How To Upgrade To Ubuntu 24.04 LTS Desktop [Step-by-Step]

Upgrading to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS Desktop Edition: Step-by-step guide

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (codenamed "Noble Numbat") was officially released on April 25, 2024. Its first point version 24.04.1 was released on August 29, 2024. The upgrade channel is now open, and Ubuntu 22.04 users can officially upgrade to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. This step-by-step guide will show you how to upgrade from Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and other non-LTS versions of Ubuntu to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS desktop version through screenshots.

The method of upgrading the LTS version to the LTS version is basically the same as that of the normal version, except that the software update program is slightly different.

Table of contents

- 1. Preparation

• 1.1. Back up important data
• 1.2. Update the current Ubuntu system
• 1.3. Set up the software source
• 2. Upgrade to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS desktop version
• 3. troubleshooting

1. Preparation

Before upgrading to the latest Ubuntu version, we have to deal with some important things first.

1.1. Back up important data

First of all, we strongly recommend backing up important data , configuration files, browser settings, dot files, and anything you can't afford to lose. Please check out our Backup Tools section. We have published a guide on many backup applications. Choose the tool that suits your needs.

1.2. Update the current Ubuntu system

Next, update your current Ubuntu system with the following command:

 <code>sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade -y</code>

After the update is complete, restart the system to apply the update:

 <code>sudo reboot</code>

Ubuntu 22.04 LTS users will be prompted to upgrade directly to 24.04 LTS, whether it is an automatic upgrade or as part of a planned update. If a new version of Ubuntu is available, a pop-up window will appear. You can simply click the “Yes, Upgrade Now” button to start the Ubuntu upgrade process and follow the on-screen instructions.

If the message does not appear due to any reason, go to the next step.

1.3. Set up the software source

Now, open the software and update the application from Dash or menu.

This is an important step. You should select the correct Ubuntu update source from the Updates section.

[Note] Ubuntu has two types of versions - LTS (Long-term Supported Edition) and temporary versions. For users who want to get a stable system and don't change much, it is recommended to use an LTS version, such as Ubuntu 22.04 LTS or Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. These versions have a long support time, usually 5 years .

Temporary versions (such as Ubuntu 23.10) are located between LTS versions. They give users the opportunity to try them out before including new features and updates to the next LTS version. Please note that the temporary version is only 9 months of updates and support. They are suitable for users who want to use the latest software and don't mind some instability.

If you want to upgrade to an LTS version, such as Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, do the following:

In the Software and Updates window, go to the Updates tab and make sure you have selected Long-term Support Version from the Notify me of the new Ubuntu version drop-down box.

If you want to upgrade Ubuntu non-LTS versions (such as Ubuntu 23.10), you should select the "Any new version" option in the "Notify me about new Ubuntu versions" drop-down box in the update section.

Close the software and update the application.

2. Upgrade to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS desktop version

Now run the following command from your terminal to start upgrading your current Ubuntu version to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS:

 <code>sudo update-manager -d</code>

You will see a message similar to the following. Click "Upgrade" to start the upgrade process.

"The software on this computer is up to date. However, Ubuntu 24.04.1 LTS is now available (you are using 22.04).

Next, you will see the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS release notes. Click "Upgrade" to continue.

Now, the actual upgrade process will begin. The Ubuntu software updater will set up a new software channel (source) on your current Ubuntu system and will be ready to get a new software package. This will take a few seconds.

After analyzing the current desktop, the updater will display a summary of the number of new packages to be installed, the number of packages to be upgraded, the number of packages to be deleted, and the total download size.

Click the "Start Upgrade" button to continue:

Now all necessary packages will be downloaded, upgraded and installed. This will take a while to complete, depending on your internet connection speed.

Pay attention to the screen. During the upgrade process, the updater occasionally asks you to agree to any changes to the system.

Starting with Ubuntu 24.04, all new versions of Thunderbird can only be made available to Ubuntu users through snap packages. Click Next to upgrade to thunderbird snap:

After all packages are upgraded, you will be prompted to delete the outdated packages. Click "Delete" to delete unused packages.

Finally, click “Restart Now” to complete the upgrade. This will restart your system to use the newly upgraded Ubuntu 24.04 LTS desktop version.

We have now successfully upgraded to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS Noble Numbat Desktop Edition.

You can verify that the upgrade is successful by checking the Ubuntu version from the Settings->System->About section.

You can also check the Ubuntu version from the command line by running the following command:

 <code>lsb_release -a</code>

Sample output:

 <code>No LSB modules are available.Distributor ID: UbuntuDescription: Ubuntu 24.04.1 LTSRelease: 24.04Codename: noble</code>

3. troubleshooting

If your Ubuntu system crashes due to a power failure or network connection problem during the upgrade process, you may end up with a damaged Ubuntu system. In this case, please refer to the following guide for repair.

• How to Fix a Corrupt Ubuntu Operating System without Reinstalling

Do you want to know how to upgrade to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS server version? Please refer to the following guide. The following guide was written for Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, but the steps are basically the same.

• How to upgrade to Ubuntu 20.04 LTS Server Edition

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