How to Upgrade to the Latest Version of Ubuntu

Last Updated: Feb 21, 2024 by

Ubuntu is a popular operating system that is known for its user-friendly interface and frequent updates. These updates not only bring new features and improvements, but also ensure that your system is secure and up-to-date. If you are currently using an older version of Ubuntu, it is recommended to upgrade to the latest version to take advantage of these updates. In this article, we will guide you through the process of upgrading to the latest version of Ubuntu.

Check Your Current Version

Before starting the upgrade process, it is important to check which version of Ubuntu you are currently using. This can be done by opening the “System Settings” and clicking on “Details”. The version number will be displayed under “OS type”.

Backup Your Data

Before proceeding with the upgrade, it is always a good idea to backup your important data. This will ensure that you do not lose any important files in case something goes wrong during the upgrade process. You can backup your data by copying it to an external hard drive or using a cloud storage service.

Update Your System

Before upgrading to the latest version, it is important to make sure that your current version is up-to-date. This will ensure a smoother upgrade process and reduce the chances of any errors. To update your system, open the terminal and run the following commands:

sudo apt update sudo apt upgrade

Upgrade to the Latest Version

Once your system is up-to-date, you can start the upgrade process. Open the terminal and run the following command:

sudo do-release-upgrade

This will start the upgrade process and prompt you to confirm the upgrade. Press “y” to continue and follow the on-screen instructions. The upgrade process may take some time, so be patient.

Upgrade PHP (Optional)

If you are using PHP on your Ubuntu system, you may also want to upgrade it to the latest version. To do this, you can use the following commands:

sudo apt update sudo apt install php

This will install the latest version of PHP on your system. You can also check the version of PHP by running the command php -v.

Final Steps

Once the upgrade process is complete, you will be prompted to restart your system. After restarting, you can check the version of Ubuntu by following the steps mentioned in the first section. You can also check the version of PHP by running the command php -v.

Congratulations, you have successfully upgraded to the latest version of Ubuntu! You can now enjoy the new features and improvements that come with it.

Have you upgraded to the latest version of Ubuntu? Did you face any challenges during the process? Let us know in the comments.

Gulrukh Ch

About the Author: Gulrukh Ch

Gulrukh Chaudhary, an accomplished digital marketer and technology writer with a passion for exploring the frontiers of innovation. Armed with a Master's degree in Information Technology, Gulrukh seamlessly blends her technical prowess with her creative flair, resulting in captivating insights into the world of emerging technologies. Discover more about her on her LinkedIn profile.