Ubuntu doesn’t support downgrading from 22.04 to 20.04 in place. The only reliable way is to back up your files, create a bootable USB with Ubuntu 20.04, and do a clean installation, then restore your data and reinstall your applications. Before you do, keep in mind that Ubuntu 20.04 reached the end of its standard support in 2025, so it only receives security updates through Ubuntu Pro’s Expanded Security Maintenance. For most problems, fixing the issue on 22.04 or running 20.04 in a container or virtual machine is a better choice.
Below are the steps for a clean downgrade, safer alternatives, and why package pinning tricks aren’t recommended.
Why you can’t downgrade in place
Ubuntu’s release upgrader only moves forward. Every system package in 22.04 is newer than its 20.04 version, and forcing older packages over newer ones with apt usually breaks dependencies, leaving the system unbootable. A fresh install is the clean path.
Before you start: back up
- Copy your home folder to an external drive: rsync -a ~/ /media/you/backup/home/
- Save a list of installed packages: apt-mark showmanual > ~/manual-packages.txt
- Export any databases, and copy configuration files you changed in /etc.
- Note your Wi-Fi passwords, SSH keys (~/.ssh) and any license keys.
Step 1: Create a Ubuntu 20.04 USB
- Download the Ubuntu 20.04 LTS ISO from Ubuntu’s official releases site.
- Write it to a USB drive of 8 GB or more with Startup Disk Creator in Ubuntu, or a tool like balenaEtcher on another computer.
Step 2: Install Ubuntu 20.04
- Restart and boot from the USB (press the boot menu key, often F12, F11 or Esc).
- Choose Install Ubuntu.
- At Installation type, choose Erase disk and install Ubuntu, or Something else to keep a separate /home partition.
- Finish the installer and restart.
If you had a separate /home partition, choosing Something else and mounting it as /home without formatting keeps your files. Back up anyway.
Step 3: Restore your data and apps
- Copy your files back from the backup.
- Reinstall packages from your list, for example: xargs -a ~/manual-packages.txt sudo apt install. Some package names differ between versions, so expect a few errors.
- Run sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade.
- Consider attaching Ubuntu Pro (free for personal use on a limited number of machines) to receive security updates for 20.04.
Alternatives to downgrading
| Need | Better option |
|---|---|
| An app only works on 20.04 | Run it in a Docker container or LXD container based on 20.04 |
| Testing software on 20.04 | Use a virtual machine |
| Older Python, PHP or library version | Use pyenv, a PPA or a container instead of the whole OS |
| Hardware or driver problems on 22.04 | Try a newer kernel (HWE) or check for updated drivers |
Avoid these shortcuts
- Editing /etc/apt/sources.list to point to 20.04 (focal) and running dist-upgrade.
- Pinning all packages to older versions.
- Restoring a partial disk image over a running system.
These approaches commonly break the package manager and the desktop.
Related: install Linux on Windows 10 (WSL, VM or dual boot).
Related: fix “Failed to start docker.service: Unit not found” on Linux.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Timeshift to go back to 20.04?
Yes, if you made a Timeshift snapshot before upgrading. Restoring that snapshot returns the system to 20.04. Without a snapshot, you need a clean install.
Will a clean install delete my files?
Erase disk deletes everything. Keep backups, or use a separate /home partition and don’t format it.
Is Ubuntu 20.04 still safe to use?
Only with Expanded Security Maintenance through Ubuntu Pro. Without it, it no longer gets regular security updates.
Kermit Matthews runs Live2Tech from just outside Philadelphia. He is an IT specialist with over 20 years of experience, from a university help desk to small-business IT, IT management and his own consulting practice, and has written tech guides full time since 2020. Steps are checked against the current software on a real device or the maker’s official documentation. More about Kermit.