager-core` package if it is not already installed:
- Now, edit the release-upgrades configuration file to see how Ubuntu is configured to handle new releases:
- Make sure the `Prompt=lts` for LTS versions or `Prompt=normal` line for regular versions is set according to your preference, then save and exit the file.
- Start the upgrade process:
$ sudo apt install update-manager-core
$ sudo nano /etc/update-manager/release-upgrades
$ sudo do-release-upgrade
This command will start the upgrade process. Follow the on-screen instructions. If a conflict arises during the upgrade, you may be asked to confirm and resolve certain steps.
3.2 Using the GUI (Graphical User Interface)
If you don’t want to use the command line, you can upgrade using the GUI via Software Updater:
- Open 'Software & Updates' from the Applications menu.
- Go to the 'Updates' tab, and make sure to set the 'Notify me of new Ubuntu version' drop-down menu to 'For any new version' or 'For long-term support versions' according to your preference.
- Close 'Software & Updates', then open 'Software Updater'.
- When an update is available, it will appear in the Software Updater window. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the upgrade.
4. Things to do after the upgrade
After you upgrade, you should consider performing several tasks to make sure everything is running efficiently:
4.1 Verify your system
Make sure your system is in a stable state after the upgrade. Check if all essential applications are working correctly. If you encounter any problems, consider consulting the forums or community support pages for solutions.
4.2 Remove unnecessary packages
After the upgrade, some packages may no longer be needed. Use the terminal command to clean up:
$ sudo apt autoremove
This will remove unnecessary packages that were previously dependencies but are no longer required.
4.3 Make sure your data is secure
Double-check that all your data is safe and not corrupted during the upgrade. If you notice any missing files or changes to your data, you may need to restore it from your backup.
4.4 Update the repository
If you have any PPAs (Personal Package Archives) or third party repositories installed, update them and check their source lists, as they may be pointing to older Ubuntu releases and may need to be refreshed.
$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:yourppa/ppa
Replace “yourppa/ppa” with the actual PPA name to re-enable or update it.
4.5 Check services and hardware drivers
Make sure all required services are running smoothly and all hardware components are recognized and functioning properly. If you notice anything unusual, additional drivers may need to be installed or configured.
5. Troubleshooting common problems
If you experience common problems during or after the upgrade, you can take the following steps:
5.1 Boot Problems
If your computer fails to boot after the upgrade, try booting into Recovery mode and check for any disk issues. You can usually access Recovery mode by pressing a key (usually Shift or Esc) during boot to enter the GRUB menu and select Recovery Options.
5.2 Network or Internet problems
If you encounter networking problems, check that Network Manager is running and that your settings were preserved during the upgrade. Sometimes network configurations are reset, requiring reconfiguration.
5.3 Using Live USB for Recovery
If all else fails, creating a Live USB with the latest version of Ubuntu may help restore functionality or allow you to back up important data before a full reinstall.
By following the steps above to upgrade your Ubuntu system, while preparing, conducting, and troubleshooting the process, you can stay up to date with the latest enhancements and maintain a safe and efficient computing environment. Ensuring that you perform each step carefully helps avoid common problems and make use of Ubuntu's powerful and user-friendly upgrade mechanism.
If you find anything wrong with the article content, you can