Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS “Noble Numbat” Available to Download: New Features and Upgrade Guide

Canonical released Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS “Noble Numbat” on February 20, 2025, as the second point release in its 10th Long Term Support (LTS) series. Powered by Linux kernel 6.11 and supported until June 2029 (or 2034 with Ubuntu Pro), this update brings enhanced hardware support, security patches, and performance improvements. Whether you’re a developer, enterprise admin, or Linux enthusiast, Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS offers a secure, modern platform for desktops, servers, and clouds. Download it today from the official Ubuntu website and explore its latest features, from GNOME 46 to advanced networking with Netplan 1.0.

Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS System Requirements

• RAM: 2GB (4GB recommended)
• Disk Space: 25GB
• Processor: 2 GHz dual-core or better
• Resolution: 1024×768 or higher

Note: Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS is 64-bit only and requires a stable internet connection for updates during installation.

Key Features in Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS “Noble Numbat”

Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS builds on the April 2024 release with updated packages and a new hardware enablement stack, making it ideal for new installations. Here’s what’s new:

Linux Kernel 6.11 for Enhanced Hardware Support

• Upgraded from Kernel 6.8: Backported from Ubuntu 24.10, kernel 6.11 supports newer CPUs, GPUs, and devices, including Raspberry Pi 5 and AMD systems.
• Improved Power Management: Optimized for laptops, enhancing battery life and performance.
• Bcachefs Filesystem: Introduces copy-on-write functionality for advanced storage needs.

This ensures Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS runs smoothly on the latest hardware, as noted in the Reddit’s r/Ubuntu Ubuntu 24.04 review.

GNOME 46: A Polished Desktop Experience

• Performance Boost: GNOME 46 offers faster file manager searches, smoother animations, and reduced CPU load.
• Usability Upgrades: Includes global search in Files, expandable notifications, and a revamped Settings app for easier customization.
• Ubuntu Enhancements: Adds Tiling Assistant for quarter-screen tiling and triple buffering for Intel/Raspberry Pi graphics.

These improvements make Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS beginner-friendly yet powerful for developers.

Robust Security Features

• Unprivileged User Namespaces: Restricts unconfined programs, enhancing sandboxing and reducing attack surfaces.
• FORTIFY_SOURCE=3: Strengthens buffer overflow protection in the GNU C library, securing memory management functions like memcpy().
• XZ Backdoor Mitigation: All binaries rebuilt post-xz-utils backdoor discovery, ensuring a clean, secure release.

These align with 2025’s focus on enterprise-grade security, per Canonical’s security blog.

Netplan 1.0 for Advanced Networking

• Unified Networking: Netplan 1.0 standardizes configuration across desktop, server, and cloud, improving reliability.
• Enhanced Tools: Supports complex network setups for developers and admins.

This upgrade streamlines network management, a key trend in 2025 Linux distributions.

Updated Software Stack

• Firefox 137: Secure browsing with HEVC playback support
• LibreOffice 24.2: Modern office productivity suite
• Thunderbird (DEB): Reverts to native DEB package for better performance, avoiding Snap
• Developer Tools: Python 3.12, Java 21, .NET 8, Rust 1.75, and GCC 14, TCK-certified for interoperability

These updates cater to developers, aligning with Ubuntu’s focus on performance engineering

New App Center and Installer

• Flutter-Based App Center: Replaces GNOME Software, prioritizing Snap packages with a sleek interface for system upgrades.
• Subiquity Installer: Supports ZFS encryption, TPM-based full disk encryption (experimental), and autoinstall for automated setups.

These features enhance user experience and deployment flexibility, especially for enterprises.

Ubuntu Flavors

Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS includes official flavors with updated desktops:

• Kubuntu: KDE Plasma 5.27.11 LTS
• Lubuntu: LXQt 1.4.0
• Ubuntu MATE: MATE 1.28
• Ubuntu Cinnamon: Cinnamon 6.0
• Ubuntu Budgie: Budgie 10.9.1

You can download these from the Ubuntu releases page.

How to Download and Install Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS

• Download the ISO: Get Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS from ubuntu.com/download. Verify the SHA256 checksum for authenticity.
• Create a Bootable USB: Use Rufus or Balena Etcher to create a bootable drive.
• Install or Try Live Mode: Boot from the USB to test Ubuntu in live mode or start the installer. Follow the guided setup.
• Backup Data: Save important files before installing to avoid data loss.

Tip: The minimal install option uses ~8GB, ideal for lightweight setups

How to Upgrade to Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS

If you’re running Ubuntu 23.10 or 22.04 LTS, upgrade via:

• Update Current System: Open Software Updater and install all updates.
• Enable Upgrades: In Software & Updates > Updates, set “Notify me of a new Ubuntu version” to “For long-term support versions.”
• Run the Upgrade: Open Software Updater or run: sudo do-release-upgrade

Follow Prompts: Ensure a stable internet connection and approve package updates.

Note: Upgrades from 22.04 LTS were enabled after August 15, 2024 (Ubuntu 24.04.1 LTS release). For Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, upgrade to 22.04 LTS first. Always back up with Timeshift or Deja Dup.

Why Choose Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS?

Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS is a stable, secure choice for:

Beginners: Intuitive GNOME 46 interface and preinstalled apps like Firefox and LibreOffice.

Developers: Robust tools for .NET, Java, Rust, and Python, with 12-year support via Ubuntu Pro.

Enterprises: Active Directory integration and security features for scalable deployments.

SEO Benefits: A fast, reliable OS supports web development, aligning with Core Web Vitals for better site rankings.

Download Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS now and join millions powering desktops, clouds, and IoT devices. For more details, visit the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS release notes or explore community forums on Reddit’s r/Ubuntu.

FAQs About Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS “Noble Numbat”

Q: What’s new in Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS?
A: It includes Linux kernel 6.11, Mesa 24.2 graphics, updated security patches, and GNOME 46 enhancements for better performance and hardware support.

Q: How long is Ubuntu 24.04 LTS supported?
A: Standard support lasts until June 2029 (5 years). Ubuntu Pro extends this to 2034 (10 years, plus 2 years with Legacy Support).

Q: Can I upgrade from Ubuntu 22.04 LTS directly?
A: Yes, use Software Updater or sudo do-release-upgrade after enabling LTS upgrades in Software & Updates. Back up first.

Q: Is Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS good for developers?
A: Absolutely, with TCK-certified Java 21, .NET 8, Rust 1.75, and Python 3.12, it’s ideal for modern development workflows.

Q: Does Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS improve security?
A: Yes, with FORTIFY_SOURCE=3, unprivileged namespace restrictions, and rebuilt binaries post-xz backdoor, it’s highly secure.