The latest update from Ubuntu has been released, with the distribution of Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS including various enhancements to improve hardware support, updates to the Linux kernel and graphics stack, and fixes for installer and bootloader errors. The update also includes important updates for hundreds of packages to address vulnerabilities and issues affecting system stability. This update is also available for Kubuntu 24.04.2 LTS, Ubuntu Budgie 24.04.2 LTS, Ubuntu Mate 24.04.2 LTS, Lubuntu 24.04.2 LTS, Ubuntu Kylin 24.04.2 LTS, Ubuntu Studio 24.04.2 LTS, Xubuntu 24.04.2 LTS, Edubuntu 24.04.2 LTS, Ubuntu Cinnamon 24.04.2 LTS, and Ubuntu Unity 24.04.2 LTS.
The release of Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS includes improvements from the Ubuntu 24.10 release, such as updates to the Linux kernel to version 6.11 (from 6.8 in Ubuntu 24.04), updates to the graphics stack including Mesa 24.2 and Libdrm 2.4.122, and new versions of drivers for Intel, AMD, and NVIDIA chips. Additionally, there are updates to packages like BIND 9.18.30, GCC 14.2, LibreOffice 24.2.7, and more.
New default cores and graphics stacks are now offered for Ubuntu desktop users, while Ubuntu Server users have the option to choose a new core during installation. These new configurations are recommended for fresh installations, but existing systems can receive the updates through the standard update installation system.
It is important to note that Ubuntu adopts a rolling-model of support for updates, where labeled cores and drivers will only be supported until the next corrective update of Ubuntu LTS. This means that the Linux 6.11 core in the current release will be supported until Ubuntu 24.04.3, after which the base core 6.8 will be supported for the entire five-year support cycle.
To revert Ubuntu Desktop to the base kernel 6.8, users can use the command: sudo apt-get –install-reinstall linux-generic. For the installation of a new kernel in Ubuntu Server, users should run the appropriate command.