Why Ubuntu 26.04

If your computer is too old for Windows 11, or you’re simply tired of adverts, pop-ups and paid upgrades, there’s a free alternative worth knowing about. It’s called Ubuntu, and its newest long-term version, Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, came out in April 2026. Here’s what it is, why it might suit you, and how to try it without changing anything on your computer.

What is Ubuntu?

Ubuntu is an operating system, the main software that runs your computer, just like Windows or macOS. It’s built on Linux, it’s completely free, and it’s made by a company called Canonical along with thousands of volunteers. Millions of people use it every day.

You get a desktop, a web browser, and an app store, so it will feel familiar within a few minutes.

Why choose 26.04 in particular?

The “LTS” in the name stands for Long Term Support. A new LTS version only comes out every two years, and it’s the one most people should use.

• Five years of free security updates: Ubuntu 26.04 LTS is supported until April 2031, with no fees and no subscription.
• Up to ten years if you want it: a free Ubuntu Pro account extends security updates to ten years, on up to five computers for personal use.
• Free upgrades for ever: when the next version arrives, moving to it costs nothing.
• The latest look and features: it comes with GNOME 50, a clean, modern desktop, and simple new built-in apps for photos, videos and PDFs.

It can give an older computer a new lease of life

Windows 10 no longer gets free security updates, and many computers can’t run Windows 11. That doesn’t mean they’re ready for the tip. If your computer has at least 6 GB of memory (RAM), 25 GB of free space and a dual-core processor, it can run Ubuntu comfortably and stay safe for years to come.

Not sure what’s inside your computer? On Windows, click Start, then Settings, System, then About. Your memory is listed as “Installed RAM”.

What can I do with it?

For most everyday things, Ubuntu works just as well as Windows.

• Browsing, email and video calls: Firefox comes built in, and Gmail, Outlook.com, Zoom, Teams and YouTube all work in the browser.
• Letters and spreadsheets: LibreOffice is free to install from the App Center, and opens Word and Excel files. Microsoft 365 also works in the browser.
• Photos, music and films: everything you need is built in, and Spotify is in the App Center.

Things to know before you switch

Ubuntu isn’t right for everyone, so it’s worth being honest about the downsides.

• Some Windows programs won’t run: these include the desktop versions of Microsoft Office and Photoshop, some games, and some specialist software such as accounts packages. Check that you can do without them, or that there’s a web version.
• Some printers and scanners need a little setting up: most work straight away, but it’s worth checking yours.
• It takes a short while to get used to: things are in slightly different places, just as they would be on a Mac.

How to try it without changing anything

You can run Ubuntu from a USB stick to see how it feels. Nothing on your computer is touched, and when you restart, Windows comes back as normal.

1. Get a USB stick of 16 GB or more. Everything on it will be wiped, so copy off anything you need first.
2. Go to ubuntu.com/download/desktop and download Ubuntu 26.04 LTS. It’s a large file, so it may take a while.
3. Download the free balenaEtcher program from etcher.balena.io. Open it, choose the Ubuntu file, choose your USB stick, and click Flash.
4. Restart your computer with the USB stick plugged in. As it starts up, press the key that opens the boot menu. This is often F12, F10 or Esc, and is sometimes shown on screen. Choose the USB stick.
5. When Ubuntu starts, choose Try Ubuntu. Have a look round, open Firefox, and see how it feels.

If you decide to install it properly, back up your files first. If you’d like a hand, or want to keep Windows alongside Ubuntu, ask in the forum before you start.

Already using Ubuntu 24.04?

You don’t need to do anything straight away, as 24.04 is supported until 2029. When you’re ready, your computer will offer the free upgrade to 26.04 through its Software Updater. Back up your files before you say yes.

Got a question?

Wondering whether Ubuntu will run on your computer, or whether your favourite program will work? Ask in the Tech Mouse forum and someone will help you out.