Retirement: Canonical Ubuntu 20.04 LTS Reaching End of Standard Support on May 31, 2025

We’re announcing the upcoming end of standard support for Ubuntu 20.04 LTS on May 31, 2025, as we focus on delivering a more secure and optimized Linux experience.  You can continue using your existing virtual machines, but after this date, security feature, and maintenance updates will no longer be provided by Canonical, which may impact system security and reliability  

Recommended action  

Take action before May 31, 2025, to stay on a supported operating system. Microsoft recommends migrating to the next Ubuntu LTS release or upgrading to Ubuntu Pro for extended security and maintenance from Canonical.  

 Upgrading to Ubuntu 22.04 LTS or Ubuntu 24.04  LTS

While there’s no direct upgrade path from Ubuntu 20.04 LTS to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, you can directly upgrade to Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, and then to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, or directly install Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.  

Please refer to the Ubuntu Server upgrade guide for detailed, step-by-step instructions.  

Ubuntu Pro – Extended Security Maintenance to 2030  

New virtual machines can be deployed with Ubuntu Pro from the Azure Marketplace. You can also upgrade existing virtual machines to Ubuntu Pro by purchasing directly from Canonical.  

Learn more:   

• Read the blog.   
• Refer to the documentation