How to Safely Upgrade Ubuntu: Complete Guide for Beginners and Advanced Users

1. Introduction

Ubuntu is a popular Linux distribution known for its simplicity and stability, and regular upgrades are recommended to provide users with the latest security updates and new features. By performing an upgrade, vulnerabilities are patched, new functionalities are added, and overall system performance is improved.

This article explains in detail the steps and precautions for upgrading Ubuntu safely and efficiently. From pre-upgrade preparation to troubleshooting, even beginners can easily follow along.

2. Preparation Before Upgrading

Before upgrading Ubuntu, it is important to complete several preparatory steps. Doing so minimizes the likelihood of issues occurring during or after the upgrade process.

Backing Up the System

Since unexpected issues or data loss may occur during the upgrade, make sure to back up important data and configuration files. You can use external storage, cloud services, or backup software. For example, you can compress and back up critical directories using a command like the one below:

tar -czvf backup_home.tar.gz /home/yourusername

Checking the Current Version

Before starting the upgrade, confirm the current Ubuntu version. Use the following command to display version information:

lsb_release -a

This command shows details such as the Ubuntu version, release name, and codename, helping you identify the target version for the upgrade.

Updating the System

It is recommended to update the current system to the latest state before performing the upgrade. Run the following command to update all packages:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Completing these updates helps prevent errors and compatibility issues during the upgrade, ensuring a smoother process.

3. How to Upgrade Ubuntu

This section explains how to upgrade Ubuntu to the latest version. You can choose between command-line and GUI-based upgrade methods depending on your environment and preferences.

Upgrading from the Command Line

The command-line method is convenient when using a server environment or remote access. Execute the command below to begin the upgrade:

sudo do-release-upgrade

Once executed, the system automatically downloads the packages for the new release and begins the upgrade. During the process, prompts may appear asking whether to overwrite configuration files or remove unnecessary packages. In most cases, selecting the recommended option is advised.

Upgrading from the GUI (Desktop Environment)

If you are using a desktop environment, you can upgrade through the “Software & Updates” tool. Follow the steps below:

1. Open “Software & Updates” from the “Settings” menu.
2. Under the “Updates” tab, make sure the “Notify me of a new Ubuntu version” setting is set to either “For long-term support versions” or “For any new version.”
3. When a new release is detected, an upgrade notification will appear. Click the “Upgrade” button to proceed.

The GUI-based upgrade method is recommended for users who are less familiar with the command line.

4. Important Notes During the Upgrade

There are several important points to consider during the Ubuntu upgrade process. Being aware of these helps prevent errors and configuration conflicts.

Handling Error Messages

You may encounter error messages during the upgrade—for example, when certain packages have compatibility issues. If this happens, use the dpkg command to check and fix the problem or follow the instructions provided by the error message.

sudo dpkg --configure -a

Choosing Configuration Files

Some packages may prompt you to decide whether to overwrite configuration files during the upgrade. You will need to choose whether to keep your existing configuration or replace it with the new package’s defaults. In most cases, it is recommended to keep your existing configuration.

5. Post-Upgrade Checks

Once the upgrade is complete, verify that the system is functioning correctly.

Checking the System Version

First, confirm that the upgrade was successful by checking your Ubuntu version again. Run the following command to ensure that the system has been upgraded to the intended release:

lsb_release -a

Removing Unnecessary Packages

After the upgrade, it is recommended to remove outdated packages that are no longer required. You can automatically delete these unnecessary packages with the following command:

sudo apt autoremove

Reviewing Configuration Files

Check whether your custom configurations have been retained correctly after the upgrade. This is especially important if you have custom setups related to network or system configurations, as you may need to reapply certain settings.

6. Troubleshooting

Issues may occur during or after the upgrade. Below are some common problems and ways to resolve them:

Common Issues and Solutions

• Package dependency errors: These can often be resolved by running sudo apt --fix-broken install.
• System fails to boot: Boot into recovery mode and use the dpkg command to repair problematic packages.

By using these solutions, you can quickly address common problems related to the upgrade process.

7. Conclusion

This article explained the methods and procedures for upgrading Ubuntu. Performing regular upgrades ensures access to the latest security features and functionality, allowing you to operate your system more safely and comfortably. We recommend upgrading Ubuntu periodically to take advantage of its most recent improvements.