This document describes how to perform an LTS release upgrade in Ubuntu. There are many upgrade methods one can perform using Ubuntu. One can upgrade packages using sudo dist-upgrade and sudo apt-get update commands.
Running the above two commands only upgrade existing packages and their dependencies, no new packages that are not already installed will be installed.
Ubuntu also has standard release cycles to support and fix bugs and apply security updates. It uses these cycles to upgrade the operating systems, including packages. There are basically two types of upgrade releases that are carried-out by Canonical, the parent company behind Ubuntu.
The first release cycle is called Regular release cycle. Canonical will support this release with bug fixes and security patches for as long as 9 months. Ubuntu computers that subscribed to this release cycle see upgrade every 9 months. This is a quick release cycle and mostly for desktop computers.
The other release cycle is known as Long Term Support (LTS) release cycle. This release cycle has a five years support from Canonical. Computers that are subscribed to this release cycle see new releases every 5 years.
This is a long release cycle and mostly for server computers. Computers that don’t need quick and rapid changes like servers are suitable for these kind of release cycles.
This brief tutorial is going to show you how to upgrade your computer that are subscribed to the LTS release recycles.
To change and upgrade Ubuntu to the LTS release cycles, continue below.
First, run the commands below to install update your system and install Ubuntu release assistant.
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install update-manager-core
Next, go and edit the upgrade assistant and change the value for the prompts. The file is at /etc/update-manager/release-upgrades
sudo vi /etc/update-manager/release-upgrades
Change the value of the Prompts from normal to lts:
# Default behavior for the release upgrader.
[DEFAULT]
# Default prompting behavior, valid options:
#
# never – Never check for a new release.
# normal – Check to see if a new release is available. If more than one new
# release is found, the release upgrader will attempt to upgrade to
# the release that immediately succeeds the currently-running
# release.
# lts – Check to see if a new LTS release is available. The upgrader
# will attempt to upgrade to the first LTS release available after
# the currently-running one. Note that this option should not be
# used if the currently-running release is not itself an LTS
# release, since in that case the upgrader won’t be able to
# determine if a newer release is available.
Prompt=normal
Change the prompts to LTS and save the file.
To subscribe your Ubuntu computer to the LTS release cycle because your want a more stable and long term support from Canonical, change the Prompts from normal to lts.
Prompt=lts
Save the file and run the commands below to update.
LTS upgrade assistant file should look like the one below
# Default behavior for the release upgrader.
[DEFAULT]
# Default prompting behavior, valid options:
#
# never – Never check for a new release.
# normal – Check to see if a new release is available. If more than one new
# release is found, the release upgrader will attempt to upgrade to
# the release that immediately succeeds the currently-running
# release.
# lts – Check to see if a new LTS release is available. The upgrader
# will attempt to upgrade to the first LTS release available after
# the currently-running one. Note that this option should not be
# used if the currently-running release is not itself an LTS
# release, since in that case the upgrader won’t be able to
# determine if a newer release is available.
Prompt=lts
Next, run the commands to upgrade
sudo do-release-upgrade -d
From there your system will update and stay with the LTS release cycles.
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to upgrade Ubuntu Server LTS to the next version?
To upgrade Ubuntu Server LTS to the next version, you can use the Ubuntu release upgrade process outlined in the article. Make sure to follow the steps provided to ensure a smooth transition.
What are the different types of Ubuntu release cycles available?
Ubuntu offers Regular release cycles and Long Term Support (LTS) release cycles. Regular release cycles are quick and last for 9 months, while LTS release cycles have a longer support period of 5 years.
How can I upgrade packages in Ubuntu using command line?
You can upgrade packages in Ubuntu using commands like 'sudo dist-upgrade' and 'sudo apt-get update'. These commands will update existing packages and their dependencies.
Where can I find the Ubuntu release assistant for upgrading?
You can find the Ubuntu release assistant by running the command 'sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install update-manager-core'. This tool will help you upgrade your Ubuntu system smoothly.
What is the role of Canonical in Ubuntu release cycles?
Canonical, the parent company behind Ubuntu, manages the release cycles. They provide bug fixes, security patches, and support for both Regular and LTS release cycles.
How often do computers subscribed to Regular release cycles see upgrades?
Computers subscribed to Regular release cycles receive upgrades every 9 months. This cycle is designed for quick changes and is more suitable for desktop computers.
What is the significance of changing the Prompts value in the upgrade assistant?
Changing the Prompts value in the upgrade assistant allows you to customize the upgrade process according to your preferences. It helps in fine-tuning the upgrade experience.
Why are LTS release cycles more suitable for server computers?
LTS release cycles last for 5 years and are ideal for server computers that require stability and long-term support. These cycles are designed for systems that do not need frequent updates.