Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS Arrives with Linux Kernel 6.17 and Mesa 25.2

The latest update to the Noble Numbat release, Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS, is now available for download.

This marks the fourth point release in the Ubuntu 24.04 long-term support series, which originally launched in April 2024. The refreshed installation image includes all security patches, bug fixes, and software updates that have been issued since the previous release, Ubuntu 24.04.3, which arrived in August.

One of the most significant additions in this release is the updated Hardware Enablement (HWE) stack. Ubuntu 24.04.4 now brings Linux kernel 6.17 together with Mesa 25.2.8, both backported from Ubuntu 25.10. Users already running Ubuntu 24.04 don’t need to reinstall the system to get these updates—they can simply install them through regular updates.

The update also integrates newer Wayland protocol versions. While most users may not immediately notice major changes, the newer protocols allow modern applications to take better advantage of the Wayland display server.

Point releases serve an important role in long-term support distributions. They ensure that Ubuntu continues to work smoothly on newer hardware that may not have existed when the original installation image was created. They also reduce the number of updates required after installing the system.

If you’re already using Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, there’s no need to download the new ISO or reinstall the operating system. As long as your system is kept up to date, you should already have the same packages included in this release.

Package Updates in Ubuntu 24.04.4

Although Ubuntu 24.04.4 doesn’t introduce major visible features for users, the inclusion of Linux kernel 6.17 and updated Mesa graphics drivers delivers numerous improvements under the hood, including better hardware compatibility, graphics support, and overall performance.