Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

Ubuntu 21.10, codenamed Impish Indri, was released on October 14, 2021. It introduced GNOME 40 on the standard desktop and several server-installation changes, but it is no longer supported: Ubuntu lists July 14, 2022, as its end-of-life date. The Ubuntu Release Team named Ubuntu 22.04 LTS as the supported upgrade path at the time; check Ubuntu’s current upgrade documentation before attempting an upgrade.

When was Ubuntu 21.10 released?

Ubuntu 21.10 was released on October 14, 2021. It is an interim release, not a long-term support (LTS) release. Canonical described it as the final interim release before Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, which was planned for April 2022. Ubuntu’s release list records the 21.10 release date and its later end-of-life date.

The release team described Ubuntu 21.10 as receiving nine months of support. In practice, the listed support window ran from October 14, 2021, through July 14, 2022.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What was new in Ubuntu 21.10?

Canonical’s release announcement highlighted changes to the desktop, developer toolchain, and kernel. These are selected highlights, not a complete package-by-package changelog.

#1 Best Overall
64GB - 16-in-1, Bootable USB Drive 3.2 for Linux & Windows 11, Zorin | Mint | Kali | Ubuntu | Tails | Debian, Supported UEFI and Legacy
  • ✅For beginners, refer image-7, its a video boot instruction, and image-6 is "boot menu Hot Key list"
  • ✅16-IN-1, 64GB Bootable USB Drive 3.2 , Can Run Linux On USB Drive Without Install, All Latest versions.
  • ✅Including Windows 11 64Bit & Linux Mint 22.3 (Cinnamon)、Kali 2026.02、Ubuntu 26.04、Zorin Pro 18、Tails 7.8.1、Debian 13.5.0、Garuda 2026.03、Fedora Workstation 44、Manjaro 25.06、Pop!_OS 22.04、Solus 2026.04、Archcraft 26.05、Neon 2026.06、Fossapup 9.5、Sparkylinux 8.3, All ISO has been Tested
  • ✅Supported UEFI and Legacy, Compatibility any PC/Laptop, Any boot issue only needs to disable "Secure Boot"

Desktop: GNOME 40 and Firefox as a snap

The standard Ubuntu desktop moved to GNOME 40, which brought dynamic workspaces and touchpad gestures. The release also made Firefox available as a snap published by Mozilla. Canonical’s Ubuntu 21.10 announcement describes these desktop changes.

Developer tools and kernel

The announcement named PHP 8 and GCC 11 among the software updates; the Ubuntu Release Team listed GCC 11.2.0. Ubuntu 21.10 shipped with Linux kernel 5.13. Canonical described the kernel’s Kernel Electric Fence (KFENCE) as a low-overhead runtime detector for memory errors and noted that stack location was randomized at system-call entry on amd64 and arm64.

Rank #2
EZITSOL USB for Ubuntu 24.04 & 22.04 64bit,Lubuntu 18.04 32bit | 3IN1 Bootable Linux USB flash drive/Stick,Jump Drive,Pendrive,Thumb drive
  • 3-in-1: 16GB Multiboot USB flash drive for Ubuntu 24.04 LTS 64bit & 22.04 LTS 64bit, Lubuntu 18.04 LTS 32bit. All are LTS versions, namely, Long Terrm Support Version. The versions you received might be latest than above as we update them when we think necessary.
  • Compatibility: Compatible with any brand's PC, works with both legacy BIOS and UEFI booting mode, except for Apple computers, Chromebooks and ARM-based devices.
  • Popularity:Most popular linux distributions and all come with common software includes office software, web browser, image editing, multimedia, and email except Lubuntu which is desgined to targted for very old PC.
  • Support: Print user guide and support available. please contact us for help if you have an issue.
  • Live USB or install: You can either try on USB or install on hard drive.

The release team also noted Wayland sessions with the proprietary NVIDIA driver. PulseAudio 15 added support for LDAC and AptX Bluetooth codecs and HFP profiles. These are release-specific highlights, not a promise that every hardware and software configuration will behave identically.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What changed in Ubuntu Server 21.10?

Ubuntu Server had its own changes, distinct from the desktop edition. Canonical highlighted a minimized system installation option in the live installer and needrestart enabled by default. Canonical’s Ubuntu Server announcement said these new server features would be available in Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS as well.

Rank #3
Beamo Ubuntu Desktop 24.04.3 LTS 64-bit Bootable USB Flash Drive - Live USB for Installing and Repairing Ubuntu Desktop
  • UBUNTU 24.04.3 LTS MEDIA - 16GB bootable USB with Ubuntu Desktop 24.04.3 LTS for compatible x86-64 PCs.
  • LIVE OR INSTALL - On supported hardware, start the Ubuntu live environment to evaluate it or launch the installer.
  • PLATFORM BOUNDARY - Not designed to boot Apple Silicon or other ARM-based computers. Confirm CPU architecture and USB-boot support before purchase.
  • BOOT SETTINGS VARY - Boot-menu keys and UEFI settings differ by manufacturer; consult the computer maker's instructions if the USB is not listed.
  • BACK UP BEFORE INSTALLING - Disk-partition and installation choices can erase files or operating systems. Disconnect nonessential drives and preserve the USB until it is no longer needed for installation or recovery.

The same article discussed NVIDIA vGPU driver availability for Ubuntu 20.04 LTS and 18.04 LTS. That point concerns those LTS releases; it should not be read as a claim that Ubuntu 21.10 itself newly introduced vGPU support.

Did Ubuntu flavors have the same features?

No. Ubuntu flavors use different desktop environments and can have their own release notes. For example, Kubuntu 21.10 shipped with Plasma 5.22.5 and KDE Gear 21.08, and its release notes stated a nine-month support lifespan. Those are Kubuntu-specific details, not features of the standard Ubuntu desktop. See Kubuntu’s 21.10 release notes.

Rank #4
Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS Bootable USB Drive 32GB – Plug & Play Live Linux OS Installer, Try or Install Ubuntu on Any PC (Fast & Easy Setup)
  • Plug & Play Ubuntu – No Tech Skills Needed: Preloaded with the latest Ubuntu 24.04.4 LTS, this bootable USB lets you instantly run or install Linux without complicated setup. Just plug it in, restart your computer, and go.
  • Try Ubuntu Without Installing: Run Ubuntu directly from the USB (Live Mode) without touching your current system. Perfect for testing Linux safely before committing.
  • Fast USB Performance: Enjoy quick boot times and smooth performance with a high-speed drive.
  • Install, Repair, or Recover Systems: Use this drive to install Ubuntu, fix broken systems, recover files, or troubleshoot computers. A powerful tool for both beginners and advanced users.
  • Universal Compatiability: Compatible with most Windows PCs and Intel-based Macs. Note: Not directly compatible with ARM devices (such as Apple M1/M2/M3) without virtualization software.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Is Ubuntu 21.10 still supported?

No. Ubuntu 21.10 reached end of life on July 14, 2022. The Ubuntu Release Team said package updates would no longer be accepted after that date and that the release would be archived to old-releases.ubuntu.com. Ubuntu’s release list places 21.10 in its end-of-life releases.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The Release Team named Ubuntu 22.04 LTS as the supported upgrade path in its July 2022 end-of-life notice. That is historical guidance, not confirmation that a particular old installation can safely upgrade directly today. Before acting, consult Ubuntu’s current upgrade documentation and follow its applicable instructions and caveats. Because 21.10 no longer receives package updates, do not treat it as a currently supported system.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.