Ubuntu 20.04 LTS has been a popular choice for embedded Linux development since its release in April 2020. But as standard support for this version comes to an end in May 2025, businesses relying on Ubuntu 20.04 need to make a move. Without action, your products could be exposed to security vulnerabilities, compliance risks, and stalled feature updates.
In this blog, we’ll walk through what the end of life (EOL) for Ubuntu 20.04 really means, what your options are, and how Witekio can help you make the right move—whether that’s migrating to a new LTS or extending your support window with Ubuntu Pro for Devices.
What does the end of standard support for Ubuntu 20.04 mean?
When Ubuntu 20.04 LTS reaches EOL in May 2025, it will no longer receive free security patches, maintenance updates, or bug fixes from Canonical under standard support. While your devices won’t suddenly stop working, they will become increasingly vulnerable to known security threats and may no longer meet regulatory requirements.
For embedded products deployed in the field, this is especially critical. Many devices have long life cycles, and maintaining their security and stability is not just good practice—it’s increasingly becoming a legal requirement.
Why you need to act now
If you’re still running Ubuntu 20.04, you have two main paths forward:
1. Migrate to a newer LTS version
Moving to a newer LTS version like Ubuntu 22.04 or 24.04 keeps your project within the free support window, ensuring regular security updates and long-term maintainability. But it’s not always a simple switch. Migrating an embedded system means revalidating hardware compatibility, resolving dependency issues, updating drivers, and ensuring everything still functions as expected.
This is where Witekio comes in. Our team has extensive experience with OS migration, helping customers plan and execute smooth transitions that minimize downtime and risk.
2. Upgrade to Ubuntu Pro for Devices
Thanks to a new distribution agreement between Canonical and Witekio, there’s now a second option: Ubuntu Pro for Devices. This subscription-based solution extends Ubuntu 20.04 support for an additional five years—through to 2030—and covers not just the OS but also over 25,000 packages, including commonly used applications and libraries.
For companies facing long maintenance cycles or regulatory requirements like the EU Cyber Resilience Act, Ubuntu Pro helps ensure your devices remain secure and compliant without requiring a full migration effort. It also includes Landscape, Canonical’s device management and fleet management tool, helping you monitor, update, and manage devices remotely.
How Witekio can help
Whether you’re planning a full Ubuntu 20.04 migration or choosing to extend with Ubuntu Pro for Devices, Witekio is here to support you. We provide:
• Migration strategy and execution for moving to Ubuntu 22.04 or 24.04
• Compatibility audits and hardware validation
• Security and compliance consulting
• Integration and setup of Ubuntu Pro for Devices
• Long-term maintenance and update strategies
Through our partnership with Canonical, we not only provide the services—you can also access the Ubuntu Pro for Devices license directly through us.
Need help deciding the best path?
Talk to our software experts about your Ubuntu 20.04 migration or upgrade options.
