The much-anticipated Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS has arrived, bringing the brand-new COSMIC desktop environment to users worldwide. If you’re currently running Pop!_OS 22.04 LTS, you’re probably eager to experience the next generation of this popular Linux distribution. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire upgrade process, ensuring a smooth transition to the latest version.
What’s New in Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS?
Before diving into the upgrade process, let’s explore what makes Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS special:
COSMIC Desktop Environment:
The highlight of this release is the introduction of COSMIC Epoch 1, System76’s custom-built desktop environment written entirely in Rust. This replaces the heavily customized GNOME desktop found in 22.04.
Updated Applications:
Several default applications have been replaced with COSMIC alternatives:
COSMIC Files replaces GNOME Files (Nautilus)
COSMIC Terminal replaces GNOME Terminal
COSMIC Text Editor replaces GNOME Text Editor
COSMIC Media Player replaces GNOME Media Player (Totem)
COSMIC Store replaces Pop!_Shop
Modern Technology:
The new release is based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and includes Linux kernel 6.17, Mesa 25.1.5, and NVIDIA Driver 580 for enhanced hardware support and performance.
Important Prerequisites
System Requirements
Ensure your system meets these minimum requirements:
RAM: 4 GB (recommended for optimal performance)
Storage: 16 GB free space (more recommended for the upgrade process)
Processor: 64-bit processor
Internet: Stable internet connection
Power: Connected to a power source (for laptops)
Timing Considerations
Users on Pop!_OS 22.04 LTS will receive automatic upgrade notifications through the operating system starting in January 2026. However, if you prefer to upgrade immediately, you can follow this guide to perform a manual upgrade.
Step 1: Back Up Your Data
This is the most critical step. While the upgrade process is designed to preserve your files, unexpected issues can occur. Here are your backup options:
Option A: System Snapshot Tool
Use a system snapshot tool like Timeshift to create a complete system backup. This allows you to restore your entire system if something goes wrong.
Option B: Manual Backup Command
If you prefer a manual approach, you can create a compressed archive of your important system directories:
sudo tar czf /popos.tar.gz \ --exclude=/popos.tar.gz \ --exclude=/dev \ --exclude=/run \ --exclude=/mnt \ --exclude=/proc \ --exclude=/sys \ --exclude=/tmp \ --exclude=/media \ --exclude=/lost+found \ /
This command creates a backup file called popos.tar.gz in your root directory. Transfer this file to an external drive or another computer before proceeding.
Option C: Home Directory Backup
At minimum, back up your home directory to an external drive or cloud storage service:
rsync -avh --progress /home/yourusername/ /path/to/backup/location/
Step 2: Update Your Current System
Before upgrading to 24.04 LTS, ensure your Pop!_OS 22.04 LTS installation is fully up to date.
Using Pop!_Shop (GUI Method)
Open the Pop!_Shop application
Click the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) in the top-right corner.
Select “Refresh” to check for updates.
Install all available updates.
Reboot your system if prompted.
Using Terminal (Command Line Method)
Open a terminal and run:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y
sudo apt dist-upgrade -y
After the updates complete, reboot your system:
sudo reboot
Step 3: Update the Recovery Partition
The Recovery Partition should be updated before performing the system upgrade. This ensures you have a fallback option if anything goes wrong during the upgrade process.Run the following command in the terminal:
pop-upgrade recovery upgrade from-release
Wait for the process to complete. You should see a message confirming that the recovery partition has been updated successfully.
Step 4: Perform the Upgrade
Now comes the main event. The upgrade process is surprisingly straightforward and requires just a single command.
The Upgrade Command.
Open a terminal and execute:
pop-upgrade release upgrade -f
