How to Update All Packages on Ubuntu Using Command Line

Keeping your Ubuntu system up-to-date is essential to ensure that it remains secure and stable. One of the key aspects of maintenance is updating all installed packages regularly. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to update all packages on Ubuntu using the command line.

Step 1: Open the Terminal

To get started, open the terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T or by searching for “Terminal” in the application menu.

Step 2: Update Package Lists

Before updating the packages, it’s important to make sure that your package lists are up-to-date. Use the following command:

sudo apt update

This command fetches the latest package information from the repositories.

Step 3: Upgrade Installed Packages

Once the package lists are updated, you can proceed to upgrade the installed packages:

sudo apt upgrade

During the upgrade process, you may be prompted to confirm if you want to proceed. Type Y and press Enter to continue.

Step 4: Perform a Distribution Upgrade (Optional)

If there is a new distribution release available, you can upgrade to it using the following command:

sudo do-release-upgrade

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the distribution upgrade process.

Step 5: Clean Up Unused Packages

After updating your packages, you can clean up any residual packages that are no longer needed:

sudo apt autoremove

This command removes packages that were automatically installed but are no longer required by any other packages on your system.

Wrapping Up

Congratulations! You have successfully updated all packages on your Ubuntu system using the command line. By keeping your system up-to-date, you can ensure better security and performance.

Remember to regularly check for updates and run the update commands to keep your system healthy and secure.