The first Ubuntu 22.04 LTS point release is now available for download, opening the gates for LTS to LTS upgrades
This point release combines all the bug fixes, app updates, and security patches released to date
Ubuntu 22.04.1 LTS combines all of the bug fixes, app updates, performance tweaks, and security patches rolled out to the “Jammy Jellyfish” since its April debut. The idea is that you can download this version and skip needing to fetch three-months worth of updates after installation.
But there’s another reason why the arrival of the first point release is a big deal: upgrades.
Starting today, users of Ubuntu 20.04 LTS will be notified that an upgrade to Ubuntu 22.04 LTS is available.
Prior to now, anyone on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS who wanted to upgrade to Ubuntu 22.04 LTS before the point release had to do so manually, using the command line. This is no longer necessary as, from now, it’s possible to upgrade from 20.04 LTS to 22.04 LTS directly.
Ubuntu 22.04 Point Release
The first point release in an LTS cycle doesn’t tend to offer any new features per se, though later point releases do include a newer Linux kernel.
But, assuming you’re interested in knowing what is different between 22.04 and 22.04.1 — remember: the video above covers what’s new between 20.04 and 22.04 — here are some of the most notable changes:
- Install media uses the new Ubuntu branding
- Installer slideshow updated to reflect current layout
- Updated NVIDIA graphics drivers
- LibreOffice point 7.3 point release
- Latest GNOME Shell 42 point release
- Native messaging support for Snaps
- Resolve memory leak when taking screenshots
- Network Manager 1.36
- Bug & security fixes
Additionally, Ubuntu 22.04.1 LTS will default to Wayland on hybrid systems with NVIDIA graphics drivers but default to Xorg for non-hybrid systems with NVIDIA graphics, though a Wayland option is available to select from the login screen cog menu.
If you want a short, to-the-point overview of what’s new in Ubuntu 22.04 LTS check out the video I made back in April:
Refer to the full changes summary for (a rather dizzying amount of) detail on these changes and more. Also take note of the Ubuntu security notices up July 31.
Do I need to upgrade if I already run Ubuntu 22.04 LTS?
No, you do not need to “upgrade” to “get” this release because, technically, you already have it! Provided you install any updates as and when released you are up to date. There are no major differences between the version you’re running and the version now available.
Is there a new kernel version?
Ubuntu 22.04.1 ships with the same Linux kernel and xserver as the initial release back in April, meaning Linux kernel 5.15.
Later Ubuntu point releases will include a new Hardware Enablement stack (HWE). This offers updated graphics drivers (handy if you’re a gamer) and a new Linux kernel version. Through this stack LTS releases are able to remain compatible with new hardware and technologies throughout its extended support period.
Ubuntu 22.04.2 is due next year and will feature a HWE derived from Ubuntu 22.10 (meaning Linux 5.19 or newer).
Download Ubuntu 22.04.1 Point Release
You can download the Ubuntu 22.04.1 ISO images from the Ubuntu release server page, or you can download the Ubuntu 22.04.1 LTS torrent to download the release and share it with other users at the same time.
You don’t have to download and reinstall; it’ll be possible to upgrade to Ubuntu 22.04.1 LTS from Ubuntu 20.04 LTS from today, though exactly when you will get the system upgrade prompt isn’t an exact science and could take days or sometimes even a few weeks to appear to everyone.