Install Ubuntu 26.04 LTS Resolute Raccoon?

Yes, you can install Ubuntu 26.04 LTS “Resolute Raccoon”, but it is not yet released. The final stable version is expected in April 2026, and until then you can only install the daily build or the beta if you accept the risks of pre-release software. This article explains what Ubuntu 26.04 LTS is, how to get it now, how to upgrade later, and what to watch out for.

Background: What Is Ubuntu 26.04 LTS?

Ubuntu releases a new version every six months, in April and October. Every two years, the April release is designated as a Long Term Support (LTS) version, which receives updates and security patches for five years (or up to 12 years with Ubuntu Pro). The next LTS is version 26.04, codenamed “Resolute Raccoon”. It will be based on the Debian testing branch and will use the GNOME desktop environment, similar to previous LTS releases like 24.04 “Noble Numbat” and 22.04 “Jammy Jellyfish”.

As of late 2025, the project is in its development cycle. The daily builds are available for testing, and the official beta is usually released about a month before the final version. The final stable release is scheduled for April 2026.

How to Get Ubuntu 26.04 LTS Now

If you want to install the development version, you can download the “daily build” from the official Ubuntu website. These images are generated every day from the latest code. Here are the steps:

Go to the Ubuntu website and find the “Development Builds” page (usually linked from the main download page).
Select “Ubuntu 26.04 LTS (Resolute Raccoon)” and download the ISO file.
Verify the checksum if you want to ensure the file is not corrupted (the SHA256SUMS file is provided).
Create a bootable USB drive using a tool like Rufus (Windows) or the Startup Disk Creator (Ubuntu).
Boot from the USB and choose “Try Ubuntu” or “Install Ubuntu”.

Be aware that the installer may change between now and the final release. If you install the beta, you will be able to upgrade to the stable release once it is out, without reinstalling.

System Requirements and Compatibility

Ubuntu 26.04 LTS is expected to have similar system requirements to 24.04 LTS. The official minimums are:

2 GHz dual-core processor (or better)
4 GB of RAM (8 GB recommended)
25 GB of free disk space (more if you install many applications)
Graphics card that supports 1024×768 resolution or higher

These are the same as for 24.04, so if your hardware runs 24.04, it should run 26.04. However, because it is a new kernel and newer drivers, some very new or very old hardware might have issues. It is a good idea to test the live environment before installing.

How to Upgrade from an Older Ubuntu Version

If you are currently running Ubuntu 24.04 or 25.10, you can upgrade to 26.04 when it is released. The upgrade path is:

From 25.10 (non-LTS) to 26.04 LTS: supported at release time.
From 24.04 LTS to 26.04 LTS: supported, but only after the first point release (usually August 2026). Ubuntu automatically prompts you when the upgrade is available.

To upgrade manually, open “Software & Updates”, go to the “Updates” tab, and set “Notify me of new Ubuntu versions” to “For long-term support versions”. Then run sudo do-release-upgrade in a terminal. Back up your data first, as with any major upgrade.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

Installing a development version comes with risks. Here are the most common issues and how to handle them:

Installer crashes – Try a different USB port or recreate the USB with a different tool. If the problem persists, report it on Launchpad.
Wi-Fi or graphics not working – The kernel may not have the latest drivers. Use a wired connection during installation, and check if the hardware is supported in the release notes.
System freezes or random reboots – This is common in pre-release software. Check the bug tracker for known issues, and consider waiting for the beta or final release.
Third-party software not compatible – Some proprietary drivers and applications (like NVIDIA drivers or certain VPNs) may not work with the new kernel. Check the vendor’s website for updates.

If you are not comfortable troubleshooting these issues, wait for the stable release.

What’s New in 26.04 LTS (Expected)

As of now, the feature list is not final, but based on the development cycle, you can expect:

Newer Linux kernel (likely 6.14 or later) with better hardware support.
Updated GNOME desktop (version 48 or 49) with performance improvements.
Newer versions of default applications like Firefox, LibreOffice, and the Ubuntu Software Center.
Improved installer (the new Flutter-based installer introduced in 24.04 will be more mature).
Possible changes to the default file system (ZFS or ext4, but no official decision yet).

These are expectations, not promises. The final feature set will be announced closer to release.

Should You Install It Now?

That depends on your situation:

If you are a developer or tester – Yes, install it in a virtual machine or on a spare computer to test your software and report bugs.
If you are a regular user – No, wait for the stable release in April 2026. Pre-release versions can have data loss, crashes, and security holes.
If you are a system administrator – Plan for the upgrade, but do not deploy it to production until the first point release (August 2026) is out.

If you decide to install it, always back up your data and keep a live USB of the current stable version handy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ubuntu 26.04 LTS free?

Yes, Ubuntu is free to download, use, and distribute. You can install it on as many computers as you want without paying anything. Canonical makes money from enterprise support and services, not from the OS itself.

Can I upgrade from 24.04 LTS to 26.04 LTS directly?

Yes, you can upgrade directly from 24.04 to 26.04, but only after the first point release (26.04.1) is available, which is usually in August 2026. The system will notify you when the upgrade is ready.

Will my Windows programs work on Ubuntu 26.04?

Not directly. You can run some Windows programs using Wine or a virtual machine, but it is not guaranteed. For most people, it is easier to find Linux alternatives or use web-based versions of the software.

How long will Ubuntu 26.04 be supported?

Standard LTS support is 5 years, until April 2031. With Ubuntu Pro (free for personal use on up to 5 machines), you can extend that to 10 years, until April 2036.

What is the difference between Ubuntu and Ubuntu Server?

Ubuntu Desktop includes the GNOME graphical interface and pre-installed applications. Ubuntu Server is designed for servers and does not include a graphical desktop by default. Both share the same base system and repositories, so you can install a desktop on a server later if you want.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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