Ubuntu 23.04 Support Ends on January 25, 2024 – Time to Upgrade!

The official support for Ubuntu 23.04, codenamed “Lunar Lobster,” is set to expire on January 25, 2024 – just a month away.

As a short-term support release, Ubuntu 23.04 receives updates for nine months from its release. Launched in April 2023, Lunar Lobster reaches its end of life (EOL) in January.

To continue receiving security fixes, critical bug patches, and important updates for Canonical’s software, it’s recommended to upgrade to Ubuntu 23.10.

Upgrading to Ubuntu 23.10 is a straightforward process – no need to download the ISO and wipe your current system. There’s no real reason not to upgrade.

Ubuntu updates are quick (less than 15 minutes on a decent connection) and not overly disruptive; just update, wait, restart when prompted, and you’re done. However, during the update, PPAs and third-party repositories are disabled, so remember to re-enable them if necessary.

Why upgrade to Ubuntu 23.10?

Upgrading to Ubuntu 23.10 is essential for continued basic support, but beyond patches and fixes, there are tangible, compelling reasons.

Ubuntu 23.10 introduces the latest GNOME 45 with numerous enhancements, utilizes Linux 6.5 kernel, includes updated graphics drivers, and debuts two brand-new applications exclusive to this release: App Center and Firmware.

As a short-term release, Ubuntu 23.10 is supported until mid-July 2024, and from the end of April, users can upgrade to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.

If the continuous update cycle is bothersome, consider sticking with Ubuntu LTS releases. The majority of desktop Ubuntu users opt for LTS versions for less hassle and longer system support.

Ubuntu LTS releases receive 5 years of updates, including new kernels and graphics stacks, with an additional 5 years of extended support/maintenance (ESM). A new LTS version is released every two years, allowing for smooth upgrades from one LTS to another without missing out on updates compared to shorter-supported versions.

The release date for Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is April 25, 2024. If you upgrade to Ubuntu 23.10, you can seamlessly transition to the next LTS release in April, ensuring you won’t need to update your system until 2029 if you choose not to.

Of course, you can continue using Ubuntu 23.04 for as long as you like. While official support may end in January 2024, the operating system will still function, and if you use Snap and Flatpak applications, you’ll likely receive updates for applications for many years. But if possible, follow the official path: when it’s EOL, it’s EOL!