Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS “Noble Numbat” Released with Linux Kernel 6.17 — Here’s What’s New

Six months after the launch of Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS, the Ubuntu team has officially rolled out Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS, codenamed “Noble Numbat.” This latest maintenance release arrives packed with the latest Linux kernel 6.17, a suite of security patches, and critical bug fixes—solidifying Ubuntu’s reputation as a rock-solid, enterprise-ready operating system.

This update is the fourth maintenance release in the Noble Numbat series, which debuted back in April 2024. While it doesn’t introduce flashy new features for everyday users, it serves a crucial role: reinforcing system stability, enhancing security, and ensuring compatibility with the latest hardware.

Under the Hood: What’s Actually Updated?

Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS is all about refinement. The core update centers around Linux kernel 6.17, which brings improved hardware support, better performance for modern processors, and enhanced security measures. The update also bundles a collection of cumulative fixes since the original 24.04 release, ensuring users benefit from the latest patches and optimizations.

Key updated packages include:

• Linux Kernel 6.17: Improved hardware detection, better performance tuning, and updated drivers.
• Security Patches: Addressing vulnerabilities discovered since the last LTS release.
• Bug Fixes: Resolving issues reported by the Ubuntu community, ensuring a smoother experience.
• Updated Drivers: Enhanced support for newer GPUs, network adapters, and peripherals.

This maintenance release is particularly significant for enterprise users and long-term deployments, where stability and security are paramount.

How to Upgrade

For current Ubuntu 24.04 LTS users, upgrading to 24.04.4 is seamless. Simply open your terminal and run:

bash
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

The update manager will fetch the latest packages, apply the necessary fixes, and reboot your system—no clean install required.

If you’re setting up a new system, Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS ISO images are available for download on the official Ubuntu releases page. Whether you’re installing on a personal laptop, a corporate server, or a cloud instance, this release ensures you’re running the most secure and stable version available.

All Flavors Updated

Ubuntu’s ecosystem is vast, and this update touches every official flavor:

• Kubuntu (KDE Plasma)
• Ubuntu Budgie (Budgie Desktop)
• Ubuntu MATE (MATE Desktop)
• Lubuntu (LXQt Desktop)
• Ubuntu Kylin (China-focused)
• Ubuntu Studio (Multimedia creation)
• Xubuntu (XFCE Desktop)
• Edubuntu (Educational tools)
• Ubuntu Cinnamon (Cinnamon Desktop)

Each flavor has been updated to version 24.04.4, ensuring consistency and security across the entire Ubuntu family.

Long-Term Support: Five Years of Updates

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS “Noble Numbat” comes with five years of standard support, meaning security updates and maintenance patches will be provided until April 2029. For organizations requiring even longer coverage, the Ubuntu Pro add-on extends support to April 2034, with a final set of critical patches available until April 2036.

This extended support model makes Ubuntu an ideal choice for businesses, governments, and educational institutions that demand reliability and longevity from their operating systems.

Why This Release Matters

While Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS may not introduce headline-grabbing new features, its importance cannot be overstated. In the world of Linux distributions, maintenance releases are the unsung heroes—quietly ensuring that millions of systems remain secure, stable, and performant.

For developers, this release means access to the latest kernel improvements and hardware support. For sysadmins, it’s a reassurance that their infrastructure is protected against emerging threats. And for everyday users, it translates to a smoother, more reliable computing experience.

Final Thoughts

Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS “Noble Numbat” is a testament to Canonical’s commitment to delivering a world-class Linux distribution. By focusing on security, stability, and long-term support, this release reinforces Ubuntu’s position as the go-to choice for both personal and professional use.

Whether you’re upgrading from a previous LTS version or performing a fresh installation, Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS offers a robust, secure, and future-proof platform for all your computing needs.

Tags: Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS, Noble Numbat, Linux kernel 6.17, Ubuntu release, LTS update, Ubuntu maintenance, Ubuntu security, Canonical Ubuntu, Ubuntu upgrade, Ubuntu download, Ubuntu flavors, Ubuntu Pro, Ubuntu support, Linux distribution, Ubuntu 2024

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