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TuxCare BlogWhat’s New? Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTS Released with Linux Kernel 6.8
by Rohan Timalsina
February 11, 2025 - TuxCare expert team
Canonical has officially released Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTS, the fifth and final planned point release of the popular Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (Jammy Jellyfish) series. This version brings the latest security updates, bug fixes, and software improvements to ensure users have a stable and secure environment. If you’re considering installing or updating Ubuntu, here’s what you need to know about this important release.
What’s New in Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTS?
One of the most significant updates in this point release is the inclusion of Linux kernel 6.8 from the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat) series. This new kernel version improves hardware support, making it an ideal choice for users looking to install Ubuntu on modern machines with cutting-edge hardware.
While Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTS includes an updated kernel, the graphics stack remains unchanged from the previous release. The Mesa 23.2.1 graphics stack is still the default, even though the newer Mesa 24.0 version is available in Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.
Released approximately six and a half months after the previous date, Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTS offers up-to-date installation media, making it easier for users to install the latest version of Ubuntu without needing to download and install hundreds of updates afterward. Whether you are setting up a new system or refreshing an old one, Ubuntu 22.04.5 simplifies the installation process.
Official Flavors Updated
Alongside the main Ubuntu release, all official flavors of Ubuntu have also been updated to 22.04.5 LTS, including Kubuntu, Xubuntu, Lubuntu, Ubuntu Studio, Ubuntu Budgie, Ubuntu MATE, and Ubuntu Kylin. Users of these flavors will benefit from the same security updates and bug fixes as the main Ubuntu release, ensuring a consistent experience across the entire Ubuntu family.
Getting Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTS
If you are already running Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, you don’t need to download a new installation image. You can simply update your current system using the Software Updater utility or by running the following command in the terminal:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
This will bring your system up to date with all the improvements included in Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTS without needing to perform a fresh installation. For new installations, you can download the updated ISO image from Ubuntu’s official website.
Ubuntu 22.04 End of Life: Support Timeline & More
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, codenamed Jammy Jellyfish, was first released on 21 April 2022. As a long-term support release, it will receive security updates and maintenance for five years. This means it is expected to reach the end of life Linux after April 2027. Currently, Ubuntu 22.04 has more than a two-year window of ongoing support, making it a solid choice for those looking to maintain a stable environment. However, for those seeking even longer support and more cutting-edge features, Canonical encourages users to explore Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, which will be supported until April 2029.
What Happens When Your Ubuntu Installation Reaches End of Life?
After Ubuntu 22.04 reaches its end-of-life date, it will stop receiving security updates, bug fixes, and official support from Canonical. This leaves your system vulnerable to unpatched security vulnerabilities, putting critical data and operations at risk. To avoid these challenges and ensure continued security, it is crucial to upgrade to a supported version of Ubuntu before the end-of-life date.
In case upgrading is not immediately possible, you can opt for extended support solutions like TuxCare’s Endless Lifecycle Support (ELS). TuxCare provides ongoing vulnerability patches for end-of-life Linux distributions for as long as needed after the support period ends. This gives you enough time to plan a smooth migration while keeping your systems secure and compliant. TuxCare currently supports older Ubuntu versions like Ubuntu 16.04 and Ubuntu 18.04, as well as other Linux distributions, including CentOS 6, CentOS 7, CentOS 8, CentOS Stream 8, Oracle Linux 6, and Oracle Linux 7.
Check out the complete list of packages covered by TuxCare’s ELS services.
Upgrading to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS
For users looking to move on to a more recent version, an upgrade path to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is also available. In the Software Updater utility, you can see the notification Ubuntu 24.04.1 LTS is now available (you have 22.04). By clicking on the upgrade option, you can migrate to the latest LTS release while preserving your system’s stability and configurations.
Although Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTS is a great option, upgrading to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS might be a better choice for a longer-term commitment. Ubuntu 24.04 LTS also offers five years of support until April 2029 and includes more modern GNU/Linux technologies and software. At the time of writing, the latest available version is Ubuntu 24.04.1 LTS, released on August 29, 2024.
Wrapping Up & A Quick Word On TuxCare
To enhance the security of your Linux systems, consider KernelCare Enterprise, a rebootless patching solution from TuxCare. With KernelCare, you can apply security updates to a running kernel without needing to reboot, minimizing downtime and ensuring uninterrupted operations. It also automates patch deployment, with security patches applied as soon as they are available.
KernelCare Enterprise supports a wide range of Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Debian, RHEL, CentOS, RHEL, AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux, Oracle Linux, and more. For additional security coverage, you can enable live patching for shared libraries like glibc and OpenSSL with LibCare, an optional add-on to KernelCare Enterprise.
The sources for this article include a story from 9to5Linux.
