This long-term support release brings the latest desktop refinements, a newer kernel, and all the underlying power of Noble Numbat, supported until April 2029.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to upgrade using the command line terminal. Pick your method and get started!
Want to explore what’s new first? Check out our Lubuntu 24.04 LTS overview and download page.
⚠️ Essential Pre-Upgrade Checklist
- Back Up Your Data: This is the most important step. Ensure all your important files are backed up to an external drive or cloud service.
- Ensure a Stable Internet Connection: The upgrade will download several hundred megabytes of packages.
- Plug In Your Laptop: Prevent power loss during the upgrade process.
- Check for Third-Party PPAs: If you’ve added many external repositories, consider disabling them temporarily to avoid upgrade conflicts.
How to Upgrade to Lubuntu 24.04 LTS
Method 1: Using the Terminal (Command Line – Recommended)
Follow these steps for a safe terminal upgrade:
- Open your terminal.
- Update your package list and upgrade all installed packages:
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade
Reboot your computer if the kernel or critical system libraries were updated.
- Install the `update-manager-core` package if it’s not already present:
sudo apt install update-manager-core
- Start the upgrade process:
sudo do-release-upgrade
- Follow the on-screen prompts carefully. You will be asked to confirm package downloads, restart services, and remove obsolete packages.
- Once all steps are complete, restart your computer.
Method 2: Using the GUI (If Available)
Some Lubuntu installations may have a graphical upgrade option:
- Ensure all current updates are installed through your package manager.
- Look for a notification or option in your system settings about a new release.
- If available, follow the graphical prompts to upgrade.
- If no GUI option appears, use the terminal method above.
Note: The GUI method may not be as prominent in Lubuntu’s minimal LXQt environment. The terminal method is the most reliable.
Video Tutorial: Upgrade to Lubuntu 24.04 LTS
Watch this step-by-step guide to see the upgrade process in action:
Lubuntu 24.04 LTS System Requirements
Ensure your system meets the requirements for a smooth experience:
- RAM: 2 GB recommended (1 GB minimum).
- Storage: 20 GB minimum.
- Processor: 1 GHz or better.
Lubuntu is designed to run efficiently on older and low-spec hardware.
Need a Fresh Install Instead?
If you’re encountering issues or simply want a clean slate, consider a fresh installation. You can download the Lubuntu 24.04 ISO here and follow our installation guide.
Lubuntu Resources
Poll: Your Upgrade Experience
Need Help?
Stuck on the upgrade? Drop a comment below or contact us, we’re here to assist!