Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTS standard support ends in April 2027. Learn the EOL timeline, security risks, ESM options, and upgrade strategies to stay compliant and secure.
Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTS is the latest point release in the Ubuntu 22.04 Long Term Support (LTS) series. While point releases do not change the original LTS lifecycle, they deliver updated installation media, newer kernels, and cumulative fixes that improve stability and hardware compatibility. Understanding the end of support and end-of-life (EOL) timeline for Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTS is essential for maintaining secure and compliant systems.
In this article, I explain the Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTS support lifecycle, what end of life (EOL) means in practice, and how to prepare in advance.
Table of Contents
Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTS: Release and Support Overview
Release Details
Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTS was released as a point update to Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, providing refreshed installation images and the latest enablement updates for existing users.
Key highlights include:
- Updated installation media
- Linux 6.8 kernel (Hardware Enablement stack)
- Accumulated bug fixes and security updates
- Improved hardware compatibility for newer systems
Point releases are particularly useful for fresh installations, as they reduce the need for extensive post-install updates.
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS Support Lifecycle
Although Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTS is a newer point release, it inherits the same lifecycle as Ubuntu 22.04 LTS.
Standard Support Period
- Initial Ubuntu 22.04 LTS release: April 21, 2022
- Standard support duration: 5 years
- End of standard support: April 2027
During this phase, Canonical provides:
- Regular security patches
- Kernel updates
- Bug fixes
- Maintenance updates for core packages
This level of support is sufficient for most production environments.
Extended Security Maintenance (ESM)
After April 2027, Ubuntu 22.04 LTS transitions to Extended Security Maintenance (ESM) via Ubuntu Pro.
- ESM availability: April 2027 – April 2032
- Total support duration: Up to 10 years
ESM includes:
- Security updates for critical and high CVEs
- Coverage for a broader set of packages, including Universe
- Support for compliance requirements such as PCI DSS, SOC 2, ISO 27001, and CIS benchmarks
Legacy Add-on (Enterprise Option)
For organizations with long-lived infrastructure, Canonical offers a Legacy Support add-on:
- Extends support up to 15 years
- Total coverage until April 2037
- Designed for highly regulated or hard-to-upgrade environments
Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTS End of Life (EOL): What It Means
When Ubuntu 22.04 LTS reaches its end of standard support in April 2027, systems without ESM enabled will face the following risks:
1. No More Security Updates
Canonical will stop delivering security patches for the main repositories, leaving systems exposed to newly discovered vulnerabilities.
2. Archived Repositories
Official Ubuntu repositories for 22.04 may be archived, making it difficult to install new packages or apply updates.
3. Compatibility and Stability Risks
- New applications may no longer support Ubuntu 22.04
- New hardware drivers may be unavailable
- Vendor support may be withdrawn
Running an unsupported operating system significantly increases security, operational, and compliance risks.
Why Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTS Is Important
Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTS remains a strong choice for many environments due to the following reasons:
Updated Kernel
The Linux 6.8 kernel improves:
- Hardware support
- Performance optimizations
- Stability for modern CPUs and devices
Improved Stability
As a point release, 22.04.5 includes cumulative fixes from previous updates, offering a more mature and reliable deployment base.
Long-Term Viability
With Ubuntu Pro and Legacy add-ons, organizations can maintain secure systems for up to 15 years, making it suitable for enterprise and regulated workloads.
How to Prepare for Ubuntu 22.04 LTS End of Support
1. Verify Your Current Ubuntu Version
Check the installed version using:
lsb_release -a2. Plan Your Upgrade Strategy
- For most users, upgrading to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS before April 2027 is recommended
- Enterprises with legacy dependencies can enable Ubuntu Pro for extended security coverage
3. Back Up Critical Data
Always ensure full backups of:
- Application data
- Configuration files
- Databases and system state
4. Test Before Upgrading
- Use a staging or test environment
- Validate application compatibility
- Verify automation, monitoring, and backup workflows
Extended Support Options Summary
Ubuntu Pro
- Enables ESM for Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
- Security updates up to April 2032
- Compliance-friendly for regulated environments
Legacy Add-on
- Enterprise-only option
- Extends total support up to 15 years
- Suitable for long-term infrastructure with strict upgrade constraints
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS Support Timeline Summary
| Phase | Start | End |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Release | April 2022 | — |
| Standard Support | April 2022 | April 2027 |
| Extended Security Maintenance (ESM) | April 2027 | April 2032 |
| Legacy Support (Optional) | April 2032 | April 2037 |
Conclusion
Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTS is a stable, secure, and enterprise-ready operating system that benefits from updated kernels and long-term support options. However, with standard support ending in April 2027, proactive planning is essential.
Whether you choose to upgrade to a newer LTS release or enable extended support through Ubuntu Pro, early preparation will help you avoid security gaps, compliance issues, and operational disruptions.
Are you currently running Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTS?
FAQ Section: Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTS EOL
Is Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTS different from Ubuntu 22.04 LTS?
No. Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTS is a point release and follows the same support lifecycle as Ubuntu 22.04 LTS. The EOL date remains unchanged.
When does Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTS reach end of standard support?
Standard support ends in April 2027. After this date, security updates are no longer provided unless ESM is enabled.
Can I continue using Ubuntu 22.04 after April 2027?
Yes, but only if you enable Ubuntu Pro (ESM). Without ESM, running Ubuntu 22.04 beyond April 2027 is insecure and not recommended.
What happens if I don’t upgrade or enable ESM?
– No security patches for new vulnerabilities
– Increased risk of system compromise
– Possible compliance violations (PCI DSS, SOC 2, ISO 27001)
– Reduced software and vendor support
What is the best upgrade path from Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTS?
The recommended path is upgrading to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, which provides long-term stability and security support until 2034.
