The fifth (and final planned) point release of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is now available to download.
Ubuntu 24.04.5 LTS brings refreshed installation media (ISOs) that includes of the software updates, bug fixes and security patches released since the last ISO was produced. This cuts down on the number of updates that need to downloaded post-install.
This release also makes a change in how kernel firmware updates are delivered. Firmware has been split out into vendor-specific packages that can be independently updated, mirroring a change made in Ubuntu 26.04 LTS earlier this year.
More important than that, this release runs on a new hardware enablement (HWE) stack, back-ported from Ubuntu 26.04 LTS.
The 24.04.5 LTS HWE stack brings the Linux 7.0 kernel and Mesa 26.0 GPU drivers (plus some other key hardware-related packages) to those who need to install this version, and those who already run it – the HWE comes as a software update to existing users.
Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS was released a few weeks back. In most cases, that remains recommended LTS to download for anyone who needs a solid, reliable day-to-day desktop.
But those who, perhaps, want to keep running GNOME Shell on Xorg/X11 atop an Ubuntu base, or have need for specific packages in the noble archives, with the new ISOs offer an easy jump-on point.
The Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS release back in February boots from Linux kernel 6.17 and Mesa 25.2.8, so the latest HWE will deliver better support on newer hardware.
If you’re an existing user running 24.04 you don’t need to download and reinstall anything; the bulk of the packages and updates included in this new ISO were installed on over the past six months.
Ubuntu 24.04 users can upgrade to Ubuntu 26.04 LTS officially later this month.