Quick answer
LTR or Latest — which should you install?
Most users should install LTR. QGIS LTR (Long Term Release) is stable, bug-fixed for at least 12 months and recommended for production work, education and organisations. Install Latest only if you specifically need a feature added in the last few months.
Comparison
LTR vs Latest — full comparison
| Feature | LTR (3.40) | Latest (3.42) |
|---|---|---|
| Stability | Very high — only bug fixes | Lower — new features may have bugs |
| Support duration | At least 12 months | Until next release (~4 months) |
| New features | No | Yes |
| Bug fixes | Yes — backported | Yes |
| Plugin compatibility | Excellent | Good — some plugins lag behind |
| Recommended for | Production, education, orgs | Developers, early adopters |
| Update frequency | Patch releases only | Monthly point releases |
| OSGeo4W package | qgis-ltr | qgis |
Current versions
Current QGIS versions (June 2026)
LTR — recommended
3.40.5
Bratislava — stable, long-term
Install thisLatest
3.42.1
Münster — newest features
Advanced usersQGIS releases a new major version every 4 months. The LTR is designated once per year and receives bug-fix patches for at least 12 months.
Who should use what
Choose based on your situation
| Situation | Recommended |
|---|---|
| First time installing QGIS | LTR |
| Production GIS work, mapping projects | LTR |
| Education, university courses | LTR |
| Organisation / team deployment | LTR |
| Need a specific new feature from last release | Latest |
| Plugin development / testing | Latest |
| Want to try bleeding-edge functionality | Latest |
Install both
Can I have LTR and Latest side by side?
Yes. The OSGeo4W installer can install both on the same machine. They run independently — each has its own profile, settings and plugins. Install qgis-ltr and qgis in the same OSGeo4W session:
# In the OSGeo4W package selection, check both:
✓ qgis-ltr # QGIS 3.40 LTR
✓ qgis # QGIS 3.42 Latest
# Both will appear in the Start menu
FAQ
LTR questions
What does "Long Term Release" mean for QGIS?
The QGIS project designates one release per year as the LTR. It receives bug-fix patches (e.g. 3.40.1, 3.40.2) for at least 12 months — sometimes longer. No new features are added to LTR, only fixes. This makes it safe for production environments that need stability.
Can I upgrade from LTR to Latest without losing my projects?
Yes. QGIS project files (.qgs/.qgz) are forward-compatible. Open them in the newer version and they will load. Settings and plugins may need to be reconfigured. It is good practice to back up your QGIS profile first.
What is the current QGIS LTR version in 2026?
QGIS 3.40 "Bratislava" is the current LTR as of mid-2026. The latest patch is 3.40.5. It will be supported until at least late 2026 when the next LTR designation is made.
qgis ltr vs latest — which is faster?
Performance is similar — both use the same underlying architecture. Occasionally a major version introduces performance improvements (or regressions). For critical workflows, test your specific datasets on both versions before committing.