What is new in BigBlueButton 4.0?

BigBlueButton 4.0 was released on 14 October 2026 (update 4.0.1 followed on 29 October 2026). According to the release notes, the main changes are:

• Redesigned interface: a new navigation sidebar and an Apps Gallery where polls, breakout rooms, the timer, captions and plugins can be pinned and searched; a redesigned mobile layout; automatic light/dark theme.
• Teaching features: viewers can ask to present and a moderator approves; pinned chat messages; optional consent before a moderator unmutes someone; a Learning Dashboard for breakout rooms.
• Audio settings: a dedicated tab with noise-suppression modes.
• New media stack: LiveKit is now the default for audio, cameras and screen sharing.
• Shared notes: BlockNote replaces Etherpad.
• Platform: installs on Ubuntu 24.04.

Upgrading: an in-place upgrade from 3.0 is not supported. The documentation recommends a clean Ubuntu 24.04 server and then migrating your recordings. Test with your own courses before switching.