How to Upgrade to Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS in 2026: Complete Guide

Why Upgrade to Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS in 2026?

The Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS upgrade brings critical security patches, hardware enablement updates, and performance improvements that every Ubuntu user should consider implementing. Released in February 2026, this point release includes Linux kernel 6.17, Mesa 25.2.8, updated Wayland protocols, and Snapd 2.73—all designed to enhance system stability and compatibility with modern hardware.

If you’re running Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat) from the original April 2024 release, this upgrade ensures your system benefits from five months of accumulated bug fixes and security enhancements without requiring a full distribution upgrade. The Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS upgrade is particularly valuable for server administrators and desktop users who prioritize stability and long-term support.

What’s New in Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS?

This point release focuses on hardware enablement and under-the-hood improvements rather than user-facing feature additions. Here’s what the Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS upgrade delivers:

• Linux Kernel 6.17: Enhanced hardware support for newer CPUs, GPUs, and peripherals
• Mesa 25.2.8: Improved graphics performance and Vulkan support
• Wayland Protocol Updates: Better multi-monitor handling and fractional scaling
• Snapd 2.73: Faster snap package installation and reduced memory footprint
• Security Patches: All CVEs addressed through February 2026
• Base-Files Update: Version bump to reflect 24.04.4 in system identification

Existing Ubuntu 24.04 users receive these updates automatically through regular system updates, but downloading the 24.04.4 ISO is recommended for fresh installations to minimize post-install update requirements.

Prerequisites for Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS Upgrade

Before starting your Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS upgrade, ensure your system meets these requirements:

• Current Version: Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, 22.04 LTS, or 20.04 LTS
• Disk Space: At least 5 GB free in / partition
• Backup: Complete backup of critical data (use Timeshift or rsync)
• Network: Stable internet connection (upgrades download 1-2 GB)
• Time: Allow 30-60 minutes for the upgrade process

Check your current version with:

lsb_release -a

Method 1: Upgrade Ubuntu via GUI (Desktop Users)

The graphical upgrade method is the most straightforward approach for desktop Ubuntu users:

Step 1: Update Current System

Open Software & Updates (or run Software Updater from Activities) and click Install Now to apply all pending updates. Alternatively, use the terminal:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y
sudo apt dist-upgrade -y

Step 2: Reboot Your System

After updates complete, restart to ensure the latest kernel is active:

sudo reboot

Step 3: Initiate LTS Upgrade

Launch Software & Updates, navigate to the Updates tab, and ensure “Notify me of a new Ubuntu version” is set to For long-term support versions. Open a terminal and run:

sudo do-release-upgrade

If prompted “No new release found,” force the check with:

sudo do-release-upgrade -d

Step 4: Follow the Upgrade Wizard

The upgrade tool will:

• Calculate required changes
• Show a summary of packages to be upgraded, installed, or removed
• Prompt for confirmation (type ‘y’ to proceed)
• Download and install updates (this takes 20-45 minutes)
• Ask about modified configuration files (usually keep existing)

Step 5: Complete and Verify

When prompted, restart your system. After reboot, verify the upgrade:

lsb_release -a

You should see “Release: 24.04” with the updated point release reflected in /etc/os-release.

Method 2: Upgrade Ubuntu via Command Line (Servers)

For Ubuntu Server or headless systems, the terminal method provides more control:

Step 1: Update Package Lists and Install Updates

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y
sudo apt dist-upgrade -y
sudo apt autoremove -y

Step 2: Install Update Manager Core

sudo apt install update-manager-core -y

Step 3: Configure Release Upgrade Policy

Edit the update manager configuration:

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

Ensure the last line reads:

Prompt=lts

Step 4: Run the Upgrade

sudo do-release-upgrade

For SSH sessions, use screen to prevent disconnection issues:

sudo apt install screen -y
screen
sudo do-release-upgrade

If disconnected, reconnect and resume with:

screen -r

Step 5: Monitor Progress

The upgrade process will display real-time progress. Key stages include:

• Fetching and applying updates
• Installing new kernel and drivers
• Upgrading system packages
• Cleaning up obsolete packages

Troubleshooting Common Ubuntu 24.04.4 Upgrade Issues

Issue 1: “No New Release Found”

Solution: Verify your release upgrade policy is set to LTS:

sudo sed -i 's/Prompt=.*/Prompt=lts/' /etc/update-manager/release-upgrades
sudo do-release-upgrade -c

Issue 2: Held Packages Blocking Upgrade

Solution: List and unhold packages:

apt-mark showhold
sudo apt-mark unhold package-name
sudo apt update

Issue 3: Third-Party Repository Errors

Solution: Temporarily disable PPAs:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:example/ppa
# Or edit /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ and comment out third-party sources

Issue 4: Insufficient Disk Space

Solution: Clean package cache and remove old kernels:

sudo apt clean
sudo apt autoremove -y
sudo apt autoclean

Issue 5: GRUB Boot Issues After Upgrade

Solution: Boot from live USB and reinstall GRUB:

sudo mount /dev/sdaX /mnt
sudo grub-install --root-directory=/mnt /dev/sda
sudo update-grub

Post-Upgrade Optimization for Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS

After completing your Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS upgrade, perform these optimization steps:

1. Update Firmware

sudo fwupdmgr refresh
sudo fwupdmgr update

2. Install Ubuntu Pro (Optional)

Extend security support to 10 years:

sudo pro attach YOUR_TOKEN

3. Enable Hardware Enablement Stack

For cutting-edge hardware support:

sudo apt install --install-recommends linux-generic-hwe-24.04 -y

4. Review Startup Applications

Disable unnecessary autostart programs:

gnome-session-properties

5. Install Essential Tools

sudo apt install neofetch htop tldr curl wget git -y

Ubuntu 24.04.4 vs 26.04 LTS: Should You Wait?

Ubuntu 26.04 LTS is scheduled for release on April 23, 2026—just two months away. Here’s when to upgrade now versus waiting:

Scenario	Recommendation
Production servers requiring stability	Upgrade to 24.04.4 now – proven stable with security patches
Development workstations	Consider waiting for 26.04 LTS (or upgrade twice)
Legacy hardware (pre-2020)	Upgrade to 24.04.4 now – better driver compatibility
New hardware (2025-2026)	Install fresh 24.04.4 now, upgrade to 26.04 in May 2026
Ubuntu 20.04 LTS users	Upgrade to 24.04.4 immediately – 20.04 enters ESM in April 2025

The 24.04.5 point release (expected July 2026) will backport hardware enablement features from 26.04, making 24.04 a solid long-term choice with support until April 2029.

Security Considerations for Ubuntu LTS Upgrades

The Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS upgrade addresses critical security vulnerabilities through February 2026, including:

• Kernel CVEs: Privilege escalation and memory corruption fixes
• OpenSSL Updates: TLS certificate validation improvements
• Systemd Patches: Service isolation enhancements
• Graphics Stack: Mesa Vulkan driver security hardening

After upgrading, verify no security updates are pending:

sudo apt update
sudo apt list --upgradable | grep -i security

Enable automatic security updates:

sudo apt install unattended-upgrades -y
sudo dpkg-reconfigure --priority=low unattended-upgrades

Backup Strategies Before Ubuntu Upgrades

Always backup before major system changes. Here are three recommended approaches:

Method 1: Timeshift (System Snapshots)

sudo apt install timeshift -y
sudo timeshift --create --comments "Before 24.04.4 upgrade"

Method 2: Rsync (File-Level Backup)

sudo rsync -aAXv --exclude={"/dev/*","/proc/*","/sys/*","/tmp/*","/run/*","/mnt/*","/media/*","/lost+found"} / /mnt/backup/

Method 3: Clonezilla (Full Disk Image)

Boot from Clonezilla live USB and create a complete disk image to external storage.

Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS Upgrade Checklist

Follow this checklist for a smooth Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS upgrade:

• ☑ Backup critical data with Timeshift or rsync
• ☑ Check current version (lsb_release -a)
• ☑ Verify 5 GB free disk space
• ☑ Ensure stable internet connection
• ☑ Update existing packages (sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y)
• ☑ Disable third-party PPAs temporarily
• ☑ Run sudo do-release-upgrade
• ☑ Follow prompts and confirm actions
• ☑ Reboot system after completion
• ☑ Verify upgrade (lsb_release -a)
• ☑ Re-enable PPAs if needed
• ☑ Update firmware (sudo fwupdmgr update)
• ☑ Test critical applications

Conclusion: Is the Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS Upgrade Worth It?

The Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS upgrade represents a low-risk, high-value update for existing Ubuntu 24.04 users, delivering essential security patches, hardware compatibility improvements, and performance optimizations without disrupting established workflows. With Linux kernel 6.17, updated graphics drivers, and refined system packages, this point release ensures your Ubuntu system remains secure, efficient, and compatible with modern hardware through April 2029.

For server administrators, the upgrade process via command line is straightforward and reliable, especially when using screen sessions to prevent SSH disconnections. Desktop users benefit from the graphical upgrade wizard, which handles most complexities automatically. Whether you manage production servers or use Ubuntu as your daily driver, allocating 30-60 minutes for this upgrade protects your investment in the LTS ecosystem while maintaining the stability Ubuntu is known for.

Start your Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS upgrade today to enjoy five years of continued support, security updates, and access to the latest hardware enablement stack—ensuring your Ubuntu system stays relevant, secure, and performant well into the 2030s.