The beta version of Ubuntu 24.10 ‘Oracular Oriole’ is now available, albeit a day late!
Both developers and lay-users are encouraged to download the beta to explore new features in Ubuntu 24.10, test compatibility, and identify any issues that need resolution prior to the final release next month.
This beta is the sole one scheduled, but a release candidate will be available in a few weeks. Those who install the beta can update to the final release by applying daily updates.
If you’re already familiar with these details, proceed directly to the download area to obtain the (largest yet) ISO for Intel/AMD systems, or ARM64 for those using Raspberry Pi.
Or continue reading for a top-level overview of what’s new – there’s a fair bit!
Ubuntu 24.10 Beta Overview
The latest GNOME 47 release sits at the heart of Ubuntu 24.10 (not most of its flavours – also out in beta builds today) with the venerable desktop environment shipping several significant improvements across GNOME Shell, GTK4/libadwaita, settings, and core apps.
The Nautilus file manager has been updated with a redesigned sidebar featuring new options. It includes a more streamlined Network page that facilitates easier connections to remote mounts, and provides contextual details explaining the potential slowness of certain searches within the application.
This beta release also includes the latest Linux 6.11 kernel, which enhances power efficiency on AMD PCs, improves EXT4 file system performance, and broadens support for additional hardware devices such as graphics tablets.
Take a deeper look at the best new features in Ubuntu 24.10
Furthermore, NVIDIA users will now default to an Ubuntu Wayland session. Should anyone encounter issues, they have the option to log out and switch back to an X session.
A new Security Center app comes preinstalled in Ubuntu 24.10 for desktop users, enhancing security management. This app pairs with the new Prompting Client to allow users enhanced control over their snap apps’ folder permissions.
App Center enhancements include updates to the ‘Manage’ page, simplifying the process to monitor snap updates and remove unwanted snaps directly, bypassing the need to view their individual listings.
The Ubuntu Dock now includes a progress bar for pinned snap apps, indicating when they are updating in the background.
The release of Ubuntu 24.10 also celebrates the 20th anniversary of Ubuntu. It introduces several anniversary features, from a nostalgic ‘warty’ brown accent color to the comeback of Ubuntu’s initial login sound — distinct from the well-known drum sound.
That is just a surface level overview as I’ve written a lengthy post detailing the most notable changes in Ubuntu 24.10 so if you’re keen to know more – a lot more – about this release check that out.
Download Ubuntu 24.10 Beta
You can download the Ubuntu 24.10 Beta from the Ubuntu release server right now. It’s available for 64-bit Intel/AMD devices (a hefty 6 GB in size), or as a pre-installed image for Raspberry Pi (3 GB).
As mentioned earlier, it’s quite straightforward to upgrade from an Ubuntu beta to the final release simply by continuing to install updates. On the release day, your system will be on par with a clean installation in terms of packages, though it may have some additional remnants that a fresh installation wouldn’t include.
If you appreciate Ubuntu but desire a different desktop environment, consider exploring the beta versions of the official Ubuntu flavors.
An upgrade from Ubuntu 24.04 to Ubuntu 24.10 will be achievable, but if you prefer to avoid using command-line methods, you will need to wait until October. Additionally, you must opt-in for the update, as Ubuntu LTS versions only automatically prompt for upgrades between LTS versions, with the next LTS scheduled for 2026.