The third point release in the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS series, Ubuntu 24.04.3 rolls all the critical security, bug, and other software updates issued to the Noble Numbat since the last installation image (ISO) was generated for Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS, released earlier this year.

On board is the new hardware enablement stack (HWE) that rolled out to existing users of 24.04 last month. This enables devices to boot from newer Linux kernel and graphics drivers, Linux 6.14 and Mesa 25.0.7 respectively, both back-ported from Ubuntu 25.04.

The Mesa update also introduces the mesa-amber package to the LTS. This includes drivers for older legacy graphics cards that are no longer supported in the main mesa package.

I’ve reported on the release of several notable bug fixes to Noble in recent months, like vanishing ‘install’ button in Software Updater, missing thumbnail previews on the desktop, touchscreen input annoyances, and connection issues with Bluetooth audio.

Fixes for those come “baked” into this refresh ISO, along with power alerts to follow new EU guidelines on energy settings in consumer electronic devices, such as laptops.

If you use Ubuntu 24.04 LTS you do not need to download this ISO and reinstall to benefit as there’s nothing included you don’t already have — assuming you’ve been installing updates often, that is!

The point of Ubuntu point releases

Long-term support (LTS) versions of Ubuntu are supported for a minimum of 5 years. During the first 3 years, periodical ‘point releases’ are put out. These refresh the install image (ISO) so new users don’t have to download up to 3 years worth of updates after installing.

Plus, as point releases rebase the system on top of a newer Linux kernel and graphics driver stack, point release ISOs will boot on )and better support) newer hardware – hardware which may not have been available when the original ISO was created in April 2024.