How to Extend Ubuntu Support Easily – A Guide for Users on Aging Systems

In the fast-paced world of operating systems, support expiration can send many users into a panic. Windows 10, for instance, is on the brink of losing its official support, leaving users scrambling to find a solution. While Windows users have a variety of ways to extend support (most of which come with a hefty price tag or complex configurations), Ubuntu users enjoy a much smoother path to extending their system’s lifespan. Ubuntu 20.04 users, for example, can extend support simply and for free, thanks to a service known as Ubuntu Pro and its Extended Support Maintenance (ESM). Here’s how you can do it and why it’s worth considering.

Ubuntu 20.04 was released in 2020, meaning its regular support is set to end in 2025. However, this doesn’t mean your system will be left out in the cold. Through Ubuntu Pro, users can get an additional 10 years of security updates, ensuring their machine remains protected against vulnerabilities. What makes it even better is that this service is free for personal users. This is in stark contrast to the support options for Windows, which often require paying for extended security patches or upgrading to the latest version.

For many users, it can be tempting to stick with older operating systems as they continue to run perfectly fine. However, staying on an outdated version can expose your machine to vulnerabilities. If you’re one of those users still running Ubuntu 20.04, here’s a straightforward guide on how you can extend your support for free, and why it might be time to consider upgrading.

Simple Steps to Extend Ubuntu Support

The process to get your aging Ubuntu 20.04 system covered under the Extended Support Maintenance (ESM) is surprisingly simple. You can do this with just a few easy steps:

Sign Up for Ubuntu Pro: The first thing you need to do is create an Ubuntu Pro account. Head over to the official Ubuntu Pro website and sign up. Don’t worry – this is entirely free for personal users.
Get Your Token: After signing up, log in to your Ubuntu Pro account, go to the “Your Subscriptions” section, and find the unique token associated with your account. This token is crucial for linking your system to Ubuntu Pro’s services.
Attach Your System to Ubuntu Pro: Open a terminal on your Ubuntu machine and run the following command: sudo pro attach TOKEN. Replace “TOKEN” with the one you received from your Ubuntu Pro account. After running this command, your system will be connected to Ubuntu Pro’s Extended Support Maintenance, covering security updates for the next 10 years.
Enjoy Continued Security: After the process is complete, your Ubuntu 20.04 system will now enjoy vulnerability updates for up to 2030, providing a peace of mind that many Windows users envy.

Why Ubuntu Pro’s Extended Support Maintenance Is Worth It

One of the key benefits of Ubuntu’s approach to extended support is how user-friendly it is. While upgrading your operating system to a newer version is always recommended for security and performance improvements, the flexibility of ESM allows users to keep their systems protected without making a full upgrade right away. This is especially important for businesses or users who rely on older software configurations that might not work well with newer operating systems.

Moreover, with ESM, the security updates aren’t just limited to critical issues; you also receive fixes for high and some medium-level vulnerabilities, ensuring your system remains as safe as possible. Unlike many commercial solutions, this service comes free for individual users, which is a significant advantage for home users who may not want to pay for extended support.

What Undercode Say:

Ubuntu Pro’s Extended Support Maintenance (ESM) offers a clear advantage over similar services offered by other operating systems, especially for individual users who may not want to pay for costly support extensions. Ubuntu’s free ESM option helps keep older installations secure without the need for significant investment. This approach is a testament to the way Canonical (the company behind Ubuntu) continues to cater to the needs of both personal users and enterprises. While upgrading to newer Ubuntu LTS releases is still the best option for keeping your system up to date, having the option of free extended security updates offers users the flexibility to delay upgrades without compromising on security.

Ubuntu’s strategy with ESM not only increases the lifespan of older versions but also makes it easier for users to stick to what works, without forcing them to adapt to newer versions too quickly. This model could be beneficial for those who prefer stability and are not in a rush to move to newer versions but still want to stay protected from potential security threats.

It’s also important to note that the extended support for multiple LTS versions, such as 20.04, 22.04, and 24.04, gives users ample time to make decisions regarding when to upgrade. For users sticking to long-term releases, this support is a vital service that contributes to a secure and hassle-free Linux experience. Furthermore, if the operating system is running smoothly, there’s no immediate rush to upgrade, making the process less stressful.

For businesses and power users, Ubuntu Pro offers even more benefits, including access to advanced support tools and security features. However, for average home users, the ability to continue using Ubuntu 20.04 until 2030 without worrying about vulnerabilities is a big win.

Fact Checker Results:

Ubuntu Pro’s ESM is Free for Personal Use: Verified – The extended support through Ubuntu Pro is indeed free for individual users, ensuring that personal machines can continue receiving updates for up to 10 years.
ESM Covers Multiple Versions: Verified – Ubuntu 20.04, 22.04, and 24.04 are all eligible for extended support via Ubuntu Pro, with updates available until 2030, 2032, and 2034 respectively.
ESM Provides Critical Vulnerability Fixes: Verified – ESM offers updates for critical, high, and some medium-level vulnerabilities, helping to keep older Ubuntu installations secure.