Release Upgrades

elementary OS gets frequent and rapid updates from elementary, third-party app developers, and the underlying Ubuntu repositories throughout each version's lifecycle. When a new version of elementary OS is released, it is recommended to upgrade as soon as possible for new features, app updates, and bugfixes.

Support Cycle

Different parts of elementary OS have different support processes:

• elementary delivers bug fixes, new features, updates to the desktop experience, and app updates at least until the next OS version is in development; typically around 1–2 years. Severe bug fixes and security updates may be released even longer. Several default apps may receive updates in perpetuity.

• Point-release upgrades happen alongside regular operating system updates; for example, elementary OS 5 was upgraded to elementary OS 5.1, bringing major new features, app updates, and more.

• Third-party AppCenter app developers set their own release schedules and can support their apps on each elementary OS release in perpetuity.

• The underlying operating system, libraries, and security-related components are updated and supported by Canonical according to the corresponding Ubuntu release's support cycle:

  elementary OS Version	Released	Ubuntu Release	Ubuntu Maintenance Updates
  0.4 Loki	Sep 9, 2016	16.04 LTS	April 2021
  5 Juno / 5.1 Hera	Oct 16 / Dec 3, 2018	18.04 LTS	April 2023
  6 Odin / 6.1 Jólnir	Aug 10 / Dec 20, 2021	20.04 LTS	April 2025
  7 Horus	Jan 31, 2023	22.04 LTS	April 2027
  8 Circe	TBD	24.04 LTS	April 2029

Performing a Release Upgrade

While point-release upgrades (like elementary OS 6 to 6.1) happen alongside regular updates, elementary OS does not currently offer an automated way to upgrade between major versions (like OS 6 to 7); however, it is straightforward to manually install the latest version while retaining your personal data.

Back up

First, back up your existing elementary OS install; installing a new version of elementary OS involves erasing the existing data, so you must back your data up to an external storage device to ensure it is not erased. For example, an external hard drive, large USB flash drive, or network drive are acceptable external storage devices.

Note: third-party release upgrade tools or instructions may exist, but a fresh install is currently the only officially-supported way to upgrade. Always back your data up before performing any major software upgrade, regardless of the method used.

Housekeeping

Before backing up, it may save you time in the long run to uninstall any apps or delete any files you know you're not going to want to keep. Doing this first ensures you're only copying the data you actually want to keep around; for example, apps you downloaded once just to try our or old files in your Downloads folder might not be worth copying.

In the Applications menu, secondary-click any app you want to uninstall and choose "Uninstall" from the menu. Alternatively, open AppCenter and uninstall the app from its listing.

In the Files app, move any files or folders you don't want to keep to the Trash using the context menu or by selecting the file and pressing the Delete key.

Home folder

Your Home folder contains your Documents, Music, Pictures, Videos, and Downloads folders, along with any folders and files created by apps for your elementary OS user account. Copy these folders to an external storage device, e.g. using the Files app.

Note: Your Home folder also contains hidden folders and files created by the operating system or apps, often containing configuration data. You may want to back this data up for reference, but we do not recommend restoring it to start, as the configuration files here may conflict with new configuration files made in the new version of elementary OS. To see these files, choose to show hidden files from the context menu, or press CtrlH.

AppCenter purchases

While AppCenter apps are pay-what-you-can, the record of apps you've already paid for can be backed up and restored. Copy the resulting file to your external storage device.

Install

Once your data is backed up, follow the Installation guide to install the latest version of elementary OS.

Restore Data

Connect your external storage that contains your backed up files. Copy your Documents, Music, Pictures, Videos, and Downloads folders—along with any other desired folders—to your new Home folder in Files.

Recall the note earlier about hidden files; be sure you are only copying the hidden files you actually want, as old configuration data may cause your new installation to behave in unexpected ways. To see these files, choose to show hidden files from the context menu, or press CtrlH.

To restore your AppCenter purchases, move the backed-up file to your home folder and follow the restoration directions. Note that some apps from OS 5.1 or earlier may not be immediately available for the OS 6 or newer release; contact the app developer for details.