Ubuntu 25.10, dubbed ‘Questing Quokka,’ has been released, allowing users running Ubuntu 25.04 to upgrade directly without needing to download an ISO for a clean installation. This upgrade is particularly important since support for Ubuntu 25.04 will conclude in January 2026, necessitating an upgrade to continue receiving crucial security updates and bug fixes.
Requirements for Upgrading
To successfully upgrade to Ubuntu 25.10, ensure the following:
- Ubuntu 25.04 must be installed.
- All pending updates should be installed; use the Software Updater for this.
- You need an active internet connection for downloading numerous packages.
- Sufficient free disk space must be available for the upgrade process.
It’s also prudent to back up any critical files beforehand, as issues can occur during the upgrade, which might prevent login access.
Guidelines for the Upgrade Process
You cannot upgrade directly from Ubuntu 24.04 to 25.10; instead, you will need to upgrade incrementally through 24.10 and 25.04. For ease, a clean installation via USB using the Ubuntu 25.10 ISO might be preferable.
Graphical Upgrade Method
- Wait for Notification: Ubuntu will notify you when the upgrade is available.
- Manual Check: Open Software Updater to detect the new release.
When prompted, click on the Upgrade button and follow the on-screen instructions. Take note of the official release notes for potential issues with specific hardware or software.
After reviewing the list of packages to be added, upgraded, or removed, click Start Upgrade.
During the upgrade, you may need to respond to prompts about configuration files and services. Make sure to connect your device to a power source to avoid interruptions.
Command-Line Upgrade Method
If you prefer using the terminal, run the following command:
sudo do-release-upgradeThis checks for the new release on the Ubuntu server. You will be guided through similar prompts as the graphical method, where you need to pay attention to packages being modified and confirm any necessary actions.
Once the upgrade completes, restart your system to finalize the changes and start using Ubuntu 25.10.
Post-Upgrade Notes
During the upgrade process, all third-party PPAs and software sources will be disabled to avoid compatibility conflicts. Users must re-enable these sources after the upgrade, ensuring they are compatible with the new release.
Upgrading is generally seamless, but patience may be required during certain phases, especially if disk speeds are slow. If issues arise, commands such as sudo dpkg --configure -a and sudo apt --fix-broken install can help rectify installation problems.
For further assistance, refer to the official Ubuntu Help pages.