Being able to update Ubuntu to the latest version has brought many benefits, including using the latest software and gaining access to new security fixes.
Before upgrading to Ubuntu, keep the following points in mind:
- After upgrading, the only way to revert to a previous version is to reinstall it. This means that you may lose existing data.
- Before doing anything, back up your files and folders.
- Make sure you have a stable internet connection.
- This will take at least an hour, depending on your internet speed.
Why do you want to downgrade of Ubuntu?
There are times when a new Ubuntu release has bugs in the code. When someone encounters these errors, either on a fresh install or dual-booting with Windows, they might want to downgrade until the flaws are fixed.
You can downgrade to an earlier version of Ubuntu by reinstalling the previous version of the operating system. Unfortunately, if Ubuntu is not installed in a directory separate from your personal data and applications, they will not be saved.
This is another reason why all your data needs to be backed up to an external hard drive.
There are several ways to update Ubuntu to the latest version. In this article, we will discuss the following methods:
– /
- Graphic method. </ Li>
- The Software Updater Tool is not finding updates.
- Using the terminal and command line.
- Use one command line with zzupdate.
Upgrade to the latest version of Ubuntu
The latest Ubuntu release is 19.10 and will be supported until July 2020. You can view the official release notes here. New Ubuntu users can download the desktop and server versions of Ubuntu 19.10 and install them.
For those who already use Ubuntu, updates are available immediately when a new version is released. The pop-up often asks if you want to upgrade to the latest version of Ubuntu.
If you’re currently using 18.10 it’s easy to upgrade to 19.04. If you are using an older version (before 18.10), you will need to upgrade to each subsequent version first, and then upgrade to 19.04.
Upgrading from Ubuntu 18.10
Remember to back up your folders, files, and settings before proceeding, in case something goes wrong.
- Open the Software & Updates app to update.
- Run a check for updates and you should see a new Ubuntu version available for download (if you check after the release date).
- You can also upgrade using the command line below:
sudo do-release-upgrade -c
Graphical Method
Another way to update Ubuntu is by using the built-in graphical tools of the standard Ubuntu desktop. You can also use terminal commands.
Ubuntu Standard Editions offer users an upgrade to new Standard Editions by default. Long Term Support (LTS) releases only offer upgrades to newer LTS releases.
An example for users using 18.04 LTS. When Ubuntu 18.10 was introduced, they were not offered an upgrade. Instead, when Ubuntu 20.04 LTS comes out, a proposal will be provided. This behavior can be changed.
- In the upper left corner of the screen, click the Ubuntu logo button in the GNOME Shell, or the Actions button in Unity.
- Search for an update and click the Software & Updates shortcut.
- Or you can access the Software Updater application and open the window by clicking Settings.
- Click Updates.
- From the drop-down menu next to Notify me of a new version of Ubuntu, choose between Long Term Support or any new version depending on the type of update you want.
- When done, click Close
How to upgrade if Software Updater doesn’t find update
If you don’t see an update, you can manually find it.
- Start by pressing Alt + F2, type the following command and press Enter.
update-manager -c
- This tool will check Ubuntu servers and tell users if a new version is available. Click the Update button to get a newer version of Ubuntu.
- If you do not see the update message using the Software Updater tool, press Alt + F2. Enter the command below and press Enter.
/ usr / lib / ubuntu-release-upgradeder / check-new-release-gtk
- If a newer version of Ubuntu is available, click OK.
Ubuntu upgrade using Terminal & Command Line
Are you using Ubuntu and want to update to get the latest bug fixes, security fixes, and app updates? Using the command line is relatively straightforward. The procedure below works for Ubuntu versions 16.04, 18.04 and any other versions.
It will also work with Ubuntu-based Linux distributions such as Linux Lite, Linux Mint, and elementary OS.
- From your desktop, open a terminal. You can find it using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Alt + T or from the menu. You will have terminal access if you are logged into the Ubuntu server.
- Enter the following command:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
- Then your system will ask for your password. Use your account password. Then press Enter.
- This command will update the local database of available Ubuntu packages and notify your system of new versions. As you can see in the screenshot below, after running this command, your system will display multiple URLs. They represent available updates.
- To see which packages have an update available, run the following command:
apt list –upgradable
- Enter yes or y to select packages that you want to update.
- sudo apt update checks your system for new package versions available. Upgrading sudo apt will install the versions of your choice.
Use a single command line with zzupdate
zzupdate is a command line utility that will completely update the server versions and the Ubuntu desktop.
- Start by opening software and updates from the application launcher in the Gnome toolbar.
- Run a one-line command using the code below to update Ubuntu:
$ curl -s https://raw.githubusercontent.com/TurboLabIt/zzupdate/master/setup. sh | sudo sh
This step skips the distribution update by updating any old version to the latest stable version available. The zzupdate source code is available on GitHub and is completely free to use.
When the Ubuntu update is complete, zzupdate will automatically reboot your system.
Remember to make a full backup of your current Ubuntu installation before attempting to update it using any of the above methods.
Using the latest tested version of Ubuntu allows users to receive application updates, bug fixes, and security updates without having to re-configure or reinstall their system.
–