Ubuntu 24.04 LTS 'Noble Numbat' Released

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, codenamed 'Noble Numbat', was released in April 2024. As a long-term support release, it is the version Canonical steers desktop and server users toward for stability, because LTS releases receive a long window of free security maintenance rather than the short cycle of interim releases.

How Ubuntu's LTS cadence works

Ubuntu ships a new version every six months, in April and October, timed to align with GNOME's release schedule. Every fourth release, in April of even-numbered years, is designated long-term support. LTS releases receive five years of standard free security updates for the main software set, while interim releases get nine months. That predictable rhythm is why organisations standardise on LTS versions.

Extended support through Ubuntu Pro

Beyond the standard five years, Canonical offers Expanded Security Maintenance through the Ubuntu Pro subscription, which is free for personal use on a limited number of machines. Ubuntu Pro extends security coverage to around ten years and broadens it to include community-maintained packages, which is significant for long-lived deployments that cannot easily upgrade the base OS.

What it means for users

For desktop users, an LTS release is the sensible default: it is stable, well-tested, and supported for years. For server and infrastructure teams, the long maintenance window and the Ubuntu Pro option make it possible to run the same base OS for a long time while staying patched. Interim releases remain useful for those who want the newest software and are comfortable upgrading more often.

Upgrading

Users on the previous LTS can typically upgrade directly to the new LTS once it is released and any initial point release has landed. As always, backing up important data and testing critical workflows before upgrading a production system is the safe approach.

Related on Skillo

See also: Ubuntu 22.04 LTS 'Jammy Jellyfish'.

Sources

• Ubuntu releases (official)
• Ubuntu version history (Wikipedia, cites official announcements)

Published date reflects the original event date (2024-04-25). This article is original Skillo editorial written from the sources above; facts were verified in September 2026.