Last checked and updated on April 15, 2026What Is New in Ubuntu 20.10
Ubuntu 20.10 Groovy Gorilla brings updates across the entire stack, from the Linux kernel to desktop applications. This release focuses on refining the experience for both desktop users and developers.
| Category | Key Updates |
|---|---|
| Kernel & Core | Linux 5.8, GCC 10, glibc 2.32 |
| Desktop & UI | GNOME 3.38, improved fractional scaling, new Yaru theme variants |
| Software & Packages | LibreOffice 7.0, PulseAudio 14, Python 3.8.6 |
| Hardware Support | Raspberry Pi support, exFAT filesystem support |
| Cloud & Containers | Cloud images on Azure and AWS, containerd 1.4.1 |
What's under the hood with Linux 5.8?
The core of Ubuntu 20.10 is powered by the Linux 5.8 kernel. This matters because it brings a significant number of hardware enablement patches and performance improvements.
You get better support for newer hardware, including AMD CPUs and GPUs, and Intel Tiger Lake graphics. In practice, this means your system will run more smoothly on modern laptops and workstations.
How does GNOME 3.38 improve the desktop?
Ubuntu 20.10 ships with GNOME 3.38, which refines the user interface and adds new features. The Overview has been streamlined, and there are performance gains throughout the shell.
A practical change is the new 'Do Not Disturb' button for notifications. This is handy for focusing during work without being interrupted by alerts.
What developer toolchains are updated?
Toolchain updates are a big deal for developers. This release includes GCC 10.2, glibc 2.32, and Python 3.8.6 as the default system Python.
GCC 10 brings new warnings and security hardening options. If you're compiling code, you might need to check for new warnings that pop up.
Is there better Raspberry Pi support?
Yes, Ubuntu 20.10 includes an official pre-built image for the Raspberry Pi. This makes it much easier to get a full Ubuntu desktop running on a Pi 4 or Pi 400.
The image supports USB boot and the new Raspberry Pi firmware by default. It's a solid option for embedded development and hobby projects.
What about cloud and container tools?
For cloud deployments, 20.10 provides updated images on all major clouds, including AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. The containerd runtime is updated to version 1.4.1.
This keeps the platform current for deploying containerized workloads. The cloud images use the faster nvme kernel driver for NVMe storage on AWS.
FAQ
Is Python 2 still available in 20.10?
No, Python 2 has been completely removed from the main archive. You'll need to use Python 3 or find a PPA or other source for legacy Python 2 applications.
Can I upgrade directly from Ubuntu 18.04 to 20.10?
No, you cannot skip releases. You must first upgrade from 18.04 LTS to 20.04 LTS, and then from 20.04 LTS to 20.10.
Does 20.10 support fractional scaling on Xorg?
Yes, fractional scaling (e.g., 125%, 150%) is now supported on Xorg, not just Wayland. This is a major improvement for users with high-DPI displays.
What happened to the Ubuntu Web website creator?
The Ubuntu Web project, which was a tool for creating websites as desktop apps, was not included in the final 20.10 release due to resource constraints.
How long is Ubuntu 20.10 supported?
As a non-LTS release, Ubuntu 20.10 is supported with security updates for 9 months, until July 2021.