The fifth (and final planned) point release of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is now available to download.
Ubuntu 24.04.5 LTS brings refreshed installation media (ISOs) that includes of the software updates, bug fixes and security patches released since the last ISO was produced. This cuts down on the number of updates that need to downloaded post-install.
This release also makes a change in how kernel firmware updates are delivered. Firmware has been split out into vendor-specific packages that can be independently updated, mirroring a change made in Ubuntu 26.04 LTS earlier this year.
More important than that, this release runs on a new hardware enablement (HWE) stack, back-ported from Ubuntu 26.04 LTS.
The 24.04.5 LTS HWE stack brings the Linux 7.0 kernel and Mesa 26.0, plus some other key hardware-related packages. That HWE comes as a software update to existing users.
Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS was released a few weeks back. In most cases, that remains recommended LTS to download for anyone who needs a solid, reliable day-to-day desktop.
But those who, perhaps, want to keep running GNOME Shell on Xorg/X11 atop an Ubuntu base, or have need for specific packages in the noble archives, with the new ISOs offer an easy jump-on point.
The Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS release back in February boots from Linux kernel 6.17 and Mesa 25.2.8, so the latest HWE will deliver better support on newer hardware.
If you’re an existing user running 24.04 you don’t need to download and reinstall anything; the bulk of the packages and updates included in this new ISO were installed on over the past six months.
If you don’t see “24.04.4 LTS” when looking at the in Settings > System > About dialog (or on the GRUB boot loader during startup), you can fix that easily:
- Open Software Updater
- Install the
base-filesupdate
The base-files package modifies the version number string system tools read from.
Download Ubuntu 24.04.5 LTS
Download Ubuntu 24.04.5 LTS for desktop, Raspberry Pi, server, and other devices direct from the Ubuntu website releases page, the main Ubuntu website download page (they link to the same ISO).
Long-term support (LTS) versions of Ubuntu are supported for a minimum of 5 years. During the first 3 years, periodical ‘point releases’ are put out. These refresh the install image (ISO) so new users don’t have to download up to 3 years worth of updates after installing.
So Ubuntu 24.04 LTS will continue to receive ongoing support until April 2029. After that, security coverage is provided for a further 5 years via Ubuntu Pro (free to users to sign up to and enable).
Ubuntu 24.04 users can upgrade to Ubuntu 26.04 LTS officially later this month.