I'm curious about the fate of non-LTS Linux distributions like Ubuntu 24.10 or Fedora 41 once their support ends. When that time comes, what does the upgrade process look like? Do I have to completely reinstall the OS from scratch, or is there a way to upgrade that keeps my settings and software intact? If a reinstall is necessary, what type of users are these distributions designed for? Just trying to figure out what to expect after my Fedora 41 installation has stopped receiving updates. Thanks! 😊
5 Answers
Each distro has its own upgrade method. For Debian-based distros like Ubuntu, you can use 'do-release-upgrade'. Fedora has its own guide that you can find on their website. The community is pretty helpful too, so don’t hesitate to check their documentation for specifics!
In general, you can perform an in-place upgrade to the next version of your OS. Just a word of advice, though: it's a good idea to back up your data first, as there's always a slight risk involved. Most users find this process goes smoothly!
Upgrading works just like it does with any other OS! You don’t need to reinstall unless you really want a clean slate. LTS versions might be better for those who prefer stability, but if you have cutting-edge hardware, rolling releases can sometimes provide necessary updated drivers. Both Fedora 41 and Ubuntu 24.10, however, are not LTS distros; they follow a 6-month release cycle that includes new GNOME versions.
Yeah, it usually takes a few updates before you realize that being on the latest version doesn’t really give you brownie points!
When support for your OS version is nearing the end, make sure to upgrade to a supported version. Fedora typically supports each release for about 13 months, while Ubuntu’s interim versions only get 9 months. You can upgrade without needing to reinstall. They both have commands and GUI options for this. Some other distros might require a fresh install, though, so it really varies by distribution.
Most users, including myself, find that you can upgrade between versions without it being a hassle, but having regular backups is key. If you ever need to do a fresh install, it's much easier if you've backed up your data. Software is a breeze to reinstall, and often you can import your settings too!
I've had my struggles with LTS upgrades. Twice I had to start over because the upgrade just didn't work for me. Not sure if it’s just bad luck on my end.