Force Upgrading to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS Before Official Release

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, codenamed “Noble Numbat,” promises a host of new features and improvements over its predecessor, Ubuntu 22.04 LTS “Jammy Jellyfish.” While the official release is still pending, eager users can force an early upgrade using a method involving a temporary local server. However, this process requires caution and comes with potential risks.

Disclaimer: Force upgrading before the official release can introduce instability, bugs, and compatibility issues. Proceed at your own risk, and ensure you have a comprehensive backup of your system before attempting this.

Understanding the Versions

• Ubuntu 22.04 LTS “Jammy Jellyfish”: This Long-Term Support release provides stability and security updates until 2027. It’s a reliable choice for users who prioritize stability over bleeding-edge features.
• Ubuntu 24.04 LTS “Noble Numbat”: This upcoming LTS release aims to introduce performance enhancements, updated software, and a refreshed user interface. However, early versions might have undiscovered issues.

Prerequisites

• Backup: Create a complete backup of your system. This can be done using tools like Timeshift or Déjà Dup, borg, duplicati etc.
• Updates: Ensure your current Ubuntu 22.04 system is fully updated. Run sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade to fetch and install the latest packages.
• Understanding: Familiarize yourself with the risks associated with early upgrades and have a plan in case of problems.

The Upgrade Process

Create a Fake Release File – Open a terminal and run the following commands:

mkdir /tmp/ubuntu-release-meta
cd /tmp/ubuntu-release-meta
nano /tmp/ubuntu-release-meta
# or vim or emacs or whatever you like

add the following text to it:

Dist: jammy
Name: Jammy Jellyfish
Version: 22.04.3 LTS
Date: Thu, 21 April 2022 22:04:00 UTC
Supported: 1
Description: This is the 22.04.3 LTS release
Release-File: http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/dists/jammy-updates/Release
ReleaseNotes: http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/dists/jammy-updates/main/dist-upgrader-all/current/ReleaseAnnouncement
ReleaseNotesHtml: http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/dists/jammy-updates/main/dist-upgrader-all/current/ReleaseAnnouncement.html
UpgradeTool: http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/dists/jammy-updates/main/dist-upgrader-all/current/jammy.tar.gz
UpgradeToolSignature: http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/dists/jammy-updates/main/dist-upgrader-all/current/jammy.tar.gz.gpg


Dist: noble
Name: Noble Numbat
Version: 24.04 LTS
Date: Thu, 25 May 2024 22:04:00 UTC
Supported: 1
Description: This is the 24.04 LTS release
Release-File: http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/dists/noble/Release
ReleaseNotes: http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/dists/noble/main/dist-upgrader-all/current/ReleaseAnnouncement
ReleaseNotesHtml: http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/dists/noble/main/dist-upgrader-all/current/ReleaseAnnouncement.html
UpgradeTool: http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/dists/noble/main/dist-upgrader-all/current/noble.tar.gz
UpgradeToolSignature: http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/dists/noble/main/dist-upgrader-all/current/noble.tar.gz.gpg

Start a Local python http web server:

python3 -m http.server

IN A NEW TERMINAL: Modify Update Manager and point it to the new update definition we just set up:

sudo nano /etc/update-manager/meta-release

Set it to the new LTS location:

#URI_LTS = https://changelogs.ubuntu.com/meta-release-lts
URI_LTS = http://127.0.0.1:8000/meta-release-lts

Initiate Upgrade in the new terminal:

sudo do-release-upgrade

Follow the on-screen instructions. The upgrade process may take a while.

Post-Upgrade Cleanup

1. Restore Original meta-release File: Revert the changes made to /etc/update-manager/meta-release.
2. Remove Temporary Files: Delete the /tmp/fake-ubuntu-release-meta directory.
3. Update and Cleanup: Run sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade && sudo apt autoremove to ensure all packages are up-to-date and remove unnecessary ones.
4. Re-enable third party sources in /etc/apt/sources.list.d

General Tips

• Patience: The upgrade process may take time, so be patient.
• Internet Connection: Ensure you have a stable internet connection throughout the process.
• Troubleshooting: If you encounter issues, consult the official Ubuntu forums and documentation for help.

Remember: Early upgrades always carry risks. Proceed with caution and be prepared for potential problems.