Which Ubuntu Version Should I Install? A Comprehensive Guide

Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distributions worldwide, known for its ease of use, robust community support, and extensive software ecosystem. Whether you are a beginner venturing into Linux for the first time or a seasoned professional managing servers or development environments, choosing the right Ubuntu version is crucial to ensure you get the stability, features, and support you need.

This comprehensive guide will help you understand the different Ubuntu versions available, their release cycles, support lifetimes, and which one best fits your needs.

Understanding Ubuntu Releases

Ubuntu releases are broadly categorized into two types:

1. Long Term Support (LTS) Releases
   
   

2. Regular (Interim) Releases
   
   

Long Term Support (LTS) Releases

LTS versions are Ubuntu's stable releases designed for long-term use. They receive official support and updates for five years from their release date, including security patches and critical bug fixes. LTS releases are ideal for production environments, servers, businesses, and users who prefer a stable, well-tested operating system without frequent upgrades.

The latest LTS version as of 2025 is Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Jammy Jellyfish), released in April 2024. The previous one was Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (Jammy Jellyfish) released in April 2022.

Regular (Interim) Releases

Regular releases come out every six months and are supported for 9 months only. These versions include the latest features, updates, and new software versions but may not be as thoroughly tested as LTS releases. They are best suited for developers, enthusiasts, or users who want to experiment with cutting-edge technologies and are comfortable upgrading their OS frequently.

The current regular release cycle includes versions like Ubuntu 23.10 or Ubuntu 24.10, with support lasting less than a year.

Key Differences Between LTS and Regular Releases

Which Ubuntu Version Should You Install?

1. For Beginners and General Desktop Use

Recommended Version: Ubuntu LTS (Currently 24.04 LTS)

If you are new to Linux or want a desktop environment that "just works," LTS releases are your best choice. They offer a stable, user-friendly experience with long-term support, which means you won�t need to upgrade your system frequently. The default Ubuntu desktop comes with GNOME as the user interface, providing a modern and intuitive environment.

Why Choose LTS?

• Stability and reliability: Ideal for day-to-day computing, school, and office work.
  
  

• Long-term updates: Receive security and maintenance updates without the hassle of constant upgrades.
  
  

• Broad hardware compatibility and extensive community support.
  
  

2. For Developers and Tech Enthusiasts

Recommended Version: Regular Releases (e.g., Ubuntu 24.10)

If you want access to the latest Linux kernel, updated programming tools, and new features such as the latest GNOME desktop or software packages, consider a regular release. It allows you to work with cutting-edge technologies and test new features before they become part of an LTS.

Considerations:

• You'll need to upgrade every 9 months.
  
  

• Slightly higher risk of bugs or instability.
  
  

• Good if you need the newest software versions for development.
  
  

3. For Servers and Enterprise Environments

Recommended Version: Ubuntu LTS Server Edition

LTS versions are standard in server deployments because they provide long-term stability and security. The server edition doesn't come with a graphical desktop environment by default, which is preferred in server environments for performance and security reasons.

Benefits:

• 5 years of security and maintenance updates.
  
  

• Optimized for cloud, virtualization, and container environments.
  
  

• Compatible with major enterprise software and cloud providers.
  
  

4. For Specialized Use Cases (IoT, Embedded Systems)

Ubuntu also offers specialized versions like Ubuntu Core for IoT and embedded devices. This minimal, transactional update OS is designed for security and reliability in constrained environments.

How to Decide Based on Your Hardware

Ubuntu versions differ slightly in hardware requirements, especially as newer releases come with more recent kernels supporting newer devices.

• Older hardware (5+ years):
  Choose an LTS version with the Lightweight desktop variant such as Xubuntu or Lubuntu, which use XFCE or LXQt desktops respectively. These are less resource-intensive and perform better on older systems.
  
  

• Newer hardware:
  Standard Ubuntu LTS or regular releases will work smoothly, supporting the latest drivers and hardware optimizations.
  
  

Ubuntu Flavors and Their Versions

Ubuntu is not just a single operating system; it has multiple official flavors tailored to different desktop environments and use cases:

• Ubuntu (GNOME) - The main Ubuntu distribution.
  
  

• Kubuntu (KDE Plasma) - For users who prefer the KDE desktop environment.
  
  

• Xubuntu (XFCE) - Lightweight and faster for older machines.
  
  

• Lubuntu (LXQt) - Even lighter, minimal resource use.
  
  

• Ubuntu MATE - Traditional desktop experience with MATE.
  
  

• Ubuntu Budgie - Modern desktop with Budgie.
  
  

• Ubuntu Studio - For multimedia production.
  
  

Each flavor follows the same versioning and support schedule as the main Ubuntu release, so the choice depends on your desktop environment preference and hardware.

How to Check Which Version You Are Using

If you already have Ubuntu installed and want to check your version, open a terminal and type:

bash

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lsb_release -a

Or

bash

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cat /etc/os-release

This will display the current Ubuntu server version and codename.

How to Upgrade Ubuntu Versions

• From one LTS to the next LTS (e.g., 22.04 to 24.04) is straightforward and recommended for stability.
  
  

• From regular release to the next regular release requires upgrading every 9 months.
  
  

• You can upgrade via GUI tools like Software Updater or through the terminal with:
  
  

bash

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sudo do-release-upgrade

Ensure you back up important data before upgrading.

Summary: Which Ubuntu Version Should You Install?

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right Ubuntu version ultimately depends on your needs, technical skills, and the intended use of your system. For most users, an LTS version is the safest and most practical choice. If you want the newest tech or are developing software, regular releases offer a cutting-edge experience at the cost of more frequent upgrades.

Ubuntu's flexibility through flavors and releases ensures there is a version suited for virtually every user, from personal desktops to cloud servers. Before installing, consider your hardware, support requirements, and willingness to upgrade, and you'll find the Ubuntu version that fits perfectly.

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