LXD, a modern system container manager developed by Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, has just released LXD 6.4, marking the fourth feature launch in the 6.x series.
One of the significant updates in this release is the introduction of a new snap track dedicated to the 6.x series. LXD now encourages users to move towards series-specific tracks, such as 6/stable, instead of remaining on a rolling release through the latest/stable channel.
Another important development is the revamped backup metadata format. The new v2 format replaces references from “container” to “instance” and supports recording configurations of attached storage volumes.
The good news is that users still have the flexibility to import backups created with the previous format and can even choose the export version during the backup process.
Cluster management also sees improvements. The lxc cluster restore command gains a “skip” mode, allowing users to restore the cluster member status without reinstating evacuated instances.
This feature is particularly handy during maintenance periods, as it ensures cluster members can swiftly return to operational status without unwanted migrations.
Moreover, LXD 6.4 enhances command-line usability by incorporating the --all-projects flag across more commands, improving overall project visibility.
In addition, users can now benefit from refined startup and shutdown sequences. Instances without running operations will receive immediate shutdown signals, significantly accelerating the process.
The user interface now features a streamlined onboarding process through simplified TLS identity creation, improved visibility with Network ACL support, and additional metrics tracking for CPU and disk usage on instance detail pages.
Plus, managing instances across various projects has become simpler, thanks to the intuitive new UI page listing all accessible instances in one convenient view.
Lastly, the updated interface now clearly indicates available actions for those with restricted permissions, helping users navigate permissions transparently and efficiently.
For more information about all LXD 6.4 container manager changes, visit the release announcement or check out the full changelog. It is available for download on Linux, macOS, and Windows platforms.
