How to Upgrade to Ubuntu 20.10

Note: Ubuntu 20.10, code-named “Groovy Gorilla,” is no longer supported. This guide explains the original upgrade path from Ubuntu 20.04 LTS to Ubuntu 20.10 and adds modern safety advice for anyone maintaining an old Ubuntu machine today. For daily use, choose a currently supported Ubuntu LTS release instead of running 20.10.

Introduction: Meet the Groovy Gorilla

Upgrading Ubuntu can feel a bit like moving apartments. Most of your furniture comes with you, a few boxes mysteriously disappear, and at least one printer decides this is the perfect moment to start a dramatic new life. Ubuntu 20.10, also known as Groovy Gorilla, was one of those exciting interim releases that brought newer software, a fresher desktop experience, and better hardware support to users coming from Ubuntu 20.04 LTS.

At the time of release, upgrading to Ubuntu 20.10 made sense for desktop users who wanted newer GNOME features, Linux kernel improvements, Raspberry Pi 4 desktop support, and updated developer tools. It was not an LTS release, though. That matters. Ubuntu 20.10 received only short-term support, which means it was meant for users who liked fresh software and did not mind upgrading again soon.

Today, the most important thing to know is this: Ubuntu 20.10 has reached end of life. That means no normal security updates, no routine bug fixes, and no “please save me from this newly discovered vulnerability” patches. If your goal is a secure modern system, upgrade to a supported Ubuntu release such as a current LTS version. If your goal is to understand the process, recover an old system, or document the historical upgrade path, this guide walks you through everything clearly.

What Was New in Ubuntu 20.10?

Ubuntu 20.10 was not a tiny coat of paint over Ubuntu 20.04. It introduced several meaningful changes, especially for users who cared about hardware support and desktop polish.

GNOME 3.38 Desktop Improvements

Ubuntu 20.10 shipped with GNOME 3.38, which improved the desktop experience with a more flexible app grid, smoother performance, and interface refinements. The app launcher became easier to organize, which was good news for anyone whose application menu looked like a digital junk drawer.

Linux Kernel 5.8

The move to the Linux 5.8 kernel improved hardware compatibility and added support for newer processors, graphics hardware, storage features, and device drivers. For users on newer laptops or desktops, that could mean better performance, fewer hardware quirks, or simply fewer late-night searches for “why does my Wi-Fi hate me Ubuntu.”

Raspberry Pi 4 Desktop Support

One of the headline features was official Ubuntu Desktop support for Raspberry Pi 4 models with enough memory. That made Ubuntu 20.10 especially interesting for hobbyists, developers, educators, and tinkerers who wanted a full Ubuntu desktop experience on a tiny board.

Updated Developer Stack

Ubuntu 20.10 also included newer development tools, including an updated compiler toolchain and system libraries. Developers working with containers, cloud software, Python, C/C++, or Linux services had a more modern foundation than what Ubuntu 20.04 originally provided.

Before You Upgrade: Read This First

The original supported upgrade path was simple: you could upgrade directly from Ubuntu 20.04 LTS to Ubuntu 20.10. But there were conditions. Your current system needed to be fully updated, your upgrade settings had to allow normal releases instead of LTS-only releases, and your machine needed enough disk space to download and unpack packages.

In plain English: do not start the upgrade while your laptop battery is at 8%, your Wi-Fi is wobbling, and you have three important documents open named “Untitled.” That is not confidence. That is a hostage situation.

Recommended Preparation Checklist

• Back up your important files before touching the upgrade button.
• Install all available updates on your current Ubuntu version.
• Remove or disable unnecessary third-party repositories.
• Make sure you have enough free disk space.
• Use a stable internet connection, preferably wired.
• Plug in your laptop or use a reliable power source.
• Read release notes and known issues before upgrading.

Step 1: Confirm Your Current Ubuntu Version

Start by checking which Ubuntu version you are running. Open Terminal and run:

You can also check with:

If you are on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, the original upgrade route to Ubuntu 20.10 was direct. If you are on an older release, the path may require stepping through intermediate versions or performing a clean installation. Ubuntu upgrades generally follow release order; they are not designed as a magical teleportation device from “ancient penguin cave” to “fresh desktop paradise.”

Step 2: Back Up Your Files

Before upgrading Ubuntu, make a backup. Not “I should probably do that someday.” Actually do it. Copy your Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Videos, project folders, SSH keys, browser profiles, and any custom configuration files you care about.

Good backup options include:

• An external hard drive or SSD
• A network-attached storage device
• A cloud backup service
• Ubuntu’s built-in backup tool
• A full disk image using tools such as Clonezilla

If you use development tools, also export package lists and note any custom repositories. For example:

This file can help you remember what was installed later, especially if you decide to perform a clean install instead of an in-place upgrade.

Step 3: Update Ubuntu 20.04 Completely

The release upgrader expects your current system to be fully updated. Run:

The apt update command refreshes package lists. The apt upgrade command installs available updates. The apt full-upgrade command handles package changes that may require removing or replacing dependencies. Finally, apt autoremove clears packages that are no longer needed.

After updates finish, reboot your computer:

Yes, reboot. Linux users love uptime, but upgrades love clean starting points. Let the machine stretch its legs before asking it to change operating system versions.

Step 4: Change Upgrade Settings from LTS to Normal

Ubuntu LTS releases usually look only for the next LTS version by default. Because Ubuntu 20.10 was an interim release, you had to allow upgrades to normal releases.

Open the release upgrade configuration file:

Find this line:

Change it to:

Save the file and exit. In Nano, press Ctrl + O, press Enter, then press Ctrl + X.

Step 5: Start the Ubuntu 20.10 Upgrade

To begin the upgrade from the command line, run:

The upgrade tool checks your system, calculates package changes, disables some third-party repositories, downloads packages, and asks for confirmation before making major changes. Read the prompts carefully. If it says packages will be removed, do not panic immediately; some replacements are normal. But if you see something suspicious, such as removal of major desktop components, stop and investigate.

During the upgrade, Ubuntu may ask whether to keep or replace configuration files. If you have heavily customized a file, keeping your version may be wise. If you are unsure and the file belongs to a standard package, using the maintainer’s version is often safer. When in doubt, write down the file name before choosing.

Step 6: Reboot Into Ubuntu 20.10

When the upgrader finishes, reboot:

After rebooting, confirm the upgrade:

You should see Ubuntu 20.10 and the Groovy Gorilla code name. Congratulations: your machine has officially joined the jungle. Please do not feed it random PPAs.

Step 7: Re-enable Repositories Carefully

The upgrade process may disable third-party repositories to prevent conflicts. This is normal. After upgrading, review your software sources and re-enable only the repositories that support Ubuntu 20.10.

Be careful with PPAs. A PPA built for Ubuntu 20.04 may not work correctly on Ubuntu 20.10. If a repository does not provide packages for Groovy Gorilla, leave it disabled. Forcing incompatible packages onto a fresh upgrade is like putting jet fuel in a lawn mower: exciting, brief, and not recommended.

Step 8: Clean Up After the Upgrade

Once everything boots properly, clean old packages:

Then check for broken dependencies:

You can also inspect held packages:

If anything important is held back, research it before forcing changes. Held packages can be intentional, especially on systems with custom drivers or development environments.

Graphical Method: Upgrade Using Software Updater

Desktop users could also upgrade through Ubuntu’s graphical Software Updater. First, open Software & Updates, go to the Updates tab, and set “Notify me of a new Ubuntu version” to “For any new version.” Then run Software Updater and install all updates.

If the upgrade prompt appears, follow the guided steps. The graphical path is easier for beginners, while the terminal path is better for users who want detailed output. Either way, the same rules apply: back up, update first, use stable power, and do not close the lid halfway through like a villain in a technology thriller.

Important Modern Warning: Ubuntu 20.10 Is End of Life

If you are reading this today because you found an old laptop running Ubuntu 20.10, do not treat 20.10 as a destination. Treat it as a bridge. Since Ubuntu 20.10 is no longer supported, its standard repositories have been moved away from the normal active mirrors. That can cause update errors, broken package lists, and failed upgrades.

For an old Ubuntu 20.10 system, the better goal is to move to a supported release. Depending on the machine and the state of the installation, you may choose either an EOL upgrade path or a clean install.

Option A: Clean Install a Supported Ubuntu Release

A clean install is often the safest path. Download a supported Ubuntu ISO, create a bootable USB drive, back up your data, boot from USB, and install the new version. This avoids years of accumulated package conflicts and gives you a clean, secure system.

Option B: Use EOL Upgrade Steps

If you must preserve the existing system, Ubuntu provides guidance for upgrading end-of-life releases. This may involve changing repository references to old-release mirrors and then upgrading step by step through supported paths. This process is more technical and should be done only after a full backup.

For most regular users, a clean install is faster, cleaner, and less stressful. For servers or customized workstations, an EOL upgrade may be useful when reinstalling would be more disruptive.

Common Problems When Upgrading to Ubuntu 20.10

The Upgrade Tool Says No New Release Found

This usually happened when the system was set to LTS-only upgrades. Check:

Make sure it says:

Then run:

Packages Are Held Back

Held packages can block upgrades. Check them with:

If you held packages manually, unhold them only if you understand why they were held:

Third-Party Repositories Break the Upgrade

Disable PPAs and external repositories before upgrading. After the upgrade, re-enable them one at a time only if they support your new Ubuntu version.

Not Enough Disk Space

Ubuntu upgrades need room for downloaded packages and temporary files. Clear old packages, remove unused kernels, empty trash, and move large files to external storage before upgrading.

Graphics or Wi-Fi Stops Working

Kernel and driver changes can affect graphics cards, Wi-Fi adapters, and Bluetooth devices. Keep a wired connection available if possible, and know how to boot into recovery mode. For systems with NVIDIA graphics, check the “Additional Drivers” tool after upgrading.

Should You Upgrade to Ubuntu 20.10 Today?

No, not as a final destination. Ubuntu 20.10 was a good interim release in its time, but it is obsolete now. Running it today on a machine connected to the internet is not recommended because it no longer receives standard security updates.

If you like stability, install a current Ubuntu LTS release. If you like newer software, use a currently supported interim release. Either way, stay on a release that receives updates. Operating systems are like milk: some age better than others, but once the date has passed, do not pour it into production.

Best Practices for Any Ubuntu Upgrade

Whether you are upgrading to Ubuntu 20.10 historically or moving to a modern release, these habits will save you trouble:

• Back up before every major upgrade.
• Read release notes before clicking upgrade.
• Update the current system first.
• Disable unsupported PPAs.
• Keep a bootable USB installer nearby.
• Do not upgrade during urgent work.
• Test hardware after the upgrade.
• Prefer LTS releases for production systems.

Real-World Experience: What Upgrading to Ubuntu 20.10 Felt Like

For many users, upgrading from Ubuntu 20.04 LTS to Ubuntu 20.10 felt refreshingly smooth, provided the system was already healthy. The desktop looked familiar enough that nobody had to relearn basic navigation, but GNOME 3.38 gave the environment a cleaner, more flexible feel. The app grid improvements were small but welcome. It was one of those changes you did not fully appreciate until you went back to an older desktop and wondered why everything felt slightly more stubborn.

On laptops, the Linux 5.8 kernel was often the real reason people cared. Newer kernels can mean better support for newer Wi-Fi chips, touchpads, graphics hardware, and power-management features. Not every machine suddenly became a rocket ship, of course. If your laptop was already wheezing like a vacuum cleaner full of crackers, Ubuntu 20.10 was not going to turn it into a workstation from the future. But for newer hardware, the upgrade could reduce small annoyances that made Ubuntu 20.04 feel rough around the edges.

The upgrade process itself was generally straightforward when users followed the boring-but-important rules: update first, back up files, disable sketchy PPAs, and avoid interrupting the process. Most problems came from systems with lots of third-party repositories, custom drivers, or old package experiments. If someone had installed five desktop environments, three graphics driver PPAs, and a mystery package from a forum post dated 2016, the upgrade had every right to raise an eyebrow.

One practical lesson from Ubuntu 20.10 is that interim releases are best for people who enjoy staying current. They are not bad releases; they simply have shorter support windows. Ubuntu 20.10 delivered newer software and useful features, but users had to be ready to move again within months. That is perfectly fine for enthusiasts, testers, developers, and desktop users who like fresh packages. It is less ideal for offices, classrooms, family computers, and servers where “please upgrade again soon” sounds less like a feature and more like a tiny administrative thundercloud.

Another lesson is that clean installs are underrated. In-place upgrades are convenient, and Ubuntu’s release upgrader is impressively capable. Still, a clean install can be the better choice when a system has years of old packages, abandoned PPAs, and configuration changes nobody remembers making. There is something satisfying about starting fresh, restoring your files, reinstalling only the software you actually use, and leaving behind the digital lint. Think of it as spring cleaning, except the dust bunnies are obsolete dependencies.

For Raspberry Pi users, Ubuntu 20.10 was especially memorable because it made Ubuntu Desktop on Raspberry Pi 4 feel more official and approachable. It was not the perfect desktop replacement for everyone, but it gave hobbyists a polished way to experiment with Ubuntu on small hardware. Developers could test projects, students could learn Linux, and curious users could build a tiny desktop that looked suspiciously serious for something plugged into a little board.

In hindsight, Ubuntu 20.10 is best remembered as a useful stepping stone. It brought newer GNOME features, a newer kernel, improved hardware support, and Raspberry Pi excitement. But its short support life also reminds us why release planning matters. The smartest upgrade is not always the newest version; it is the version that matches your needs, your risk tolerance, and your willingness to upgrade again later. Choose LTS for calm waters. Choose interim releases when you want the waves. Just remember to bring a backup boat.

Conclusion

Learning how to upgrade to Ubuntu 20.10 is useful for understanding Ubuntu’s release process, especially the difference between LTS and interim versions. The original upgrade path from Ubuntu 20.04 LTS to Ubuntu 20.10 was clear: update your system, back up your data, switch release notifications from LTS to normal, run the release upgrader, reboot, and clean up afterward.

However, Ubuntu 20.10 is now end of life, so it should not be used as a modern daily-driver operating system. If you are maintaining an old system, use this guide as historical context and move toward a supported Ubuntu release. If you simply enjoy Linux history, Groovy Gorilla remains an interesting snapshot of Ubuntu’s evolution: newer kernel, updated GNOME, Raspberry Pi desktop support, and just enough personality to make the upgrade feel fun.