Seamlessly Upgrade Your Ubuntu 18.04 LTS VMs: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

Applies to: ✔️ Linux VMs

Canonical Ubuntu 18.04 LTS, codenamed “Bionic Beaver,” officially reached its End of Standard Support (EOSS) on May 31, 2023. This critical milestone signifies that standard security updates, bug fixes, and maintenance updates are no longer provided by Canonical for this operating system version. While existing Azure Linux virtual machines (VMs) running Ubuntu 18.04 LTS will continue to function, they are exposed to significant risks without ongoing support. Organizations must take proactive steps to mitigate these vulnerabilities and ensure the long-term stability and security of their infrastructure.

The implications of running an unsupported operating system are substantial. Without regular security patches, your VMs become prime targets for cyberattacks, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, or service disruptions. Furthermore, a lack of ongoing maintenance updates can lead to software incompatibilities, performance degradation, and an inability to leverage the latest hardware capabilities. Therefore, a strategic approach to either migrating to a newer Ubuntu LTS release or upgrading to Ubuntu Pro is highly recommended to maintain robust and secure operations.

The Criticality of Timely OS Upgrades¶

Ignoring End of Life (EOL) announcements for operating systems can have severe repercussions for any organization. Beyond the immediate security concerns, running outdated software can lead to compliance failures, particularly for industries governed by strict regulatory standards. Auditors often require systems to be on supported software versions to pass security assessments. This situation makes it imperative to have a clear strategy for managing OS lifecycles.

Moreover, unsupported systems often face limitations in software compatibility. Newer applications, development tools, and libraries are typically built and tested against more recent OS versions, meaning that older systems may struggle to run modern workloads efficiently or at all. This can hinder innovation and force organizations to maintain legacy infrastructure, incurring higher operational costs and technical debt. Proactive upgrades are not just about security; they are about maintaining a competitive edge and ensuring the agility of your IT environment.

Understanding Ubuntu LTS and EOL¶

Ubuntu’s Long Term Support (LTS) releases are designed for stability and enterprise deployments, offering a five-year support window for the main archive. This extended period provides a predictable lifecycle, allowing businesses ample time to plan and execute upgrades. However, once this five-year period concludes, the version reaches EOSS, meaning Canonical’s standard support ceases.

For Ubuntu 18.04 LTS, this EOSS date of May 31, 2023, marks a definitive end to free public security updates. Continuing to use 18.04 LTS past this date without an Extended Security Maintenance (ESM) plan means foregoing essential protections against newly discovered vulnerabilities. This understanding is crucial for any organization relying on Ubuntu 18.04 LTS for its critical workloads, as it necessitates immediate action to either upgrade or transition to a paid support offering.

Option 1: Migrating to Newer LTS Releases (Ubuntu 20.04 LTS or Ubuntu 22.04 LTS)¶

Upgrading your Ubuntu VMs to a newer Long Term Support release, such as Ubuntu 20.04 LTS (“Focal Fossa”) or Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (“Jammy Jellyfish”), is a highly recommended path. These newer versions bring a host of benefits, including significant performance improvements, enhanced hardware enablement, and access to cutting-edge technologies. This transition allows your infrastructure to leverage modern kernels, updated software packages, and a more secure default configuration, ensuring your applications run optimally and securely.

While the advantages are clear, it’s important to recognize that such a transition can be complex, especially for existing, production deployments. There is no direct upgrade path from Ubuntu 18.04 LTS to Ubuntu 22.04 LTS; a phased approach is required. Users must first upgrade from 18.04 LTS to 20.04 LTS, and then subsequently from 20.04 LTS to 22.04 LTS. Alternatively, for completely new deployments or major infrastructure overhauls, a direct installation of Ubuntu 22.04 LTS is an option, followed by migration of applications and data. Proper scoping and thorough testing with your specific workloads are paramount to ensure a smooth and successful upgrade process.

Benefits of Newer LTS Versions¶

Transitioning to a newer LTS version of Ubuntu offers a multitude of advantages that directly impact the performance, security, and maintainability of your VM environment. These upgrades are not merely incremental; they represent significant advancements across the entire operating system stack.

• Enhanced Performance: Newer kernels, optimized compilers (like GCC 9/11 in 20.04/22.04 respectively), and updated libraries contribute to notable performance gains. Applications often run faster, resource utilization is more efficient, and system responsiveness improves. This can translate to reduced operational costs and better user experiences.
• Improved Hardware Enablement: Each new LTS release provides support for the latest hardware components, including newer CPUs, GPUs, network cards, and storage devices. This is especially beneficial for VMs that might be running on newer underlying host hardware, ensuring optimal driver support and compatibility. Access to modern hardware features can unlock new capabilities and efficiencies for your workloads.
• Advanced Security Features: Security is continuously evolving, and newer Ubuntu LTS releases incorporate the latest security enhancements. This includes updated cryptographic libraries, stricter default security policies, improved firewall capabilities, and ongoing vulnerability patches for thousands of packages. Staying current significantly reduces your attack surface and improves your overall security posture.
• Access to Modern Software and Libraries: Newer LTS versions provide more recent versions of popular programming languages (Python, PHP, Ruby, Node.js), databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL), and development tools. This allows developers to utilize the latest features, improvements, and bug fixes in their software, fostering innovation and reducing technical debt. Compatibility with contemporary frameworks and applications is greatly enhanced.
• Longer Support Cycles: By upgrading to Ubuntu 20.04 LTS (supported until April 2025 for standard support, 2030 with ESM) or Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (supported until April 2027 for standard support, 2032 with ESM), you gain a refreshed support window. This provides ample time to plan future upgrades and ensures your systems remain under active maintenance for an extended period, reducing the frequency of critical upgrade cycles.

The Upgrade Process: A Step-by-Step Overview (Conceptual)¶

A successful operating system upgrade, especially in a VM environment, requires meticulous planning and execution. While specific commands vary, the general workflow remains consistent.

Preparation Phase¶

The preparation phase is arguably the most critical part of any major OS upgrade. Skipping steps here can lead to significant downtime and data loss.

• Comprehensive Backup and Snapshotting: Before initiating any upgrade, create full backups of all critical data and take snapshots of your VMs. Azure’s snapshot capabilities are invaluable here, providing a quick rollback point if issues arise. Ensure your backup solution is tested and recoverable.
• Documentation and Inventory: Thoroughly document your current system’s configuration, including installed packages, custom configurations, network settings, and application dependencies. An inventory of running services and their requirements will be essential for post-upgrade verification.
• Test Environment Setup: Never perform a major OS upgrade directly on production systems. Create an identical test environment that mirrors your production setup. This allows you to identify potential issues, test applications, and refine your upgrade process without impacting live services.
• Dependency Checks: Identify any software or custom scripts that have specific dependencies on Ubuntu 18.04 libraries or versions. Research compatibility with 20.04 LTS and 22.04 LTS and plan for necessary updates or migrations of these components.
• Communication with Stakeholders: Inform all relevant stakeholders about the planned upgrade, potential downtime, and expected outcomes. Clear communication ensures everyone is aware and can plan accordingly.

Pre-Upgrade Checks¶

Before starting the upgrade tool, several checks should be performed to ensure the system is in a healthy state.

• System Health Verification: Use tools like systemctl to check the status of all services and dmesg to look for kernel errors. Resolve any existing system issues before proceeding.
• Disk Space Verification: Ensure sufficient free disk space for the upgrade process, typically several gigabytes, to download new packages and expand files. Insufficient space is a common cause of failed upgrades.
• Network Connectivity: Verify stable network connectivity to Ubuntu repositories. Slow or unreliable connections can corrupt package downloads and lead to incomplete upgrades.
• Package Consistency: Use apt check or dpkg --audit to identify any broken packages or unmet dependencies. Resolve these inconsistencies prior to starting the upgrade to prevent conflicts.

The Phased Approach (18.04 -> 20.04 -> 22.04)¶

As previously mentioned, a direct upgrade from 18.04 LTS to 22.04 LTS is not supported. The recommended path involves two distinct upgrade steps:

1. Upgrade 18.04 LTS to 20.04 LTS: This first major version jump involves significant changes to core libraries, dependencies, and system configurations. It’s crucial to address any prompts from the upgrade utility about configuration file changes, opting to review or keep existing ones carefully.
2. Upgrade 20.04 LTS to 22.04 LTS: Once 20.04 LTS is stable and verified, the process is repeated to move to 22.04 LTS. Each step allows the system to correctly resolve dependencies and apply necessary changes incrementally, reducing the risk of critical failures.

Each stage of the upgrade should be thoroughly tested and validated before proceeding to the next.

Post-Upgrade Verification¶

After the upgrade process completes, extensive verification is essential to ensure everything is functioning as expected.

• Application and Service Testing: Methodically test all critical applications and services running on the VM. Verify their functionality, performance, and data integrity.
• Network Configuration Check: Confirm network connectivity, DNS resolution, and firewall rules are correct and functional.
• Log Review: Examine system logs (/var/log/syslog, journalctl) for any errors or warnings that occurred during or after the upgrade.
• User Acceptance Testing (UAT): Involve end-users or application owners in testing to ensure their workflows are unaffected.

Rollback Strategy¶

Despite meticulous planning, issues can still arise. Having a well-defined rollback strategy is crucial. The VM snapshots taken during the preparation phase are your primary line of defense. If an issue cannot be quickly resolved post-upgrade, rolling back to the snapshot allows you to restore the system to its pre-upgrade state, minimizing downtime.

Considerations for VM Environments¶

Upgrading operating systems within a virtual machine environment introduces specific considerations that must be addressed for a successful outcome. Azure VMs, while providing a robust platform, require careful attention during OS upgrades.

• Disk Space Management: Ensure the virtual disk has adequate free space not only for the upgrade packages but also for temporary files and any potential expansion of system partitions. Expanding a VM’s disk often requires a reboot.
• Network Configuration Persistence: Verify that network configurations, including static IPs, DNS settings, and network security group (NSG) rules, persist correctly across the upgrade. Occasionally, network interfaces might be re-enumerated, requiring re-configuration.
• Associated Azure Services: If your VM is integrated with other Azure services (e.g., Azure Backup, Azure Monitor, Azure Site Recovery, Managed Identities), confirm their agents and configurations remain functional post-upgrade. These agents may need updates or re-installation.
• Resource Scaling During Upgrade: For highly critical VMs, consider temporarily scaling up compute resources (vCPUs, RAM) during the upgrade process to expedite package compilation and installation, then scaling back down afterward. This can reduce the overall maintenance window.

Option 2: Transitioning to Ubuntu Pro for Extended Security Maintenance (ESM)¶

For organizations that cannot immediately undertake a full operating system upgrade, or for those with specific compliance or legacy application requirements, upgrading to Ubuntu Pro 18.04 LTS offers a compelling alternative. Ubuntu Pro extends the standard support period for Ubuntu LTS releases, providing continued security maintenance and a range of enterprise-grade features. This option buys valuable time for long-term planning while ensuring critical systems remain secure.

Ubuntu Pro for 18.04 LTS remains fully supported until April 2028, significantly extending its lifecycle beyond the standard EOSS date. This provides an additional five years of security updates for not just the core OS but also thousands of open-source applications and libraries that are often not covered by standard LTS support after EOSS. It’s a strategic choice for businesses needing more time to migrate complex workloads or those with applications tightly coupled to the 18.04 environment.

What is Ubuntu Pro?¶

Ubuntu Pro is Canonical’s enhanced offering designed for enterprise and mission-critical workloads, building upon the stability of Ubuntu LTS releases. It transforms a standard Ubuntu installation into a fully supported, compliance-focused platform. Beyond just extended security updates, Ubuntu Pro encompasses a suite of features that address key enterprise needs:

• Extended Security Maintenance (ESM): This is the flagship feature, providing security updates for the entire Ubuntu archive, including applications and libraries that go beyond the ‘main’ repository covered by standard LTS support. For 18.04 LTS, ESM extends support until April 2028.
• Kernel Livepatch: Allows for critical kernel security updates to be applied without requiring a reboot. This significantly reduces downtime for critical servers, ensuring continuous operation while maintaining a secure kernel.
• FIPS 140-2 Certification: Provides certified cryptographic modules, essential for government agencies and organizations that must comply with Federal Information Processing Standards.
• Common Criteria Certification: Offers an additional layer of assurance for high-security environments, demonstrating adherence to stringent security requirements.
• Compliance Tools: Includes tools and policies to help meet various industry and regulatory compliance standards, simplifying audit processes.
• 24/7 Telephone and Ticket Support: Optional full-time support from Canonical provides expert assistance, crucial for resolving complex issues quickly and efficiently.
• Landscape Integration: Seamlessly integrates with Canonical Landscape, an on-premise or cloud-hosted management tool for monitoring, managing, and patching large fleets of Ubuntu machines. This enhances operational efficiency and control.

Benefits of Ubuntu Pro for 18.04 LTS Users¶

For organizations currently running Ubuntu 18.04 LTS, adopting Ubuntu Pro offers several compelling benefits that directly address the challenges of EOSS.

• Continued Security: The most immediate and critical benefit is the continued stream of security updates. This ensures that your 18.04 LTS VMs are protected against newly discovered vulnerabilities, maintaining a strong security posture despite running an older base OS.
• Extended Lifecycle for Legacy Applications: If you have business-critical applications that are difficult or costly to migrate from Ubuntu 18.04 LTS, Ubuntu Pro provides a secure bridge. It allows these applications to continue running on a supported platform for several more years, giving your teams ample time to re-platform or modernize.
• Compliance Assurance: For industries with strict regulatory requirements, Ubuntu Pro’s ESM and compliance tooling help maintain certification and avoid penalties associated with running unsupported software. The FIPS and Common Criteria certifications are particularly valuable in regulated environments.
• Reduced Immediate Migration Pressure: By extending support, Ubuntu Pro alleviates the immediate pressure to perform a complex OS upgrade. This allows IT teams to prioritize other projects, stagger migrations, or thoroughly plan a multi-year modernization strategy without compromising security.
• Access to Canonical Support: With optional 24/7 support, organizations gain direct access to Canonical’s expertise, which can be invaluable for troubleshooting complex issues or seeking guidance on system optimization. This level of support goes beyond community forums and provides enterprise-grade assistance.

Deployment and Activation of Ubuntu Pro on Existing VMs¶

Activating Ubuntu Pro on your existing Ubuntu Server VMs (version 16.04 or higher) is a straightforward process, typically performed as an in-place upgrade. This minimizes disruption compared to a full OS migration.

• New Deployments from Azure Marketplace: For new VMs, you can directly deploy Ubuntu Pro images from the Azure Marketplace. These images come pre-configured with Ubuntu Pro capabilities, simplifying the setup process for new infrastructure.
• In-Place Upgrade for Existing VMs: For existing Ubuntu 18.04 LTS VMs, you can upgrade them to Ubuntu Pro directly within Azure. This involves attaching your VM to an Ubuntu Pro subscription and enabling the necessary services. The process typically requires a few commands to register your system with Ubuntu Advantage and enable ESM. This method allows you to convert an existing 18.04 VM into a fully supported Ubuntu Pro instance without reinstallation.
• Direct Purchase from Canonical: Organizations can also purchase Ubuntu Pro directly from Canonical. This might be preferable for large-scale deployments or complex environments that require specific licensing or support agreements beyond what is offered through cloud marketplaces. The activation process then involves using a Canonical token to register your machines.

Choosing Between a Full LTS Upgrade and Ubuntu Pro¶

The decision between a full LTS upgrade (to 20.04 or 22.04) and transitioning to Ubuntu Pro depends on several factors specific to your organization’s needs, resources, and risk tolerance. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, and a careful evaluation is necessary.

Feature	Full LTS Upgrade (to 20.04/22.04)	Ubuntu Pro (for 18.04 LTS)
Primary Goal	Modernization, performance, latest features, long-term stability	Extended security, compliance, stability for legacy systems
Effort/Complexity	High (phased upgrade, application compatibility testing)	Lower (in-place activation, minimal disruption)
Cost	Primarily internal resources for planning/execution; no direct OS cost	Subscription cost for Ubuntu Pro
Future-Proofing	Excellent (on latest supported LTS with new features)	Temporary solution (extends 18.04 lifecycle)
Performance Gains	Significant (newer kernel, compilers, libraries)	Minimal (same base OS)
Security Coverage	Full (standard LTS support for all packages)	Extended (ESM for full archive, beyond standard LTS)
Compliance	Easier with newer, actively supported OS	Enhanced with FIPS/Common Criteria, compliance tooling
Ideal For	Organizations embracing modernization, new application deployments	Critical legacy systems, regulated environments needing more time to plan

Consider these factors:

• Application Compatibility: How easily can your core applications run on a newer Ubuntu version? If major refactoring is required, Ubuntu Pro buys you time.
• Budget: Do you have the internal resources (staff time) for a complex upgrade project, or is a recurring subscription for extended support a better fit?
• Compliance Requirements: Are there strict regulatory requirements that necessitate certifications like FIPS 140-2 or extended security patches for all software? Ubuntu Pro provides these.
• Strategic Direction: Is your organization actively modernizing its infrastructure, or are there specific legacy systems that will remain on 18.04 for the foreseeable future?
• Downtime Tolerance: A full OS upgrade typically requires more downtime than activating Ubuntu Pro.

Best Practices for VM Upgrades¶

Regardless of the chosen path, adhering to best practices can significantly enhance the success rate and minimize risks during VM upgrades.

• Automate Where Possible: Leverage configuration management tools like Ansible, Puppet, or Chef to automate pre-checks, package installations, and post-upgrade verifications. Automation reduces human error and ensures consistency across multiple VMs.
• Leverage VM Snapshots Extensively: As mentioned, snapshots are your safety net. Take them before and after significant phases of the upgrade (e.g., before 18.04 to 20.04, then after successful 20.04 verification, then before 20.04 to 22.04).
• Utilize Test Environments: A dedicated, isolated test environment that mirrors production is non-negotiable. Simulate your full upgrade process here, identify issues, and refine your steps until they are robust.
• Implement Robust Monitoring: During the upgrade, actively monitor CPU, memory, disk I/O, and network activity. Post-upgrade, keep an eye on application performance, error logs, and system health metrics to catch any regressions quickly.
• Maintain Detailed Documentation: Document every step of your upgrade process, including commands executed, decisions made, issues encountered, and their resolutions. This creates a valuable knowledge base for future upgrades and troubleshooting.
• Communicate Effectively: Keep all stakeholders—IT teams, application owners, and end-users—informed throughout the entire process, from planning to post-upgrade verification. Communicate potential impacts, timelines, and status updates regularly.
• Plan for Rollback: Always have a clear, tested rollback plan. This provides a safety net if the upgrade fails or introduces critical issues that cannot be quickly resolved, allowing you to revert to a known good state.

Conclusion¶

The End of Standard Support for Ubuntu 18.04 LTS is a significant event that demands a proactive and well-planned response from all organizations utilizing these VMs. Failing to act can expose your systems to severe security risks, compliance violations, and operational inefficiencies. Whether you opt for a full migration to a newer Ubuntu LTS release to leverage modern features and performance, or choose Ubuntu Pro to extend security maintenance for your current 18.04 LTS environment, a strategic approach is vital.

Both paths offer distinct advantages, and the optimal choice depends on your specific operational context, application dependencies, budget, and long-term infrastructure strategy. By understanding the implications of EOL, carefully planning your upgrade path, and adhering to best practices, you can ensure your Ubuntu VMs remain secure, performant, and compliant for years to come. Investing in these upgrades is not just a technical necessity but a critical business imperative for maintaining a robust and resilient IT environment.

We hope this comprehensive guide assists you in navigating the upgrade process. What are your biggest concerns or challenges when planning OS upgrades in your VM environments? Share your thoughts and questions below!