Ubuntu 20.04 LTS Support Winds Down – End Date: May 31, 2025
How to Solve the Issue
There are two primary solutions to address the end of standard support for Ubuntu 20.04 LTS:
Solution 1: Upgrade to a Newer LTS Version
Upgrading to a supported Long Term Support (LTS) version, such as Ubuntu 22.04 LTS or Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, ensures continued security updates and support. Ubuntu 22.04 LTS is supported until 2027, and Ubuntu 24.04 LTS until 2029.
Steps to Upgrade to Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
- Check Release Notes:
- Visit the Ubuntu Wiki Releases page to review known issues or changes for Ubuntu 22.04 LTS.
- Update Current System:
# Update package lists sudo apt update # Install all available updates sudo apt upgrade
Reboot the system to ensure the latest kernel is active.
- Verify Disk Space:
- Ensure several gigabytes of free disk space are available for downloading new packages.
- Backup All Data:
- Copy critical files to an external location to safeguard against potential issues during the upgrade.
- Initiate the Upgrade:
# Start the upgrade to Ubuntu 22.04 LTS sudo do-release-upgrade
Note: If the upgrade is not available (e.g., waiting for 22.04.1), you can force it with:
sudo do-release-upgrade -d
However, avoid this for production systems.
- Handle Configuration Changes:
- During the upgrade, you may be prompted about configuration files (e.g.,
/etc/ssh/ssh_config
). Choose: N
to keep your modified version.D
to view differences and decide.- Default is to keep the current version unless critical (e.g.,
/boot/grub/menu.lst
for proper booting).
- During the upgrade, you may be prompted about configuration files (e.g.,
- Remove Obsolete Packages:
- After the upgrade, agree to remove outdated packages when prompted.
- Reboot the System:
- Restart to complete the upgrade process.
Upgrading to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS
- There is no direct upgrade path from 20.04 LTS to 24.04 LTS. After upgrading to 22.04 LTS, repeat the process to upgrade to 24.04 LTS.
- Alternatively, perform a fresh installation of 24.04 LTS, reinstalling software and restoring data from backups.
Solution 2: Subscribe to Ubuntu Pro
For systems that cannot be upgraded immediately, Ubuntu Pro offers Extended Security Maintenance (ESM) for Ubuntu 20.04 LTS until 2030. This provides continued security updates without requiring an immediate upgrade.
How to Get Ubuntu Pro
- New Virtual Machines: Deploy Ubuntu Pro via Azure Marketplace.
- Existing Machines: Purchase Ubuntu Pro directly from Canonical.
- Ubuntu Pro is free for up to five machines, making it a cost-effective option for small setups.
Additional Considerations
- Plan Ahead: With the deadline approaching on May 31, 2025, test the upgrade process on non-critical systems first.
- Production Systems: Avoid using the
-d
flag for forced upgrades in production environments. Wait for the first point release (e.g., 22.04.1) for stability. - Fresh Installation: If sequential upgrades are impractical, consider a clean install of 24.04 LTS for a streamlined setup.
- Resources: Refer to the Ubuntu Server Upgrade Guide for detailed instructions and Canonical’s blog for updates.
Conclusion
The end of standard support for Ubuntu 20.04 LTS on May 31, 2025, requires proactive action to maintain system security and reliability. Upgrading to Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (and optionally to 24.04 LTS) is the recommended long-term solution, following the steps outlined above. Alternatively, Ubuntu Pro provides extended support until 2030 for systems that need more time. Act before the deadline to ensure your systems remain secure and supported.
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