Extended Security Maintenance (ESM) for Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, also known as Focal Fossa, commenced on May 29, 2025, following the conclusion of its standard support period. During the standard support phase, which lasted five years from its release on March 23, 2020, Ubuntu provided regular security updates and critical fixes. However, as of May 29, 2025, no further package updates will be accepted into the primary archive for Ubuntu 20.04 LTS.
Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, offers ESM exclusively to users who subscribe to Ubuntu Pro, ensuring that they continue to receive essential security updates and fixes despite the end of standard support. Users are encouraged to assess their systems and transition to the newer LTS versions, specifically Ubuntu 22.04 LTS or the latest 24.04 LTS, both of which are currently under active support and receiving updates.
For those unable to upgrade immediately, Canonical provides guidance through their various resources, including upgrade instructions and additional information about Ubuntu Pro. Users can find details about the upgrade paths and support at the provided links to official Ubuntu documentation.
Since its inception in 2004, Ubuntu has grown to become one of the most popular Linux distributions, utilized by millions across various sectors, including education, business, and government. It is an open-source platform, allowing users the freedom to customize their software to meet individual needs.
As Ubuntu continues to evolve, the release team underscores the importance of staying updated with the latest versions to benefit from ongoing security measures and support.
Extension:
Looking ahead, users are advised to stay informed about upcoming releases and the associated support timelines. Canonical typically announces new LTS versions every two years, and it is crucial for organizations and individual users to plan their upgrades accordingly to avoid security vulnerabilities that may arise from using unsupported software. Additionally, subscribing to the ubuntu-security-announce mailing list can ensure users receive timely notifications about security updates and critical patches for their systems. As the landscape of software security continues to evolve, maintaining an updated environment will be key to protecting sensitive data and maintaining operational efficiency
Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, offers ESM exclusively to users who subscribe to Ubuntu Pro, ensuring that they continue to receive essential security updates and fixes despite the end of standard support. Users are encouraged to assess their systems and transition to the newer LTS versions, specifically Ubuntu 22.04 LTS or the latest 24.04 LTS, both of which are currently under active support and receiving updates.
For those unable to upgrade immediately, Canonical provides guidance through their various resources, including upgrade instructions and additional information about Ubuntu Pro. Users can find details about the upgrade paths and support at the provided links to official Ubuntu documentation.
Since its inception in 2004, Ubuntu has grown to become one of the most popular Linux distributions, utilized by millions across various sectors, including education, business, and government. It is an open-source platform, allowing users the freedom to customize their software to meet individual needs.
As Ubuntu continues to evolve, the release team underscores the importance of staying updated with the latest versions to benefit from ongoing security measures and support.
Extension:
Looking ahead, users are advised to stay informed about upcoming releases and the associated support timelines. Canonical typically announces new LTS versions every two years, and it is crucial for organizations and individual users to plan their upgrades accordingly to avoid security vulnerabilities that may arise from using unsupported software. Additionally, subscribing to the ubuntu-security-announce mailing list can ensure users receive timely notifications about security updates and critical patches for their systems. As the landscape of software security continues to evolve, maintaining an updated environment will be key to protecting sensitive data and maintaining operational efficiency
Extended Security Maintenance for Ubuntu 20.04 (Focal Fossa) began on May 29, 2025
The standard support for Ubuntu 20.04 LTS concluded on May 29, 2025, and no further package updates will be accepted into the primary archive. Canonical offers Extended Security Maintenance for Ubuntu 20.04 LTS to users subscribed to Ubuntu Pro. Ubuntu 20.04 LTS is dedicated to providing continuous security updates and essential fixes for a period of five years. Users are advised to assess and transition to the latest 24.04 LTS release from 22.04 LTS. Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and 24.04 LTS remain under active support, receiving security updates and bug fixes. Canonical offers Extended Security Maintenance for Ubuntu 20.04 LTS to its customers via Ubuntu Pro.
