Introduction
If you are still running Ubuntu 16.04 LTS (Xenial Xerus), you need to act quickly. The Extended Security Maintenance (ESM) for this release ended in April 2026, meaning your system no longer receives critical security updates. Without these patches, your computer is vulnerable to new exploits. The most reliable solution is to upgrade to a supported Ubuntu LTS version. However, there is no direct upgrade path from 16.04 to the latest LTS. You must upgrade sequentially: first to Ubuntu 18.04 LTS, then to 20.04 LTS, and optionally to 22.04 LTS or 24.04 LTS. This guide walks you through the entire process, step by step, to keep your data safe and your system modern.
What You Need
- A computer running Ubuntu 16.04 LTS (Xenial Xerus) with internet access
- At least 10 GB of free disk space for the upgrade
- A stable internet connection (preferably wired) for large downloads
- A full backup of important files (documents, photos, configurations)
- A list of all installed software and custom repositories
- A surge-protected power supply to avoid interruption
Step-by-Step Upgrade Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your System and Back Up Data
Before making any changes, safeguard your information. Use the Backup utility or manually copy your /home folder to an external drive. Also export a list of installed packages: dpkg --get-selections > packages.txt. Update your current 16.04 system fully: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y. Reboot if necessary.
Step 2: Upgrade from Ubuntu 16.04 LTS to 18.04 LTS
First, ensure your system is running the latest 16.04 updates. Then, edit the release upgrade configuration: sudo nano /etc/update-manager/release-upgrades and set Prompt=normal. Run: sudo do-release-upgrade. Follow the on-screen prompts. The process will download packages, ask to restart services, and reboot. Post-reboot, verify the upgrade: lsb_release -a should show 18.04 LTS.
Step 3: Upgrade from Ubuntu 18.04 LTS to 20.04 LTS
After confirming you are on 18.04, repeat the process. Update again: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y. Then run sudo do-release-upgrade. If the tool says no new release, run sudo do-release-upgrade -d to force it. This upgrade will be larger and may take more time. Reboot when finished. Check that the version is now 20.04 LTS (Focal Fossa).
Step 4: Optionally Upgrade to Ubuntu 22.04 LTS or 24.04 LTS
Ubuntu 20.04 is still supported until April 2025, but for long-term peace of mind, consider moving to 22.04 or 24.04. From 20.04, run sudo do-release-upgrade again. If you want 24.04, you may need to go via 22.04 first. Follow the same procedure. Each upgrade adds new features and security patches.
Step 5: Verify and Clean Up
After the final upgrade, run sudo apt autoremove && sudo apt autoclean to remove obsolete packages. Check your hardware and applications for compatibility. Reinstall any missing software from your packages.txt list. Finally, confirm your system is fully updated: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y.
Tips for a Smooth Upgrade
- Always back up first: Even minor upgrades can fail. A backup ensures you never lose data.
- Use a wired connection: Wi-Fi can drop during large downloads, causing corruption.
- Do not interrupt the process: Let the upgrade finish completely. Interruptions may break your system.
- Test after each step: Verify that your system boots and applications work before moving to the next LTS.
- Consider a clean install: If you have no critical customizations, a fresh install of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is faster and more reliable.
- Check third-party repositories: PPAs or custom repos from 16.04 may not work on newer releases. Disable them before upgrading.
If you cannot upgrade now, the only alternative is to subscribe to Ubuntu Pro for continued security patches on 16.04 (for a fee). However, upgrading is the recommended path for long-term safety and performance. Take action today to protect your system.