Ubuntu 24.04 LTS vs 26.04 LTS

Support windows, end-of-life dates and latest versions side by side.

Which should you run?

Pick Ubuntu 26.04 LTS for new installs. It's supported until May 29, 2031, 1 year, 11 months longer than 24.04 LTS, which ends May 31, 2029.

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS Ubuntu 26.04 LTS
ReleasedApr 25, 2024Apr 23, 2026
StatusHardware & MaintenanceHardware & Maintenance
Active support until——
End of lifeMay 31, 2029
in 2 years		May 29, 2031
in 4 years
Total support5 years, 1 month5 years, 1 month
Latest version24.04.5
Sep 10, 2026		26.04.1
Aug 27, 2026
LTSYesYes

How to upgrade from Ubuntu 24.04 LTS to 26.04 LTS

Updates within 26.04

sudo apt update
sudo apt full-upgrade

New release

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade
sudo do-release-upgrade

LTS systems are offered the next LTS once its first point release (.1) is out. Back up first.

Official release policy ↗ Back up first, and test on a non-production machine when you move to a new branch.

Quick answers

Should I use Ubuntu 24.04 LTS or 26.04 LTS?
Pick Ubuntu 26.04 LTS for new installs. It's supported until May 29, 2031, 1 year, 11 months longer than 24.04 LTS, which ends May 31, 2029.
How long are Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and 26.04 LTS supported?
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS: supported until May 31, 2029. Ubuntu 26.04 LTS: supported until May 29, 2031.
What are the latest Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and 26.04 LTS versions?
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is at 24.04.5 (Sep 10, 2026), and Ubuntu 26.04 LTS is at 26.04.1 (Aug 27, 2026).

More Ubuntu comparisons

Official release policy · Checked 6 hours ago