Upgrading from Ubuntu 24.04 LTS to Ubuntu 26.04 LTS is supported using Ubuntu's official release upgrade utility. Unlike older upgrade paths, this requires only one release upgrade.
The correct upgrade path is:
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS -> Ubuntu 26.04 LTS
This step-by-step guide explains how to upgrade Ubuntu 24.04 to 26.04 LTS safely using the terminal, whether you're running Ubuntu Server, a cloud VPS, a dedicated server, or a virtual machine.
Running an older Ubuntu version? If you're using Ubuntu 20.04 or 22.04, you must first upgrade to Ubuntu 24.04. Follow our How to Upgrade Ubuntu 20.04 to 24.04 LTS guide before continuing.
Upgrading a production server? Take a snapshot or backup first. For testing or migration, see our KVM VPS hosting across 7 US and EU locations.
Before You Start
Before upgrading Ubuntu 24.04 to 26.04:
- Back up important files, databases, and configurations.
- Ensure you have sudo or root access.
- Check available disk space in
/and/boot. - Review third-party repositories, custom kernels, and application compatibility.
- Ensure console or recovery access if upgrading a remote VPS over SSH.
- Schedule downtime if upgrading a production server.
Step 1: Check and Update Ubuntu 24.04
First, verify your Ubuntu version and install all available updates:
lsb_release -a df -h / /boot sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y sudo apt full-upgrade sudo apt install -y update-manager-core sudo sed -i 's/^Prompt=.*/Prompt=lts/' /etc/update-manager/release-upgrades |
Review any proposed package changes before confirming apt full-upgrade. If Ubuntu requires a reboot after installing updates, reboot and reconnect before continuing.
The Prompt=lts setting ensures Ubuntu follows the supported Long Term Support upgrade path.
Step 2: Check for Ubuntu 26.04 LTS
Check whether Ubuntu 26.04 is available:
sudo do-release-upgrade -c |
Ubuntu should detect the available Ubuntu 26.04 LTS release. Canonical officially enabled upgrades from Ubuntu 24.04 LTS to Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS on September 29, 2026.
Note: You do not need to use do-release-upgrade -d for the supported LTS upgrade.
Step 3: Upgrade Ubuntu 24.04 to Ubuntu 26.04
Start the release upgrade:
sudo do-release-upgrade |
Follow the on-screen prompts. Ubuntu will download and install the required packages, update system components, and ask about any configuration file conflicts.
Important: If prompted to replace modified SSH, network, firewall, or application configuration files, review the changes carefully before proceeding.
Upgrading over SSH? Consider running the upgrade inside a tmux session to help recover from a disconnected terminal:
sudo apt install -y tmux tmux new -s ubuntu-upgrade sudo do-release-upgrade |
Use the tmux commands as an alternative to starting the upgrade directly, not as a second upgrade. If disconnected, reconnect and run tmux attach -t ubuntu-upgrade. The upgrader may also offer temporary SSH access on port 1022; ensure any necessary firewall access is configured securely.
Tip: Many administrators test major OS upgrades on a separate VPS before touching production. You can deploy a KVM VPS in Miami or choose another US or European location.
Step 4: Reboot Into Ubuntu 26.04
After the upgrade completes successfully, reboot if you have not already done so through the upgrade prompt:
sudo reboot |
Step 5: Verify the Upgrade
After rebooting, confirm the new Ubuntu version and check for failed services:
lsb_release -a cat /etc/os-release uname -r systemctl --failed |
You should see Ubuntu 26.04 LTS (Resolute Raccoon). Also verify that important applications, websites, databases, and network services are running correctly.
Step 6: Optional Cleanup
After verifying that the system and applications work correctly, update and clean up unused packages:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y sudo apt autoremove --purge sudo apt clean |
Review the proposed removal list before confirming, especially on production servers.
Ubuntu 24.04 to 26.04 Upgrade Troubleshooting
Ubuntu 26.04 Upgrade Not Showing
If do-release-upgrade reports "No new release found", verify that your system is updated and configured for LTS upgrades:
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade grep '^Prompt=' /etc/update-manager/release-upgrades sudo do-release-upgrade -c |
Confirm that Prompt=lts is configured correctly. Check for held packages, unsupported third-party repositories, or temporary upgrade restrictions.
Broken Packages or Dependency Errors
To repair unfinished package operations, run:
sudo dpkg --configure -a sudo apt --fix-broken install sudo apt update |
Review proposed changes before accepting them. If the upgrade still fails, inspect /var/log/dist-upgrade/main.log for details. Do not force an upgrade by manually changing Ubuntu repository codenames.
Related Solution: Deploy a Fresh Ubuntu VPS
Need a safer way to upgrade?Instead of upgrading a live production server immediately, you can deploy a fresh VPS to test Ubuntu 26.04, verify application compatibility, and prepare a controlled migration.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade Ubuntu 24.04 directly to 26.04?
Yes. Ubuntu 24.04 LTS can upgrade directly to Ubuntu 26.04 LTS. No intermediate Ubuntu releases are required.
What command upgrades Ubuntu 24.04 to 26.04?
After installing all available updates and creating a backup, run sudo do-release-upgrade.
Should I use do-release-upgrade -d?
No. Canonical enabled the official Ubuntu 24.04 to 26.04.1 LTS upgrade path in September 2026. Use sudo do-release-upgrade for the standard supported upgrade.
Will upgrading Ubuntu delete my files?
The upgrade is designed to preserve existing data and configurations, but failures can occur. Always create a verified backup or snapshot before starting.
Can I upgrade Ubuntu Server over SSH?
Yes. Use SSH with a stable connection, preferably inside tmux, and ensure you have console or recovery access in case networking becomes unavailable.
How long does the Ubuntu upgrade take?
Upgrade time depends on server performance, network speed, installed packages, and required configuration changes. Schedule a maintenance window for production systems.
Can I downgrade Ubuntu 26.04 to 24.04?
Ubuntu does not provide a standard supported in-place downgrade. To roll back, restore a verified pre-upgrade snapshot or backup.
Is migrating to a fresh Ubuntu 26.04 VPS better?
For production environments, a fresh VPS can simplify testing and rollback. See our KVM VPS hosting options for migration and testing.
Conclusion
Upgrading Ubuntu 24.04 LTS to Ubuntu 26.04 LTS requires one supported release upgrade using sudo do-release-upgrade. Back up your system, install all available updates, run the upgrade, reboot, and verify your services.
For official compatibility information and known issues, consult the Ubuntu 26.04 LTS Release Notes.
Need Ubuntu VPS hosting for testing or migration? Explore Owned Networks VPS locations.
Last reviewed: November 2026.
