Ubuntu Version Comparison

Ubuntu releases an LTS (Long Term Support) version every two years, with each LTS version receiving 5 years of standard support (extendable to 12 years through Ubuntu Pro). This article compares the core component differences across recent LTS generations to help you understand each version’s characteristics and choose the right one.

LTS Version Comparison Table

Key Changes per Version

Ubuntu 20.04 LTS (Focal Fossa)

• GNOME 3.36, classic GNOME 3 interface
• Introduced WireGuard VPN kernel support
• Default X11 display protocol
• Python 2 no longer installed by default
• Last LTS to use OpenSSL 1.1.1

Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (Jammy Jellyfish)

• GNOME 42, new look and dark mode support
• Default switch to Wayland display protocol
• OpenSSL 3.0 (major upgrade, affecting compatibility of many applications)
• Firefox switched to Snap distribution
• Raspberry Pi desktop version support

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat)

• GNOME 46, improved file manager and settings
• New Flutter installer, replacing the old Ubiquity
• App Center replaces Ubuntu Software
• Default TPM support for secure boot enabled
• Netplan becomes the default network configuration tool
• Minimum hardware requirements increased

Ubuntu 26.04 LTS (Resolute Raccoon)

• GNOME 50, bringing more interface improvements
• Linux 7.0 kernel, better hardware support
• Python 3.13 by default, 3.14 available
• GCC 15
• OpenJDK 25 by default
• systemd 259, with cgroup v1 removed
• Improved permission management and security features
• Better ARM architecture support

Version Lifecycle Timeline

Ubuntu 20.04 LTS ─────────────────────────────────────────────────
  Standard:  2020/04 ──────────────── 2025/04
  Pro ESM:   2025/04 ──────────────────────── 2032/04

Ubuntu 22.04 LTS ─────────────────────────────────────────────────
  Standard:  2022/04 ──────────────── 2027/04
  Pro ESM:   2027/04 ──────────────────────── 2034/04

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS ─────────────────────────────────────────────────
  Standard:  2024/04 ──────────────── 2029/04
  Pro ESM:   2029/04 ──────────────────────── 2036/04

Ubuntu 26.04 LTS ─────────────────────────────────────────────────
  Standard:  2026/04 ──────────────── 2031/04
  Pro ESM:   2031/04 ──────────────────────── 2038/04

          |         |         |         |         |         |
        2020      2024      2028      2032      2036      2040

Which Versions Are Still Supported

As of September 2026, the following Ubuntu versions are still within their support cycle:

EOL (End of Life) Version List

The following versions have completely ended support (including Pro ESM) and should no longer be used in any environment:

Note: Non-LTS versions (such as 23.04, 24.10, etc.) only receive 9 months of support and are not recommended for production environments.

Upgrade Path Guide

Ubuntu supports upgrading directly from one LTS version to the next, but does not support skipping versions.

Supported Upgrade Paths

20.04 LTS → 22.04 LTS → 24.04 LTS → 26.04 LTS

Each version can only upgrade to the next LTS:

Upgrade Commands

# Ensure the current system is fully updated
sudo apt update
sudo apt full-upgrade
sudo reboot
 
# Begin upgrading to the next LTS version
sudo do-release-upgrade
 
# If the new version was just released, you may need the -d flag
sudo do-release-upgrade -d

Pre-upgrade Notes

1. Back up all important data — unexpected issues may occur during the upgrade
2. Record installed third-party PPAs — PPAs will be disabled during upgrade
3. Check third-party software compatibility — ensure critical software supports the new version
4. Reserve enough disk space — the upgrade process downloads a large number of packages
5. Server upgrades are best done via SSH — the upgrade tool automatically opens a backup SSH port (1022)

Check Your Current Version

# Check Ubuntu version
lsb_release -a
 
# Check kernel version
uname -r
 
# Check detailed system information
cat /etc/os-release
 
# Check if a version upgrade is available
sudo do-release-upgrade --check-dist-upgrade-only

Version Selection Recommendations

• Desktop users: Always use the latest LTS version (currently 26.04) for the latest hardware support and software versions
• Server/Production: You can stay on 24.04 LTS; 26.04.1 is out and the automatic upgrade prompt is expected in early September 2026, so migration is now straightforward — or use do-release-upgrade -d today
• Developers/Early adopters: Can use the latest short-term release (e.g., 26.10), but note only 9 months of support; 25.10 reached end of life in July 2026
• Enterprise deployment: Use Ubuntu Pro for up to 12 years of support

Plan your version upgrade strategy wisely to enjoy new features and security updates while maintaining system stability.