Brand new Ubuntu 20.04 LTS is released. Here’s what’s new.
Canonical announced the immediate release of its flagship desktop and enterprise operating system Ubuntu 20.04. This Ubuntu 20.04 is a long term support release and users will get support and security updates till April 2025.
Ubuntu 20.04 LTS code-named “Focal Fossa” is in the news for several weeks with its beta release earlier and it looks like a rock solid release as feedback received from across the world.
Ubuntu 20.04 is immediately available for download as the desktop, server, and of course all dependent Ubuntu flavors such as lubuntu, xubuntu, Kubuntu, etc. Check out the download links at the end of this page.
This release brings some of the long-pending and requested changes off the shelf. Here’s a glance at the new features.
Table of Contents
Ubuntu 20.04 LTS – What’s New
Ubuntu 20.04 LTS is powered by Linux 5.4 kernel version. Kernel 5.4 brings improved hardware support, secure VPN technology WireGuard support, Livepatch support as well which brings you reboot-free kernel updates which is a game-changer for Servers running Ubuntu 20.04.
When you install Ubuntu 20.04, the first thing you would notice is the faster response time of GNOME 3.36 desktop environment. A lot of work went into the core of GNOME Shell to improve the end-user experience.
With Ubuntu 20.04, you can now enjoy fractional scaling with High-resolution monitors, displays. It features scaling percentages in settings with options – 100%, 125%, 150%, 175% and 200%. Now you do not need to run some tweak commands in GNOME to enable it as it is available by default.
The login and lock screen is completely revamped with a nice and clean look; a bit of modern as well. The desktop environment option went to the right bottom section where you can choose between ‘Ubuntu’, ‘Ubuntu on Wayland’ options, etc.
Ubuntu 20.04 brings built-in dark mode with changes to its default theme. Folder icons moved away from a traditional orange color to dark grey. Three Window colors are available – Light, Standard, and Dark. You can select via Settings -> Appearance section.
Download ubuntu 20.04
Head over to the below link to get the latest ISO image of Ubuntu 20.04 LTS desktop and server.
Download the ISO and create a bootable USB stick to fire off the Focal Fossa. If you are Windows users, considering a dual boot system with Ubuntu – check out our guide here.
Other Ubuntu Flavors Download
- Download Kubuntu 20.04
- Download xubuntu 20.04
- Download lubuntu 20.04
- Download Ubuntu Budgie 20.04
- Download Ubuntu Kylin
- Download Ubuntu MATE
- Download Ubuntu Studio
Update to Ubuntu 20.04 from Ubuntu 18.04 and Ubuntu 19.10
If you are running Ubuntu 18.04 LTS, you will not see an automatic prompt to upgrade to 20.04 until the first point release of Focal Fossa i.e. 20.04.1 until July 2020.
So, if you want to force it, open Software and Updates, go to Updates tab, and change “notify me of new ubuntu version” to “any new version”.
And you should receive a prompt for the upgrade. follow the upgrade process as instructed on the screen.
If you are running Ubuntu 19.10, the built-in Ubuntu Software Updater tool will prompt you that a new stable version of Ubuntu is available.
The prompt appearance depends on several reasons, in case it is not coming up. So wait for a day or two after release and you should get the option to upgrade. Check out the Detailed Upgrade Guide for Ubuntu 20.04 LTS.
Also, read our detailed tutorials and updates on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS “Focal Fossa”:
