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Ubuntu 18.04 Reached End of Life: Here's What You Can Do

Ubuntu 18.04 has reached the end of life. Here's what you need to know.

,   and  Sourav Rudra
3 min read

The iconic Ubuntu 18.04 'Bionic Beaver' was a release that offered many improvements and features. First LTS to feature GNOME instead of Unity.

But like most good things, this, too, has reached an end (for most).

What's Happening: On 31 May 2023, Ubuntu 18.04 completed its five-year planned update cycle.

In other words, Ubuntu 18.04 LTS has now reached end-of-life (EOL).

What does EOL mean?

For a Long-Term Version Ubuntu release, it will stop getting maintenance updates and security fixes.

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Check if you are using Ubuntu 18.04

If you don't know which Ubuntu version you are using, it's time to check it.

Open a terminal and use the following command:

lsb_release -a

If you see 18.04 or bionic in the output, you are using Ubuntu 18.04:

No LSB modules are available.
Distributor ID:	Ubuntu
Description:	Ubuntu 18.04.5 LTS
Release:	18.04
Codename:	bionic

What should you do now?

If you want to stick to Ubuntu 18.04, Canonical suggests you opt for Ubuntu Pro, which will extend support for Ubuntu 18.04 until April 2028.

📋
Remember that only x86, x64, and arm64 architectures are supported via Ubuntu Pro.

Ubuntu Pro includes the full security patching treatment thanks to Expanded Security Maintenance (ESM) with 24/7 phone and ticket support.

Fret not; there is a free plan for Ubuntu Pro if you need it for personal or non-commercial use, giving you 10 years of security updates from the date of its original release. In other words, you get five more years.

⚠️
Do note that you won't get 'feature updates' and you won't get the latest software version (from Ubuntu repositories) with Ubuntu Pro. It will keep your system running as it is by providing security and maintenance updates.

Otherwise, you could upgrade to the Ubuntu 20.04 LTS release or do a fresh install of Ubuntu 22.04 LTS if you want the latest and greatest Ubuntu LTS release,

Here's a handy guide to help you on your upgrade/reinstall journey.

How to Upgrade to Ubuntu 22.04 LTS from Ubuntu 20.04 LTS and 21.10
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If you do not have Ubuntu Pro and do not get extended maintenance updates, you should upgrade as soon as possible, else your system will remain vulnerable to security issues.

To summarize:

  • Ubuntu 18.04 is reaching end of life by 31st May 2023
  • Existing Ubuntu 18.04 users can stay with it by opting for free Ubuntu Pro subscription
  • Existing users may also upgrade to the next LTS, 20.04
  • The option to reinstall a fresh 22.04 version is also there but it will format your data

💬 Will you be upgrading or opting for a Ubuntu Pro subscription to get extended updates?

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