Upgrading to Ubuntu 25.10 “Questing Quokka” — A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Ubuntu 25.10, codenamed “Questing Quokka,” introduces a new round of refinements, performance improvements, and updated packages for developers, creators, and everyday Linux users. If you’re currently running Ubuntu 25.04, you can upgrade directly to 25.10.

However, users on earlier versions (24.10, 24.04 LTS, or older) cannot jump straight to 25.10 — the Ubuntu upgrade process must always follow its sequential release path.

This means:

To move from 25.04 → 25.10 — ✅ Direct upgrade supported
To move from 24.10 → 25.10 — ❌ Upgrade 24.10 → 25.04 first, then to 25.10
To move from 24.04 LTS → 25.10 — ❌ LTS → non-LTS direct upgrade not supported

Because Ubuntu 25.10 is a non-LTS release, it primarily targets users who prefer the latest features and are comfortable upgrading every six months.

1. Preparing for the Upgrade

Before beginning the upgrade, it’s essential to perform a few housekeeping steps. Proper preparation ensures a smooth transition and minimizes the risk of issues.

Step 1: Back Up Your Data

Never skip this.
Even though the upgrade process usually completes safely, unexpected issues (like power loss or disk errors) can happen.
Use your preferred backup method:

Graphical option: “Backups” (Déjà Dup) from the app menu
Or back up critical folders manually (Documents, Downloads, etc.) to an external drive.

Command line option:

rsync -avh --exclude={"/proc/*","/sys/*","/dev/*","/run/*","/tmp/*","/mnt/*"} / /path/to/backup/location

Step 2: Confirm You’re Running Ubuntu 25.04

Open your terminal and check your version:

lsb_release -a

You should see:

Description: Ubuntu 25.04
Codename: Lunar Lobster

If you’re not on 25.04, upgrade to it first before proceeding to 25.10.

Step 3: Apply All Pending Updates

Ensure your current system is completely up to date.
Run the following commands:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y
sudo apt full-upgrade -y

Afterward, remove obsolete packages:

sudo apt autoremove --purge -y

Finally, reboot:

sudo reboot

Step 4: Disable Third-Party Repositories

Third-party PPAs (like graphics drivers, proprietary tools, or custom applications) can cause dependency conflicts during an upgrade.
To temporarily disable them:

Open Software & Updates → Other Software tab
Uncheck any entries that are not from archive.ubuntu.com or security.ubuntu.com

Ubuntu’s upgrade manager will also automatically disable non-official sources during the upgrade, but manually disabling them helps prevent early issues.

Step 5: Connect to Power and Stable Internet

If you’re using a laptop, plug it in to avoid accidental shutdowns.
Also, make sure you have a stable internet connection, as the upgrade can download over 2 GB of data.

2. Upgrading from Ubuntu 25.04 to 25.10

There are two main ways to perform the upgrade — via the graphical Software Updater or the command line.
Both methods achieve the same result, so choose the one that fits your workflow.\

Option A: Graphical Upgrade (Recommended for Most Users)

Open Software Updater from the application menu.
Wait for it to check for updates.
When Ubuntu 25.10 becomes available, you’ll see a message like:
“A new version of Ubuntu is available: 25.10 ‘Questing Quokka’.”
Click Upgrade, and follow the on-screen instructions.

The upgrader will:

Update package lists
Disable third-party sources
Download all new packages
Replace outdated ones
Clean up obsolete dependencies

Once complete, the system will reboot into Ubuntu 25.10.

Option B: Command-Line Upgrade (For Experienced Users)

If you prefer a terminal-based approach:

Open a terminal.
Follow the prompts carefully — the upgrader may ask about replacing configuration files or removing obsolete packages.

Run:

sudo do-release-upgrade

During the process, expect:

A check for available upgrades
Automatic disabling of non-official repositories
Download and installation of new packages
A system restart upon completion

3. Alternative: Performing a Fresh Installation

If you’re running an older version (24.04 LTS, 24.10, or earlier), the most reliable way to upgrade to 25.10 is with a clean install.

Steps:

Back up your files to an external drive or cloud storage.
Download the official Ubuntu 25.10 ISO from the Ubuntu website.
Create a bootable USB drive:
- On Ubuntu: Use Startup Disk Creator
- On macOS or Windows: Use Rufus, Etcher, or Ventoy
Boot from the USB drive, choose “Install Ubuntu”, and follow the prompts.
During installation, select:
- Erase disk and install Ubuntu (for a clean install), or
- Install alongside existing system (if dual-booting).

Once installed, restore your backups and reinstall any custom packages.

4. When the Upgrade Doesn’t Appear

Sometimes the upgrade notice is intentionally delayed for stability testing. Canonical gradually rolls out new versions to ensure early issues are caught before mass deployment.
If your system doesn’t show the upgrade prompt yet, you can force it manually — but proceed with caution.

To Force the Upgrade:

Open a terminal.
Follow all interactive prompts.

Run:

sudo do-release-upgrade -d

The -d flag checks for the latest development or interim release (in this case, 25.10).

⚠️ Warning: Forcing an upgrade before official rollout may expose you to bugs or temporary repository errors. It’s best suited for testers or experienced users.

5. Post-Upgrade Steps

Once the upgrade is complete:

Re-enable third-party repositories (if needed).
Reopen Software & Updates → Other Software, and recheck your external PPAs.

Check for broken dependencies:

sudo apt --fix-broken install

Clean up unnecessary packages:

sudo apt autoremove --purge -y
sudo apt clean

Verify the upgrade:

lsb_release -a

Expected output:

Description: Ubuntu 25.10
Codename: questing-quokka

Reboot your system:

sudo reboot

6. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: Upgrade interrupted or failed midway.
Solution:
Boot into recovery mode, drop to a root shell, and run:

sudo dpkg --configure -a
sudo apt -f install

Problem: Third-party packages missing after upgrade.
Solution:
Re-enable and refresh repositories:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y

Problem: No sound, graphics issues, or Wi-Fi problems.
Solution:
Reinstall or update drivers:

sudo ubuntu-drivers autoinstall

Reboot afterward.

7. Conclusion

Upgrading from Ubuntu 25.04 → 25.10 “Questing Quokka” is a straightforward process when properly prepared.
Whether you use the graphical Software Updater or the command line, following these steps ensures a reliable transition with minimal downtime.

If you’re on an older release, performing a fresh installation will provide the cleanest and most stable experience.

With the upgrade complete, enjoy exploring Ubuntu 25.10’s new features — and remember to keep your system regularly updated for the latest improvements and security fixes.