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.
Ubuntu 24.04.3 package refresh
Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS includes:
- Linux kernel 6.14
- Mesa 25.0.7
- LibreOffice 24.8.7 (in Backports)
- Snapd 2.68.5
- Mozilla Firefox 141
Plus a ton of bug fixes, security patches, and other in-series software and package updates to Ubuntu’s underlying package set.
For the avoidance of doubt: all of these changes between Ubuntu 24.04.2 and Ubuntu 24.04.3 were released as standard software updates for existing users of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS over the past few months. They’re simply “baked” into the ISO.
Currently run Ubuntu 24.04, but don’t see a ‘24.04.3 LTS’ label in Settings > System > About or on the GRUB boot loader? Open Software Updater (or use APT) and install the base-files update that’s waiting – it amends the version number.
Download Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS
You can download Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS for desktop, Raspberry Pi, server, and other devices direct from the Ubuntu website releases page or the main Ubuntu website download page (both point to the same ISO).
If you don’t run Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, or you plan on doing a fresh install sometime, be sure to grab the Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS image, as it’s now the recommend release for new users to download, boot, and install from.
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS gets ongoing support until April 2029, with the option of receiving critical support for a further 5 years through Ubuntu ESM and/or Ubuntu Pro.