Ubuntu Releases
Track Ubuntu releases, LTS vs interim strategy, kernel version matrix, HWE stacks, upgrade paths, and Docker/Kubernetes base image recommendations.
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Total Versions
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Supported
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Latest
Version Timeline
All tracked releases with lifecycle status and EOL dates.
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Lifecycle Timeline
Visual overview of active support and maintenance windows.
Upgrade Paths
Migration guidance between major versions — breaking changes, effort estimates, and tips.
Breaking Changes
- Python 3.10 replaces Python 3.8 (pip changes, venv handling)
- OpenSSL 3.0 replaces 1.1.1 (breaks some apps expecting 1.1.1 API)
- PHP 8.1 replaces PHP 7.4
- iptables-nft becomes default (iptables-legacy still available)
- NetworkManager changes on desktop
- Snap-based Firefox (desktop only)
Migration Notes
The OpenSSL 3.0 change is the most impactful for servers: applications linked against OpenSSL 1.1.1 will fail. Recompile or install the compatibility package. Python version change affects virtualenvs (recreate them). Run do-release-upgrade and follow prompts. Back up /etc/ and databases first.
Breaking Changes
- Kernel 6.8 (from 5.15)
- Python 3.12 replaces 3.10
- Netplan becomes the default network config on server
- Updated systemd version
- New default firewall behavior (nftables fully default)
- APT key management changes
Migration Notes
Another LTS-to-LTS hop. Python version bump means recreating virtualenvs. Netplan on server may surprise teams used to /etc/network/interfaces. Kernel jump is large but usually transparent. Test application compatibility in a staging environment first.
Version Risk Assessment
Evaluate risk factors before choosing a version for production.
| Version | EOL Risk | CVE Risk | Ecosystem | Cloud Support | Overall | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu 18.04 and older | Critical | Critical | Dead | None | Critical | ESM ended — no patches even with Pro |
| Ubuntu 20.04 LTS | High | Medium | Maintenance | Full | High | Standard support ends Apr 2025 — upgrade or get Pro |
| Ubuntu 22.04 LTS | Low | Low | Active | Full | Low | Supported until Apr 2027 — stable choice |
| Ubuntu 24.04 LTS | None | Low | Active | Full | Low | Current LTS — recommended |
| Ubuntu 24.10 interim | High | Low | Active | Partial | Medium | Supported until Jul 2025 — not for production servers |
Ubuntu LTS gets 5 years standard support (10 with Pro). Interim releases get 9 months. Running unsupported versions means no security patches for the entire OS. Assessed March 2026.
Ubuntu LTS Feature Comparison
Side-by-side feature differences across major versions.
| Feature | 20.04 | 22.04 | 24.04 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kernel | 5.4 | 5.15 (HWE 6.5) | 6.8 |
| Python default | 3.8 | 3.10 | 3.12 |
| OpenSSL | 1.1.1 | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| GCC | 9 | 11 | 13 |
| systemd | 245 | 249 | 255 |
| Docker support | Full | Full | Full |
| Netplan (server) | Optional | Optional | Default |
| nftables | Available | Default backend | Fully default |
| Standard support end | Apr 2025 | Apr 2027 | Apr 2029 |
| Pro/ESM end | Apr 2030 | Apr 2032 | Apr 2034 |
Embed Badges
Add live Ubuntu status badges to your README, docs, or dashboard.
Health Status
Overall support health
EOL Countdown
Next end-of-life date
Latest Version
Current stable release
CVE Status
Known vulnerabilities
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Ubuntu releases and lifecycle.