Seamlessly Upgrading Ubuntu 20.04 to 22.04 on ava.hosting

Keeping your Ubuntu system up to date is vital for accessing the latest features, security patches, and performance boosts, whether you’re managing a personal project or a robust application. Upgrading from Ubuntu 20.04 to 22.04 brings enhanced stability, modern software, and extended support, ensuring your system thrives in demanding environments. For example, upgrading your ava.hosting-hosted web server can improve compatibility with the latest PHP versions, boosting your site’s performance. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step process to transition smoothly to Ubuntu 22.04, leveraging ava.hosting’s reliable infrastructure for a hassle-free upgrade.

Prerequisites

  • A Ubuntu 20.04 system with root access.

  • At least 2 GB RAM and 10 GB free disk space.

  • A stable internet connection.

  • Access to ava.hosting’s control panel for snapshots (if applicable).

Step 1: Backup Your Data

Before starting the upgrade process, it is essential to create a full backup of your important files and system settings.

tar -czvf backup.tar.gz /home/user/

Additionally, if your system is running on a cloud platform, consider taking a snapshot for quick recovery.

Step 2: Update Your Current System

Ensure that your Ubuntu 20.04 system is fully updated before upgrading.

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Remove unnecessary dependencies:

sudo apt autoremove

Step 3: Install the Update Manager

The update-manager-core package is required for upgrading between Ubuntu versions. Ensure it is installed:

sudo apt install update-manager-core

Step 4: Start the Upgrade Process

Once the system is up to date, begin the upgrade process by running:

sudo do-release-upgrade -d

The -d flag ensures that Ubuntu checks for new development releases if the upgrade is not yet detected as stable.

Step 5: Follow the On-Screen Prompts

During the upgrade process, you will receive prompts to confirm package upgrades and resolve configuration file changes. Select “Yes” or “Keep Existing” based on your preference.

If any services require a restart, choose the option to allow automatic restarts when prompted.

Step 6: Reboot the System

After the upgrade process completes, reboot your system to finalize the changes:

sudo reboot

Step 7: Verify the Upgrade

Once the system restarts, check the Ubuntu version to confirm the upgrade:

lsb_release -a

It should display:

Distributor ID: Ubuntu
Description:    Ubuntu 22.04 LTS

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Upgrade Not Available?

If the upgrade is not detected, ensure that the /etc/update-manager/release-upgrades file is set to Prompt=lts:

sudo nano /etc/update-manager/release-upgrades

2. System Boot Issues?

If the system fails to boot after the upgrade, access the GRUB menu and select an older kernel version to boot into the system, then troubleshoot from there.

Conclusion

Upgrading from Ubuntu 20.04 to 22.04 unlocks enhanced security, performance, and long-term support, making it a smart move. Whether you’re running a WordPress site or a custom application, this upgrade ensures compatibility and efficiency. For instance, you might upgrade to leverage Ubuntu 22.04’s improved PHP 8 support for your ava.hosting-hosted e-commerce platform or enhance security for a database server. By following these steps and utilizing ava.hosting’s reliable infrastructure, including their snapshot and control panel tools, you can execute a smooth, worry-free upgrade, keeping your system modern and secure.