After a brief delay, Canonical has released Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS, available for download and featuring the Linux kernel 6.11. This release also includes the Mesa 24.2 graphics stacks, taken from the newer Ubuntu 24.10 (Oracular Oriole) version.
Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS acts as the second point release for the long-term supported Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat), following Ubuntu 24.04.1 LTS, and provides a fresh installation media for those looking to set up the OS on new machines without the need for extensive post-install updates.
The combination of Linux kernel 6.11 and Mesa 24.2 enhances support for newer hardware compared to earlier releases, which had Linux kernel 6.8. The primary purpose of the Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS release is to offer a compilation of security patches and software updates released since August 2024, making it ideal for new installations. Existing users of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS or Ubuntu 24.04.1 LTS are encouraged to update their systems instead of reinstalling.
Users can download various flavors of Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS, including the Desktop and Server editions, as well as flavors like Kubuntu, Xubuntu, and Lubuntu, from the official website. These installations are specifically intended for new setups.
Looking ahead, the next point release, Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS, is anticipated for late August 2025. This release is expected to be more substantial, featuring newer versions of both the Linux kernel and Mesa graphics stacks from the upcoming Ubuntu 25.04 (Plucky Puffin), scheduled for release on April 17, 2025.
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat) will be supported until at least June 2029. For those seeking cutting-edge features, it is advisable to consider upgrading to Ubuntu 24.10 or awaiting Ubuntu 25.04.