Updating Ubuntu 25.10: How to Upgrade Guide

Fri, 10/10/2025 - 10:45

Upgrading to Ubuntu 25.10, codenamed "Questing Quokka," is an important step in keeping your operating system secure and up to date. In this guide, we will walk you through the upgrade process, highlighting the necessary steps and providing helpful tips.

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Ubuntu 25.10 features

Version 25.10 was released on October 9, 2025. It will be supported until July 2026.
This new version introduces many new features to the entire operating system:

New Default Applications:
- Ptyxis: A new terminal emulator that replaces GNOME Terminal.
- Loupe: A new image viewer that replaces "Eye of GNOME."
System and Security Updates:
- Sudo-rs: The Rust-based implementation replaces the traditional version, offering greater security. sudo based on Rust replaces the traditional version, offering greater security.
- Dracut: Replaces initramfs-tools for initramfs generation, with a more modern and modular approach.
- Disk Encryption: Improvements to experimental full disk encryption based on TPM.
- Chrony: This is the new default NTP (Network Time Protocol) client.
Desktop and User Interface:
- GNOME 49: The new version of the GNOME desktop environment.
- Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) Support: For a smoother visual experience, especially for gamers.
- Wayland improvements on Nvidia: A more polished experience for users with Nvidia GPUs.
- Yaru Theme: Continues its evolution to align with the new features in GNOME 49.
- New Accessibility Menu: Added to the login screen.
Kernel and Development:
- Linux Kernel 6.17: Offers expanded hardware support and performance improvements.
- Updated Toolchain: Includes GCC 15.2, Python 3.13, LLVM 20, and other technologies for developers.
- Apt History: The apt history-list and apt history-info will provide greater control over system packages.

System Requirements

Ubuntu 25.10 minimum requirements

Processor: 2 GHz dual-core x86
RAM: 2 GiB
Disk space: 25 GiB
Video card: 3D video acceleration, 1024x768 resolution, 128 MiB of memory

Ubuntu 25.10 recommended requirements

Processor: 2 GHz dual-core x86
RAM: 4 GiB
Disk space: 25 GiB
Video card: 3D video acceleration, 1280x1024 resolution, 256 MiB of memory

Preparing for the update

Before proceeding with the update, it is essential to carry out some preparations:

Data backup: Make sure you perform a full backup of your important data. You can follow the official backup guide for detailed instructions.
Check disk space: Check that you have enough disk space to install the upgrade.
Update your current system: Before upgrading to Ubuntu 25.10, make sure your current system is up to date. You can do this with the following commands:
```
sudo apt update
```
```
sudo apt upgrade
```

Upgrade procedure to Ubuntu 25.10

Follow these steps to upgrade to Ubuntu 25.10:

Open the terminal: You can do this by searching for "Terminal" in the application menu.
Install the upgrade software
```
sudo apt install update-manager-core
```
Edit the file /etc/update-manager/release-upgrades
```
sudo nano /etc/update-manager/release-upgrades
```
Make sure there is a line that reads as follows. If it is different or missing, add it and save the file
```
Prompt=normal
```
Start the upgrade: Run the following command in the terminal
```
sudo do-release-upgrade
```
Follow the instructions: During the upgrade process, follow the instructions on the screen. You will need to confirm some actions.
Restart the system: Once the upgrade is complete, restart your computer to apply the changes.

Common problems and solutions

You may encounter some issues during the upgrade. Here are some common solutions:

Insufficient disk space: Remove unnecessary files or packages to free up space.
Network error: Check your Internet connection and try again.
Blocked packages: Use the command sudo dpkg --configure -a command to resolve any unconfigured packages.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I cancel the update if I start experiencing problems?

A: Yes, you can stop the update, but you may need to repair the system afterwards.

Q: Is a backup necessary before the update?

A: Yes, a backup is essential to avoid data loss. In the case of a virtual machine, a snapshot before the upgrade can make recovery immediate.

Q: Where can I download Ubuntu 25.10?

A: You can download images .iso of all versions from this link to the official Ubuntu image repository.

Q: Can I upgrade directly from Ubuntu 24.10 to 25.10?

A: If you are still using an older version, it is best to upgrade to Ubuntu 25.04 first before moving to 25.10. This ensures compatibility and reduces the chances of system errors during the upgrade.

Conclusion

Upgrading to Ubuntu 25.10 is a relatively simple process, but it requires attention and preparation. Be sure to follow the steps outlined and proactively resolve any issues. If you need help, try our professional Ubuntu server consulting services. Now 30 minutes free!

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