10 Things You Need to Know About Upgrading to Ubuntu 26.04 LTS
Ubuntu 26.04 LTS has landed, and for those still running Ubuntu 25.10, the upgrade path is officially open. With support for 25.10 ending in July 2026, now is the perfect time to make the jump. This long‑term support release brings a raft of improvements—from a fresh desktop environment to new developer tools—that make it a compelling update for everyone. We’ve rounded up the ten most important things you need to know before you upgrade.
1. The Upgrade Window Is Now Open
If you’re currently on Ubuntu 25.10, you can upgrade to 26.04 LTS immediately. Canonical has enabled the upgrade path for all supported systems. Simply run sudo do-release-upgrade in your terminal or use the Software Updater GUI. Be sure to back up your data first—while the process is smooth, it’s always wise to have a fallback.
2. Ubuntu 25.10 Support Ends in July 2026
Ubuntu 25.10 is a short‑term release, and its nine‑month support window will expire on July 23, 2026. After that date, you won’t receive security patches or critical bug fixes. Moving to 26.04 LTS ensures you stay protected and get five years of support (up to ten with Ubuntu Pro). Don’t wait until the last minute—plan your upgrade now.
3. Released on 23 April 2026
Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, codenamed Resolute Raccoon, was officially released on 23 April 2026. As an LTS, it’s designed for stability and long‑term deployment, making it ideal for both production servers and daily desktop use. The release cadence continues Ubuntu’s tradition of delivering reliable updates every two years.
4. GNOME 50 Desktop Environment
The most visible change is the upgrade to GNOME 50. This version introduces a refined workflow with improved performance, better touch‑screen support, and subtle visual polish. Expect smoother animations, revamped system dialogs, and a more cohesive look that feels modern without being overwhelming.
5. Linux Kernel 7.0
Under the hood, Ubuntu 26.04 LTS ships with Linux kernel 7.0. This new kernel brings enhanced hardware support, better power management, and patches for several security vulnerabilities. Users with cutting‑edge AMD or Intel processors will notice improved compatibility and performance gains out of the box.
6. New Default Applications
Ubuntu 26.04 LTS refreshes its app lineup. The default applications have been updated to newer versions, including LibreOffice 25.4, Firefox 130, and Thunderbird 145. These apps are optimized for the latest web standards and offer faster startup times. You’ll also find GNOME Calendar and GNOME Weather pre‑installed for a complete productivity suite.
7. Snap Store and Web Search in GNOME Overview
One of the most talked‑about additions is the integration of the Snap Store directly into the GNOME Shell Overview. Now you can search for software from both Ubuntu’s repositories and the Snap Store without opening a separate application. Additionally, web search results appear when you type queries in the Overview, making it easier to find information quickly.
8. Ubuntu Pro Integration in Security Center
Ubuntu Pro—the expanded security maintenance service—is now easier than ever to enable. The Security Center app includes a dedicated section to activate Ubuntu Pro with a single click. Once enabled, you get ten years of security updates for thousands of packages, covering everything from the kernel to Apache, PostgreSQL, and more.
9. Fresh Visuals and Enhanced sudo Feedback
Ubuntu 26.04 LTS introduces a new set of folder icons that align with the Yaru theme’s modern aesthetic. They are cleaner and more distinguishable at small sizes. Another welcome change is visual password feedback for sudo commands: when you type your password in the terminal, asterisks now appear (unless you prefer silent input). This minor tweak reduces frustration, especially for new users.
10. NVIDIA CUDA and AMD ROCm in the Archives
Developers rejoice: both NVIDIA CUDA and AMD ROCm are now included directly in the main Ubuntu archives. No need to add third‑party PPAs or download installers manually. Installing GPU acceleration for machine learning or scientific computing is as simple as sudo apt install cuda-toolkit or sudo apt install rocm-libs. This change streamlines setup and ensures you always get compatible, tested packages.
Ready to upgrade? Whether you’re a casual user or a developer, Ubuntu 26.04 LTS delivers a polished experience with long‑term support. The transition from 25.10 is straightforward, but don’t delay—your current system’s support clock is ticking. After upgrading, explore the new GNOME 50 features, test the improved developer toolchain, and enjoy your refreshed desktop.