How To Upgrade To The Latest Ubuntu
For a more stable, secure experience
The ability to upgrade Ubuntu to the latest version had many benefits, including using the latest software and getting access to new security patches.
Before upgrading to Ubuntu, keep the following points in mind:
Why Would You Want to Downgrade Ubuntu to a Previous Version?
There are times when a new release of Ubuntu has some errors or bugs in the software code. When someone runs into these errors, either with a fresh installation or when installing adual boot alongside Windows, they might want to downgrade to a previous version until the kinks are worked out.
You candowngrade Ubuntuby re-installing the previous release of the operating system. Unfortunately, unless Ubuntu is installed in a directory separate from your personal data and apps, they won’t be saved.
This is another reason it is imperative to back up all your data on an external hard drive.
There are several ways to upgrade to the latest Ubuntu installation. In this article, we will discuss the following methods:
Upgrade to the Latest Version of Ubuntu
Ubuntu’s latest release is 19.10 and will be supported until July 2020. You can view the officialrelease notes here. New Ubuntu users candownload Ubuntu 19.10desktop and server editions and install it.
For those who are already running Ubuntu, when a new version is released, upgrades are immediately available. A popup will often ask you if you want to upgrade to the newest release of Ubuntu.
If you are currently running 18.10, it’s easy to upgrade to 19.04. If you are using an older version (before 18.10), you will need to first upgrade to each subsequent version and then upgrade to 19.04.
Upgrade From Ubuntu 18.10
Don’t forget to make a backup of your folders, files, and settings before proceeding in case something goes wrong.
The Graphical Method
Another way to upgrade Ubuntu is by using the built-in graphical tools from the standard Ubuntu desktop. You can also use terminal commands.
Standard releases of Ubuntu offer users an upgrade to new standard releases by default. Long-term support (LTS) releases only offer upgrades to new LTS releases.
An example is for those users running 18.04 LTS. When Ubuntu 18.10 was introduced, they weren’t offered the upgrade. Instead, when Ubuntu 20.04 LTS is released, then the offer will be provided. This behavior can be changed.
How To Upgrade If The Software Updater Tool Doesn’t Find an Update
If you don’t see an update, you can manually search for one.
Upgrade Ubuntu Using Terminal & Command Line
Have you been using Ubuntu and want to update it to get the latest bug fixes, security patches, and application upgrades? It is relatively straightforward using the command line. The procedure outlined below works for Ubuntu versions 16.04, 18.04, and any other version.
It will also work for Ubuntu-based Linux distributions such as Linux Lite, Linux Mint, and elementary OS.
Use a Single Command-Line With zzupdate
zzupdate is a command-line utility that will fully update server editions and Ubuntu desktop.
This step skips the distribution upgrade by upgrading any older version to the latest available stable release. The source code for zzupdate isavailable in GitHuband is completely free to use.
When your Ubuntu upgrade is completed, zzupdate will automatically reboot your system.
Don’t forget to fully back up your current Ubuntu installation before you attempt any of the above methods to upgrade it.
Using the latest tested version of Ubuntu enables users to benefit from the application upgrades, fixed bugs, and security updates without having to resort to re-configuring or reinstalling their system.
David has a background in small business and lives in Australia. He is a WordPress and Ubuntu Developer who enjoys design, CSS and tech tool integration.Read David’s Full Bio
Welcome to Help Desk Geek- a blog full of tech tips from trusted tech experts. We have thousands of articles and guides to help you troubleshoot any issue. Our articles have been read over 150 million times since we launched in 2008.
HomeAbout UsEditorial StandardsContact UsTerms of Use
Copyright © 2008-2024 Help Desk Geek.com, LLC All Rights Reserved
