You are using Ubuntu 25.10 on your computer, but you want to upgrade to the new version 26.04 LTS;
If you are fully up to date and have an internet connection, you can upgrade directly to Ubuntu 25.10, yes you don't need to download an ISO, install it on a USB stick and do a clean install.
Ubuntu 25.10 support ends in July, and those using it after that date will need to upgrade to 26.04 LTS to continue receiving security updates. Those who haven't upgraded should consider installing 26.04 LTS, as it is supported until 2031.
To upgrade to Ubuntu 26.04, your system must meet the following (basic) requirements:
- Use the Ubuntu 25.10 (not Ubuntu 25.04, 24.10, etc.)
- Install all pending updates (if not, do so now)
- Have a reliable internet connection (upgrades require downloading multiple packages)
You will also need free disk space, but the upgrade assistant will check it and let you know if you have it.
Also, back up all important files and settings before you begin.
To start the upgrade:
- Wait for Ubuntu to notify you that an upgrade is available
- Upgrade from the Software Updater application
Both methods use the same graphical upgrade wizard.
Click “upgrade” and then follow the on-screen instructions.
First you'll see a list of release notes and (most importantly) known issues. Read them and, if you want to continue, do so.
Then the actual upgrade begins. A list of packages that need to be installed, updated and/or removed is compiled. These will be presented to you so you can review them and, if you are satisfied, proceed with “Start Upgrade”.
Throughout the upgrade process, there are times when a dialog box will appear. It will ask you to confirm/deny the replacement or restart of certain packages, system processes, or obsolete packages.
Carefully read what each dialog box asks you to do, and then act accordingly to continue the upgrade.
Depending on the number of packages that need to be unpacked and the speed of your system, this can take anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour, so you'll need to be patient.
The upgrade is as fast as your connection and your computer.
Once everything is downloaded, unzipped, installed, and ready to use, you will be prompted to “reboot the system to complete the upgrade.”
Don't want to upgrade to Ubuntu 26.04 via the graphical Software Updater application? You can upgrade from the command line.
To get started, open a new terminal and run the command:
sudo do-release-upgrade
This command will first check if a new version is available, display information about it, and ask you if you want to proceed.
If so, press the button y and after enter
Pay close attention to everything that follows: your current packages will be checked, existing repositories will be replaced with new ones, upgrade packages will be calculated, and you will be shown a complete list of packages that will be added, upgraded, and removed.
Once everything is complete, you will be asked to reboot – it would be a good idea to do what it asks!
You can now log in to 26.04 using your existing user account to see the changes it brings!
Although the press releases will range from very select to rare, I said I'd pass...because sometimes the editors hide.
