Upgrading from Ubuntu 18.04 to 20.04 can seem challenging, but you'll find it straightforward with the right steps. First, you'll need to prepare your system by backing up your data and updating your current packages. This guarantees you won't lose important files and that your system is ready for the upgrade. The actual upgrade process involves a few commands that I'll guide you through. However, what should you look out for during the upgrade, and how can you troubleshoot common issues that might arise? Stick around to uncover the nuances that could save you a headache later.
Pre-Upgrade Preparation
Before upgrading from Ubuntu 18.04 to 20.04, make sure you take note of your current Linux version and kernel version. This step is important for a smooth switch and troubleshooting post-upgrade issues.
It's vital to back up data meticulously to prevent any loss during the upgrade process. As part of your pre-upgrade preparation, free disk space by removing old kernels with the command `$ sudo apt –purge autoremove`. This action not only cleans up your system but also reduces the risk of conflicts during the upgrade.
After this cleanup, you must reboot your system to make sure all changes take effect and old kernels are indeed purged, setting a clean slate for the Ubuntu 20.04 upgrade.
Updating System Packages
After rebooting your system post-cleanup, it's time to update your system packages by executing 'sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade' on Ubuntu 18.04. This step is important as it ensures all your installed software is current, enhancing the security, stability, and performance of your system.
The 'sudo apt update' command refreshes your package index, checking for new versions of packages and updates. Following this, 'sudo apt upgrade' applies these updates, which may include important bug fixes and performance enhancements.
Regular maintenance of your system packages isn't only routine but necessary. Keeping your system updated is fundamental in preventing potential vulnerabilities and optimizing functionality. Make this a regular practice to maintain your system's health and efficiency.
Initiating the Upgrade Process
To start the upgrade from Ubuntu 18.04 to 20.04, execute the command 'sudo do-release-upgrade'. This command initiates the upgrade process, guiding you through a series of prompts.
You'll receive a summary of the packages scheduled for upgrade, so review it carefully. It's vital to address any configuration file conflicts that arise; these could impact system stability after the update.
Always make sure you've backed up your important data before proceeding. This step guards against potential data loss during the switch.
Once the upgrade is finished, you must reboot your system. This final step is crucial to complete the upgrade, ensuring all new components are properly integrated and active.
Follow these steps diligently to guarantee a smooth shift to Ubuntu 20.04.
Post-Upgrade Validation
Once you've rebooted following the upgrade, it's important to validate that Ubuntu 20.04 is functioning as expected. After completing the LTS upgrade process, a thorough check guarantees that your migration from Ubuntu 18.04 has been successful.
Here's what you need to focus on:
- System Settings and Configurations: Confirm that all system settings and configurations are intact and operational.
- Compatibility Issues: Check for any compatibility problems with hardware or software.
- Essential Services: Ensure all essential services and dependencies are running smoothly.
- Critical Applications: Test the functionality of critical applications to avoid disruptions.
- Performance Testing: Conduct performance tests to verify that the system maintains ideal speed and efficiency on the new LTS version.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter issues during the upgrade, use the 'sudo do-release-upgrade -c' command to verify if a new Ubuntu release is available. This step is important to diagnose upgrade issues when attempting to upgrade from Ubuntu 18.04 LTS to 20.04 LTS.
If you're facing connectivity problems, first test your internet connection and proxy settings. A simple way to check your network status is to access https://changelogs.ubuntu.com/meta-release-lts directly in your browser. If this fails, troubleshoot connectivity issues that might be blocking your access.
Additionally, make sure the Prompt=normal setting is configured in /etc/update-manager/release-upgrades, as this dictates the upgrade behavior and may impact the availability of new releases.