What Is LTS
LTS stands for Long Term Support, and it is the most central concept in Ubuntu’s release strategy. In simple terms, an LTS version is one that Canonical commits to maintaining long-term — once you install it, you can use it with confidence for years without worrying about the system losing security updates anytime soon.
Ubuntu 26.04 LTS is the latest Long Term Support version. Starting from April 2026, Canonical will provide 5 years of free standard support, and if you activate the free Ubuntu Pro subscription, the support period extends to 12 years (until 2038). This means you can work on the same system with peace of mind for nearly a decade without having to frequently reinstall or upgrade your operating system.
Comprehensive Comparison: LTS vs Interim Releases
Ubuntu uses a dual-track release strategy: an LTS version every two years, with interim releases in between. The two serve very different purposes:
| Comparison | LTS Version | Interim Release |
|---|---|---|
| Release Frequency | Every 2 years (April of even years) | Every 6 months (April and October) |
| Standard Support | 5 years | 9 months |
| ESM Extended Support | Up to 12 years (requires Ubuntu Pro) | None |
| Kernel Strategy | Ships with a specific kernel, later updated via HWE kernels | Always ships with the latest kernel |
| Software Versions | Versions essentially frozen after release, security patches only | Ships with the latest software versions |
| Stability | Very high, thoroughly tested | Fairly high, but occasional minor issues from new features |
| Target Audience | Most users who value stability | Tech enthusiasts wanting the latest features |
| Enterprise Deployment | Recommended | Not recommended |
| Upgrade Path | LTS to LTS direct version jump | Must upgrade version by version |
| Version Examples | 22.04, 24.04, 26.04 | 24.10, 25.04, 25.10 |
If you’re not sure which type to choose, go with LTS. Over 95% of Ubuntu users are on LTS versions. Interim releases are more like “preview editions” for developers and enthusiasts — regular users don’t need them at all.
Support Lifecycle Explained
Understanding Ubuntu’s support lifecycle is crucial for planning system maintenance. Taking Ubuntu 26.04 LTS as an example, its complete lifecycle is as follows:
Phase 1: Standard Support (5 years, free)
April 2026 — April 2031
During the standard support period, you will receive:
- Regular security patches
- Critical bug fixes
- HWE (Hardware Enablement) kernel updates for newer hardware support
- Stability fixes for major packages
- Security updates for infrastructure components (OpenSSL, glibc, etc.)
This is the support that all Ubuntu 26.04 users can enjoy for free, with no additional steps required.
Phase 2: Extended Security Maintenance ESM (7 years, requires Ubuntu Pro)
April 2031 — April 2038
After standard support ends, Ubuntu Pro users can continue to receive:
- Patches for high and critical security vulnerabilities
- Kernel security updates
- Security maintenance covering over 25,000 packages
- Live kernel patching (Livepatch) — fix kernel vulnerabilities without rebooting
Support Lifecycle Overview
| Version | Release Date | Standard Support Ends | ESM Support Ends | Total Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20.04 LTS | April 2020 | April 2025 | April 2032 | 12 years |
| 22.04 LTS | April 2022 | April 2027 | April 2034 | 12 years |
| 24.04 LTS | April 2024 | April 2029 | April 2036 | 12 years |
| 26.04 LTS | April 2026 | April 2031 | April 2038 | 12 years |
While ESM can extend support to 12 years, this doesn’t mean you should stay on the same version for that long. It’s generally recommended to upgrade within two to three LTS cycles (4-6 years) to benefit from better hardware support and new features.
Ubuntu Pro: Free for Personal Use
Many people don’t know that Ubuntu Pro is completely free for personal users. You can activate Ubuntu Pro subscriptions on up to 5 personal computers for free, enjoying the same ESM extended security support as enterprise customers.
How to Activate Ubuntu Pro
- Visit ubuntu.com/pro and register an Ubuntu One account
- Log in and obtain your personal token
- Run the following command in the terminal:
sudo pro attach YOUR_TOKEN_HEREAfter successful activation, you can check the status with:
pro statusServices Included in Ubuntu Pro
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| ESM-Infra | Extended security updates for infrastructure components |
| ESM-Apps | Extended security updates for applications |
| Livepatch | Kernel security patches without reboot |
| FIPS Certification | Federal Information Processing Standards compliance modules |
| USG | Ubuntu Security Guide hardening benchmarks |
| Landscape | System management and monitoring tool (enterprise only) |
We strongly recommend that all personal users activate the free Ubuntu Pro immediately after installing Ubuntu 26.04. It’s the only way to get an additional 7 years of security updates at zero cost — there’s no reason not to use it.
When to Choose LTS vs Latest
Different use cases call for different version strategies. Here are specific recommendations:
Scenarios Where LTS Is the Clear Choice
- Production servers — stability above all else, downtime is unacceptable
- Enterprise/school bulk deployments — unified maintenance is easier
- Linux newcomers — less hassle, easier to find solutions when issues arise
- Family computers — for parents or family members, no need for frequent upgrades
- Long-term development projects — development environments need consistency
Scenarios Where Interim Releases Make Sense
- Tech enthusiasts — want to experience the latest GNOME version and new features first
- Very new hardware — the latest kernel may have better support for brand-new hardware
- Development needs cutting-edge toolchains — need the latest compiler and runtime versions
- Testing and evaluation — interim releases help you preview the direction of the next LTS
Version Upgrade Paths
Recommended path for LTS users:
24.04 LTS ──────────────────────→ 26.04 LTS ──────────────────────→ 28.04 LTS
(skip all interim versions in between)
Path for interim version users:
25.04 → 25.10 → 26.04 LTS (can choose to "stay" once you reach an LTS)Interim releases have a support period of only 9 months. If you use an interim release, you must upgrade to the next version before support ends, otherwise your system will no longer receive security updates, which could pose serious security risks. If you’re not sure you can commit to regular upgrades, choose LTS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ubuntu LTS free to use?
Absolutely. Ubuntu LTS is a free and open-source operating system — you can download, install, and use it at no cost. All security updates during the 5-year standard support period are also free.
Should I buy Ubuntu Pro?
Personal users can register for Ubuntu Pro for free, covering up to 5 machines, extending support to 12 years. Enterprise users who need large-scale deployments and commercial technical support may consider paid subscriptions. For most individual users, the free Ubuntu Pro is more than sufficient.
Can I install newer software during the LTS period?
Yes. Although LTS system packages have relatively fixed versions, you can install the latest application software through Snap, Flatpak, PPAs, or manual compilation. Containerized tools such as distrobox and toolbox also help you use the latest development toolchains on a stable system foundation.
Will upgrading from an old LTS to a new LTS cause data loss?
Under normal circumstances, no. Ubuntu’s do-release-upgrade tool upgrades the system while preserving your personal files and most application configurations. However, as a best practice, always back up important data before upgrading, just in case.
Summary
For the vast majority of users, Ubuntu 26.04 LTS is the ideal choice — 5 years of free standard support plus 7 years of extended support through Ubuntu Pro, totaling up to 12 years of security coverage. You can work, learn, and play on this system with confidence, focusing your energy on what truly matters rather than fussing over operating system upgrades.