Upgrading from Ubuntu 18.04 LTS to 19.04 to 19.10 Without Reinstalling Everything

Thank you for the A2A. If you are looking to upgrade your Ubuntu system from version 18.04 LTS to 19.10, you might be wondering whether a full reinstall is necessary. The good news is that you can transition smoothly without a complete reinstallation. This guide will walk you through the steps to upgrade your Ubuntu system gradually, via 18.10 and 19.04, along the way to 19.10.

Why Should You Consider Upgrading?

The short-term versions (18.10, 19.04) are designed for frequent updates and improvements, while the long-term support (LTS) version (18.04) offers stability and security updates for a longer period. Upgrading to these more recent versions ensures that your system has the latest packages, security fixes, and improved performance.

The Importance of LTS

Before making the upgrade, it's important to note that 18.04 LTS is the latest long-term support version until 20.04, which will be supported until April 2023. LTS releases are designed to last for a longer period, meaning you are safe with this version as long as you need a stable and reliable operating system. However, if you need more frequent updates and improvements, 19.10 is the way to go.

Steps to Upgrade Gradually

To ensure a smooth transition from 18.04 LTS to 19.10, follow these steps:

Step 1: Upgrade to 18.10

The first step is to upgrade from 18.04 LTS to 18.10, or 19.04. Start by opening the terminal and typing the following command to update your system:

sudo apt update; sudo apt upgrade

After the update is complete, use the following command to upgrade to 18.10:

sudo do-release-upgrade -d

This process can take some time, so be patient. Let the system handle the transition as smoothly as possible. Make sure to back up any important data before starting the upgrade.

Step 2: Upgrade to 19.04

Once you have successfully upgraded to 18.10, repeat the same process to upgrade to 19.04:

sudo do-release-upgrade -d

This step is essential to ensure that your system is up-to-date with the latest features and improvements. Again, the process may take some time, and you should allow the system to handle the upgrade.

Step 3: Final Upgrade to 19.10

Now that your system is running 19.04, it's time to upgrade to 19.10. Use the following command:

sudo do-release-upgrade -d

Once again, allow the system to handle the upgrade process. Afterward, restart your system to ensure all changes have taken effect. This final upgrade will bring your Ubuntu system up to the latest version without the need for a full reinstall.

Post-Upgrade Steps

Check for Missing Packages

After the upgrade, you might notice some missing packages or applications. You can check for these by using the command:

ubuntuordes missing-packages

If any packages are missing, you can reinstall them using the following command:

sudo apt install missing-package-name

Update Repositories

Ensure that your system's repositories are up-to-date by running:

sudo apt update

This will pull in the latest packages and dependencies, ensuring your system is fully functional.

Perform a Full System Check

To ensure everything is running smoothly, perform a full system check:

sudo apt full-upgrade

This command ensures that your system is fully upgraded and all dependencies are correct.

By following these steps, you can upgrade your Ubuntu system from 18.04 LTS to 19.10 without the need for a complete reinstall. This method is safe and reliable, providing you with a secure and up-to-date operating system. Remember to back up your data at every step to prevent any potential data loss during the upgrade process.