Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS Released with Linux 6.17 HWE Kernel for Enhanced Hardware Support

Canonical has released Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS, the latest point update to the Noble Numbat series, bringing significant hardware improvements through the updated Hardware Enablement (HWE) stack. This release is particularly noteworthy for users seeking newer kernel features and enhanced hardware support on their Ubuntu 24.04 LTS installations.

Linux 6.17 HWE Kernel: The Main Attraction

The most significant addition in Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS is the inclusion of the Linux 6.17 kernel through the HWE stack. This kernel update brings several important improvements:

• Enhanced AMD GPU support: Better compatibility with newer Radeon graphics cards
• Intel Meteor Lake optimizations: Improved power management and performance
• Updated wireless drivers: Better support for the latest Wi-Fi 6E and 7 hardware
• File system improvements: Enhanced Btrfs and ext4 performance

For users with newer hardware, this kernel update can make the difference between full functionality and compatibility issues. The HWE stack allows users to maintain the stability of the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS base while benefiting from newer kernel features.

Mesa 25.2.8 and Graphics Stack Updates

Alongside the kernel update, Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS includes Mesa 25.2.8, providing:

• Improved Vulkan support: Better performance in modern games and applications
• Enhanced OpenGL compatibility: Fixes for older applications and games
• GPU-specific optimizations: Tailored improvements for AMD, Intel, and NVIDIA hardware

The graphics stack update is particularly valuable for users running desktop environments or using GPU-accelerated applications, as it can deliver noticeable performance improvements in both gaming and professional workloads.

Other Notable Updates

Beyond the headline features, Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS includes several other important updates:

• Firefox 147: The latest stable release of Mozilla's browser with security patches and feature improvements
• Updated Snap packages: Enhanced container runtime and application support
• Security updates: All security patches accumulated since the previous point release

Who Should Upgrade?

This point release is recommended for:

• Users with newer hardware that requires the Linux 6.17 kernel for full functionality
• Those seeking the latest security patches and software updates
• Users who want to maintain their Ubuntu 24.04 LTS installation while accessing newer kernel features

Existing Ubuntu 24.04 LTS users can upgrade to 24.04.4 LTS through the standard update mechanisms. New installations can download the updated ISO from releases.ubuntu.com.

Looking Ahead: Ubuntu 26.04 LTS

With Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS now available, attention turns to the next major LTS release. Ubuntu 26.04 LTS is scheduled for April 2026, continuing Canonical's regular release cadence. The 26.04 release will likely ship with an even newer kernel and updated software stacks, but for users who prefer the stability of the current LTS branch, 24.04.4 provides an excellent middle ground between cutting-edge features and proven stability.

The Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS release demonstrates Canonical's commitment to providing long-term support users with access to newer hardware support while maintaining system stability. By backporting the HWE stack from Ubuntu 25.10, users can enjoy the benefits of newer kernels and graphics drivers without the potential instability of running a development release.

The combination of Linux 6.17, Mesa 25.2.8, and other updated packages makes this point release a compelling upgrade for users who need the latest hardware support but prefer the reliability of an LTS version. Whether you're running a desktop workstation, a development environment, or a production server, Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS offers a balanced approach to keeping your system current while maintaining the stability that LTS releases are known for.