Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, codenamed Jammy Jellyfish, marks a significant update in the Ubuntu series, offering a range of enhancements and new features. This guide will demonstrate how to upgrade to this latest version, ensuring a smooth transition for users seeking the latest advancements from the Ubuntu ecosystem. Ubuntu 22.04 LTS Jammy Jellyfish stands out for its improved performance, security enhancements, and extended support, making it an ideal choice for both personal and professional use.
Key Features of Ubuntu 22.04 LTS Jammy Jellyfish:
- Enhanced Security: Implements state-of-the-art security measures, providing robust protection against modern cyber threats.
- Improved Performance: Optimized for efficiency, ensuring faster and more responsive user experiences.
- Extended Support: As an LTS (Long Term Support) release, it offers 5 years of support, making it suitable for long-term projects.
- Updated Kernel: Features the latest Linux kernel, offering better hardware compatibility and performance.
- New Desktop Environment: Introduces an updated GNOME desktop environment, enhancing usability and aesthetics.
- Advanced Networking: Improved networking capabilities, including better support for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies.
- Streamlined Installation: Simplified installation process, making it more user-friendly for new users.
In the following sections, you’ll learn how to effectively upgrade to Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, ensuring you can leverage these features and improvements in your own computing environment. Whether you’re a seasoned Ubuntu user or new to the platform, this guide will provide the necessary steps to make your upgrade process seamless and efficient.
Update Ubuntu Before Upgrading to Ubuntu 22.04
Preparing Your System for Upgrade
To ensure a smooth and conflict-free upgrade to Ubuntu 22.04, it’s critical to start by updating your current system. This step is essential to align your system with the latest available updates and minimize potential issues during the upgrade process.
Updating Package Lists and Upgrading Packages
Execute the following command to update the package lists for upgrades:
sudo apt updateThis command fetches the list of available updates from configured repositories. It’s a crucial step to ensure that your system knows about all the latest available software.
Next, proceed to upgrade all your installed packages to their latest versions with:
sudo apt upgrade -yThe -y flag automatically confirms the installation of updates, streamlining the process. This upgrade step is vital to ensure that all your current software is up-to-date, providing a stable foundation for the upgrade to Ubuntu 22.04.
Performing a Distribution Upgrade
Optionally, but recommended, run the following command:
sudo apt dist-upgradeThe dist-upgrade command intelligently handles changes with new versions of packages and resolves any conflicts. It’s an advanced version of the upgrade command, capable of smartly managing package dependencies. This step is particularly important for a major system upgrade, as it ensures that all packages are in their best possible state, aligning with the system’s requirements for Ubuntu 22.04 LTS.
Run the Upgrade Manager to Proceed to Ubuntu 22.04
Initiating the Upgrade Process
To begin upgrading to Ubuntu 22.04, open your Ubuntu terminal. You can do this quickly by pressing CTRL+ALT+T. In the terminal, type the following command:
sudo update-managerThis command launches the Update Manager, a tool designed for managing updates and upgrades in Ubuntu.
Using the Development Release Option
If the Update Manager doesn’t show an upgrade option, you can force it to check for the latest development release by using:
sudo update-manager -dThe -d flag is crucial here; it instructs the Update Manager to search for development releases, including new LTS versions like Ubuntu 22.04.
Ensuring Update Manager Core is Installed
In case the Update Manager fails to launch, verify that the update-manager-core package is installed. This package is typically present by default, but you can install it manually if necessary:
sudo apt install update-manager-core -yThe -y flag automatically confirms the installation, making the process smoother.
Upgrade Prompt
With a stable internet connection, the Update Manager window should appear within a minute.
Once the window opens, click on the Upgrade… button to start the upgrade process.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues where the upgrade prompt doesn’t appear, it may be due to outdated packages on your current Ubuntu system. As mentioned at the beginning of this tutorial, ensure your system is fully updated. This step is vital for the upgrade manager to recognize the availability of Ubuntu 22.04 and proceed with the upgrade.
Upgrade to Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish
Step 1: Reviewing Release Notes
The upgrade process begins with the release notes which you can skip or read, to proceed, click the Upgrade button.
Step 2: Confirming Upgrade Details
After moving past the release notes, you will encounter a screen detailing the upgrade’s specifics. This includes information about new installations, obsolete packages, and updates. Review this information carefully to understand the changes that will be made to your system.
To start the upgrade, click Start the Upgrade.
Disabling Screen Lock Notification
During the upgrade, you’ll receive a notification indicating that the screen lock is disabled. This measure ensures that the upgrade process is not interrupted.
Step 3: Removing Obsolete Packages
Upon completing the upgrade, you’ll be prompted to remove old packages that are no longer needed. The recommended action for most users is to select Remove. However, if you have specific reasons to retain these packages, choose Keep.
Step 4: Completing the Installation
After addressing obsolete packages, you have the choice to keep them, which can be helpful if you plan to revert changes. However, most users opt to remove them at this stage.
To finalize the upgrade, restart your Ubuntu system by clicking Restart Now.
Step 5: Verifying the Upgrade
Once your system reboots, Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish should be operational. To verify the upgrade, open the terminal (CTRL+ALT+T) and run:
lsb_release -aThis command confirms the successful installation of Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish.
Congratulations on successfully upgrading to Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish! This new version promises enhanced performance and features, ensuring a better user experience.
Optional – Remove Old Obsolete Packages From Ubuntu 22.04
Cleaning Up Post-Upgrade
After successfully upgrading to Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish without encountering errors, you might have opted not to remove obsolete packages during the upgrade process. It’s a common practice to retain these packages temporarily, especially if you’re cautious about the immediate removal of potentially useful components. However, cleaning up your system by removing these outdated packages is a good practice to ensure your system remains efficient and clutter-free.
Using the Autoremove Command
To clean your system, use the following command:
sudo apt autoremove --purgeThis command performs a critical role in system maintenance. sudo apt autoremove identifies and removes packages that were automatically installed to satisfy dependencies for other packages and are now no longer needed. The --purge option goes a step further by removing configuration files related to the packages being removed. This is beneficial for keeping your system tidy and freeing up disk space.
Executing this command post-upgrade ensures that your system is not only up-to-date but also optimized by removing redundant packages.
Conclusion
In this guide, we’ve successfully navigated the upgrade from Ubuntu 21.10 to Ubuntu 22.04 LTS Jammy Jellyfish. This latest version brings a suite of enhancements and features, making it a significant leap forward for Ubuntu users. While this release is robust and feature-rich, it’s always prudent to remain vigilant about system updates and maintenance. Regularly removing obsolete packages, as covered in the guide, will help in keeping your system efficient. As you explore the new capabilities of Ubuntu 22.04, remember to stay updated with future releases and patches to ensure the best experience with this dynamic and evolving operating system.