How to Upgrade from Ubuntu 20.04 to 24.04
Upgrading from Ubuntu 20.04 LTS (Focal Fossa) to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat) is a straightforward process, but it’s important to follow the correct steps to ensure a smooth transition.
Prerequisites
Before starting the upgrade:
- Backup all important data.
- Ensure you have sudo privileges.
- Make sure your current system is fully updated.
Step 1: Update Your Current System
Open a terminal and run the following commands:
sudo apt dist-upgrade -y
sudo apt autoremove
Step 2: Update update-manager-core
Install or update the upgrade manager package:
Step 3: Launch the Upgrade Tool
Since Ubuntu 24.04 might not be immediately available through the standard upgrade path, you can use the -d flag to proceed with the upgrade:
Note: The -d flag allows upgrading to the next development version, which is also used temporarily when a new LTS is released before it's officially enabled via standard channels.
Step 4: Follow the On-Screen Instructions
During the upgrade process, the system will:
- Disable third-party PPAs
- Calculate and display the number of packages to be upgraded
- Download necessary files
- Prompt you to approve changes and restarts
Just follow the prompts and allow the process to complete.
Step 5: Reboot Into Ubuntu 24.04
Once the upgrade is finished, reboot your system:
Step 6: Verify the Upgrade
After rebooting, confirm your system is running Ubuntu 24.04:
You should see output showing "Ubuntu 24.04 LTS".
Optional: Clean Up
To remove outdated packages and dependencies:
That’s it! Your system should now be successfully upgraded to Ubuntu 24.04.
