Ubuntu 24.04 LTS Review: Big Changes & Sleek User Experience

The biggest Linux distro release of 2024 (Ubuntu 24.04 LTS ) is here. Here's what we think about it.
Warp Terminal

When it comes to Ubuntu, most of the users wait for the LTS versions. It is because a lot of quality of life improvements come along with the stability it offers.

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is no different. It comes packed with visual changes, refinements, and new features. You can check out all the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS features if you're curious.

I have been using it for a while before the stable release hit. Let me tell you about my experience with it. There's a video about it as a desktop tour, you can choose to watch that as well.

A Hassle-free On-boarding Experience

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS features a Flutter-based installer, with descriptive visuals, and concise information.

ubuntu interactive or automated installation options

The improvements are not just for a modern aesthetic change. It makes it easier to understand, and minimizes the interaction needed to get started with the Ubuntu desktop experience.

ubuntu 24.04 lts installation review

The installer also prompts if an update is available for it, and you can choose to do that or skip that.

The default installation mode was minimal, but you can opt for the extended selection mode with more pre-installed utilities.

I had a quick installation experience, along with a proprietary graphics driver being installed for my NVIDIA graphics card. No complaints there.

In case you are upgrading from Ubuntu 23.10, you can follow our Ubuntu 24.04 LTS upgrade guide:

How to Upgrade to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS Right Now
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS β€˜Noble Numbat’ is here. If you are using Ubuntu 22.04 or 23.10, here’s how you can upgrade to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS right away.

And, if you are using Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, you can follow our Ubuntu LTS upgrade guide:

How to Upgrade to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS
This tutorial demonstrates the steps for upgrading to Ubuntu 24.04 from 22.04. You can use the same steps to upgrade from any other supported Ubuntu version.
πŸ“‹
If you are using Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, a fresh installation is recommended after you back up your important data. If not, you will have to upgrade twice, once to 22.04, and then to 24.04 LTS.

A Prettier Experience

ubuntu 24.04 LTS homescreen

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS goes big on usability improvements.

While Ubuntu is already known as a beginner-friendly distro, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS brings in a collection of refinements that makes it a more modern computing experience.

If someone is upgrading from Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, they will feel right at home and yet realize the benefits.

And, if someone is trying Ubuntu 24.04 LTS as a new user, their initial impressions would be positive even for a first-time Linux desktop experience.

All thanks to the newer desktop environment GNOME 46, and the perks that come along with it. Things like:

1. Improved Notifications

ubuntu 24.04 notification

With the newer notification design, you get informed of the app sending you the notification, and interactive buttons to expand/close the notification.

As a byproduct, you get an informative notification area:

ubuntu 24.04 lts

2. App Center

Finally, I feel better with a cleaner and more intuitive software center (now known as the β€œApp Center”. You can notice that it also has a new app icon (or logo).

ubuntu 24.04 app center

It works fast, and I haven't encountered any failures or the progress getting stuck in the middle of it, which was something I had with Ubuntu 22.04 LTS.

It lets you explore the latest available software, displays information in a nicer way, and takes you through recommended selections as well. Not to forget, a better way to manage installed apps:

ubuntu 24.04 software manage

3. Settings Revamped

The settings menu with GNOME 46 is a clutter-free experience, where many entries have been put under a new β€œSystem” and a β€œPrivacy & Security” menu:

This makes it easy to access things and less confusing.

4. Nautilus File Manager Refinements

Again, thanks to the GNOME 46 update, the Nautilus file manager now features a new global search button at the top-left of the screen, and an updated search icon for the older one.

ubuntu 24.04 LTS

You can also find some granular controls to show more details in the column via the preferences' menu.

5. Accessible Quick Toggle

ubuntu 24.04 lts quick toggle

If you are using Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, you will find the quick toggle menu to be more effective, and reducing the clicks you need to get things done. Particularly, with Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connections.

6. New Firmware Updater Tool

ubuntu 24.04 LTS firmware updater tool

With Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, you get a firmware update tool, which you did not have in Ubuntu 22.04 LTS. It is convenient to have a GUI tool.

Of course, it is recommended to check thoroughly what an update could do β€” and for you to have a backup of data when you proceed with an available update.

Snappy and Comfortable, But...

Considering I was using the development builds, and then the beta build while writing this article, there were some hiccups for me initially.

However, with the latest updates applied, I do not have any other issues, except sometimes, the login process gets stuck on X11 session, which is my default (maybe blame it on NVIDIA?), and I have to restart to get that fixed.

And, a few other inconvenient pointers:

inkscape software listing on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS
  • You cannot switch between a Debian package source/Snap in the app page. Instead, you will have to rely on performing a search, to select the correct source that you want to utilize.
  • The app center does not list deb packages. So, you may install a separate package manager like Synaptic or manage .deb packages via the terminal.
  • You cannot install .deb file using the GUI, unless you use a tool like GDebi for quick installation.
ubuntu 24.04 LTS debian app install error
Cannot install .deb files on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

Maybe, these issues are a part of the aggressive focus/push towards Snap packages?

If you are not okay with it, you can install Flatpak and use apps from Flathub. And, if you are a new user, you might want to learn the difference between Flatpak and Snap:

Flatpak vs. Snap: 10 Differences You Should Know
Flatpak vs Snap, know the differences and gain insights as a Linux user to pick the best.

Except these issues, it has been a comfortable and snappy experience all over.

Whether it was me interacting with applications, watching videos on YouTube, connecting to a Bluetooth speaker, and so on. Everything else worked like a charm.

Some credits for hardware compatibility would go to the latest Linux kernel 6.8 included.

ubuntu 24.04 neofetch

Should You Upgrade?

If you really like the visual makeover, and the workflow that comes along with the GNOME 46 update, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is a great choice.

But, if you do not want any changes to your workflow, not even the slightest, and do not any time to troubleshoot any kind of issues, I recommend sticking with Ubuntu 22.04 LTS as long as you can (until 2027 without a pro subscription).

πŸ’¬ Have you upgraded already? What are your impressions on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

About the author
Ankush Das

Ankush Das

A passionate technophile who also happens to be a Computer Science graduate. You will usually see cats dancing to the beautiful tunes sung by him.

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