Is it time to upgrade your Ubuntu installation?
Are you a couple years behind, or just want the newest features?
Let’s take a look at how you can upgrade your system to the latest Ubuntu release.
I’m EposVox, here to make tech easier to understand and more fun via free educational
videos.
I’m here today with a new Ubuntu video, sponsored by System76 - the best Linux PC
distributor I can recommend.
Hopefully if you’ve reached this point, you’ve already decided whether or not you
should, or want to, upgrade your Ubuntu installation.
This should depend on which version of Ubuntu you’re using - LTS or Standard.
I have a separate video detailing the differences between these Ubuntu versions, check that
out if you haven’t seen it already.
A current list of Ubuntu releases can be found on the Ubuntu Wiki - link in the video description
down below.
There are two ways you can upgrade Ubuntu - while you’re running your current installation,
or upgrading from installation media.
A standard upgrade is great from moving from one release to the next - for example from
16.04 to 16.10, as you see here.
Upgrading from media provides a more stable environment since the system isn’t actively
running while being upgraded.
If you’re more than version behind, you’ll need to upgrade from media.
And either way, it’s recommended to create installation media before upgrading just to
make sure you have tools available in case something goes wrong in the installation.
Let’s upgrade while running an older version.
In this case, we’re running Ubuntu 16.04 and are upgrading to Ubuntu 16.10.
First, open the Software Updater - you can do this by opening the Dash and typing in
“update,” and clicking “Software Updater.”
Click on “Settings” and choose “Updates.”
Towards the bottom, select “Notify me of a new Ubuntu version.”
Here, you can choose between being notified of all new Ubuntu versions, or just the LTS
versions.
This option will require your password.
Once you’ve chosen, close the window.
Open the Software Updater again and it will check for updates.
If there are important normal upgrades available, you may need to install these and restart
before upgrading versions.
Once you’re ready, the Updater will tell you that a new Ubuntu version is available.
Choose “Upgrade…”
Follow the instructions to upgrade your Ubuntu installation.
It will prompt you to select “OK” or “Upgrade” a few times, and then restart your system.
If you use third-party software repositories, those get disabled during the upgrade and
will need to be re-enabled.
To do so, open the Software Updater again, click “Settings” and go over to “Other
Software.”
It indicates which ones were disabled during the upgrade, select the ones you wish to re-enable.
It automatically bumps you to the top of the list each time you select one, though, so
have fun with that.
Finishing that will re-check for software updates and you may find that more apps have
updates available now.
You may also find that some repositories return errors due to only being configured for the
previous release of Ubuntu.
You can manually remove these repos, replace them, or just deal with the errors like I
do.
And you’re done!
Enjoy the new version of Ubuntu.
If you’re stuck in the installation, System76 has a few support pages for fixing upgrade
issues, and I will try to get some videos out on these topics, as well.
- OKAY!
Now let’s talk about installing from media.
Insert your live disk - USB or DVD - and restart your computer.
Tell your PC to boot from the device or disc.
Once the live installer loads, choose “Install Ubuntu.”
Next, check the box labeled “Download updates while installing Ubuntu” to update your
installation.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your upgrade.
To keep your files and settings from your previous installation, make sure that you
choose the “Upgrade Ubuntu” option once it detects your existing install and prompts
you.
You will have the option to “Erase disk and install Ubuntu” which will get rid of
your files, so choose carefully.
Also, if you’re asked about the installation of “grub_pc” during the upgrade, select
“Install the Package Maintainer’s version” - not the default option.
And that’s it!
Restore any third-party repos you need, and be off with your new Ubuntu version.
If you’re on a System76 machine, you’ll also need to download and install the System76
driver.
Follow the commands on-screen and in the description to add the repository and install the driver.
There’s also an optional one for Nvidia graphics if you have a dedicated GPU.
This video is sponsored by said company, System76.
They’re a fantastic team looking to provide the world with slick Ubuntu-based machines
to unleash your full potential.
They’re great people who make great products and I highly recommend you check them out.
Click the link in the video description to learn more.
That’s it from me.
If you enjoyed the video, hit the like button and get subscribed for more awesome tech and
Linux videos.
I’m EposVox, your techucationer, and I’ll see you next time.