In the world of Linux distributions, Ubuntu holds a special place due to its user-friendly interface and robust performance. With the announcement of Ubuntu 22.04, many users are eager to upgrade from their current Ubuntu 20.04. But is it possible now? Let’s delve into the details.
Understanding Ubuntu Release Cycle
Ubuntu follows a predictable release cycle. Every six months, a new version is released, in April and October. Every two years, in April, a Long Term Support (LTS) version is released. LTS versions are supported for five years, making them suitable for users who prefer stability over new features.
The latest LTS version at the time of writing this article is Ubuntu 20.04. The next LTS version, Ubuntu 22.04, is expected to be released in April 2022.
The Upgrade Path
Typically, the upgrade path from one LTS version to another is not available until the first point release of the new LTS version. This is to ensure that all major bugs are ironed out before the upgrade is made available to LTS users. In this case, Ubuntu 22.04.1 is expected to be released in August 2022.
However, there is a development upgrade path that allows you to upgrade to the development release. This can be done using the -d option. Please note that this is not recommended for production systems as it may have bugs and instability.
Preparing for the Upgrade
Before you proceed with the upgrade, ensure that you have a backup of all important data. Upgrading the operating system is a major task and there is a risk of data loss.
Next, check your Software & Updates settings. Go to the “Updates” tab and set the “Notify me of a new Ubuntu version” option to “For any new version”. This will enable the upgrade to the development release.
Upgrading to Ubuntu 22.04
Once you have taken the necessary precautions, you can proceed with the upgrade. Open the terminal and enter the following command:
sudo do-release-upgrade -dThe -d option stands for development. This tells the system to upgrade to the development release.
Follow the prompts to complete the upgrade. This process may take some time, so be patient.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the standard upgrade path from Ubuntu 20.04 to 22.04 is not available until August 2022, you can use the development upgrade path if you’re willing to accept the potential risks. Always remember to backup your data before proceeding with the upgrade and be aware of the possible bugs and instability associated with the development release.
For more information on Ubuntu release cycle and upgrades, you can visit the official Ubuntu website here.
The standard upgrade path from Ubuntu 20.04 to Ubuntu 22.04 is not available until the first point release of Ubuntu 22.04, which is expected in August 2022. However, you can use the development upgrade path with the -d option to upgrade to the development release of Ubuntu 22.04. Please note that this is not recommended for production systems.
A regular release of Ubuntu is supported for nine months and receives regular updates and security patches during that time. On the other hand, a Long Term Support (LTS) release, like Ubuntu 20.04, is supported for five years, providing more stability and security for users who prefer a longer support period.
Upgrading the operating system can be a complex process, and there is always a risk of data loss. It is essential to have a backup of your important data to ensure that you can recover it in case of any unforeseen issues during the upgrade process.
You can set your system to notify you of a new Ubuntu version by going to the "Updates" tab in the "Software & Updates" settings. From there, select the "For any new version" option under the "Notify me of a new Ubuntu version" section.
Yes, you can upgrade to the development release of Ubuntu without using the terminal. You can do this by opening the "Software Updater" application and checking for updates. If a new development release is available, you will be prompted to upgrade. However, keep in mind that this is not recommended for production systems.
