How to Upgrade from Ubuntu 20.04 LTS to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is now available, offering the latest updates and improvements over Ubuntu 20.04 LTS. Upgrading to the latest Long-Term Support (LTS) version ensures you benefit from the latest features, security enhancements, and performance improvements. This guide will walk you through the upgrade process step-by-step.

Why Upgrade to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS?

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS brings several new features and improvements, including:

• Enhanced security features to protect against the latest threats.
• Improved performance and stability for smoother operation.
• Support for the latest hardware, ensuring compatibility with new devices.
• New and updated applications for increased productivity.
• Better support for cloud and container technologies.

Pre-Upgrade Checklist

Before starting the upgrade, it's essential to prepare your system:

• Backup your data: Ensure all important data is backed up to prevent data loss.
• Check system requirements: Verify that your system meets the hardware requirements for Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.
• Update current system: Make sure your current Ubuntu 20.04 LTS system is fully updated.

Upgrading to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

Step 1: Update Your Current System

Open a terminal and update your package list and installed packages:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

After updating, remove any unused packages:

sudo apt autoremove -y

Step 2: Install the Update Manager

Ensure the Update Manager is installed and up to date:

sudo apt install update-manager-core

Step 3: Initiate the Upgrade

Begin the upgrade process using the following command:

sudo do-release-upgrade

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the upgrade. This process may take some time and will require several system reboots.

Post-Upgrade Steps

After the upgrade, it's essential to ensure everything is functioning correctly:

• Check system status: Verify that all services are running as expected.
• Restore data: If necessary, restore any data from your backups.
• Install additional updates: Check for any additional updates that may be available for Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.

The Role of Patch Management

Keeping your system updated is crucial for security and performance. Patch management plays a vital role in this process by ensuring that your system always has the latest updates and security patches.

LinuxPatch.com simplifies patch management by automating the process, making it easier to keep your Linux servers up to date. Here are some scenarios where patch management is particularly useful:

• Regularly updating multiple servers: Managing updates across a large number of servers can be time-consuming. LinuxPatch.com automates this process, saving you time and reducing the risk of missed updates.
• Ensuring compliance: For organizations that must comply with security standards, keeping systems patched is essential. LinuxPatch.com helps ensure that all systems meet these requirements.
• Improving security: Regular patching is crucial for protecting against security vulnerabilities. LinuxPatch.com provides timely updates to keep your systems secure.
• Reducing downtime: By automating updates, LinuxPatch.com minimizes the risk of system downtime caused by missed or delayed patches.

Conclusion

Upgrading to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS ensures you benefit from the latest features, security enhancements, and performance improvements. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can upgrade your system smoothly and efficiently.

To further simplify the management of your Linux servers, consider using LinuxPatch.com. This platform automates patch management, ensuring your systems are always up to date with the latest patches and updates.