Table of Contents
Why Updating Matters
New Linux systems often ship with:
- Security vulnerabilities that have since been fixed
- Buggy versions of software
- Outdated hardware support (drivers, firmware)
Updating:
- Fixes security issues
- Improves stability and performance
- Adds hardware support and new features
On a fresh installation, expect a large first update, often hundreds of MB or several GB.
Types of Updates
Most desktop distributions classify updates into a few rough categories:
- Security updates – Fix known vulnerabilities; highest priority
- Bugfix updates – Fix crashes, glitches, or incorrect behavior
- Feature updates – Add new features or change behavior (more common in rolling releases)
- Kernel updates – Update the Linux kernel itself; may require reboot
On beginner-friendly distributions (Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora Workstation, etc.), security updates are often installed automatically, or you’ll be prompted via a graphical updater.
General Concepts (Independent of Distribution)
Regardless of which distribution you’re using:
- Updates come from software repositories on the internet
- You update using:
- A graphical tool (software updater / software center), and/or
- A command-line tool (like
apt,dnf,pacman) - A typical update flow:
- Refresh the list of available packages (metadata)
- Download newer versions
- Install them
- Sometimes reboot (especially after kernel or major system updates)
You need:
- A working internet connection
- Administrative privileges (usually via
sudo)
Updating on Debian/Ubuntu-Based Systems (apt)
Applies to: Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Pop!_OS, Debian, and many others that use apt.
Graphical Method
You’ll usually find one of:
- “Software Updater” or “Update Manager”
- A notification in the system tray about updates
Typical flow:
- Open Software Updater (or similar).
- The tool checks for updates automatically.
- You see a list of updates (often grouped into security, recommended, etc.).
- Click Install Now (or similar).
- Enter your password when prompted.
- Wait until it finishes; reboot if prompted.
Command-Line Method (`apt`)
Open a terminal and run:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgradeWhat they do:
sudo apt update
Downloads the latest list of packages and versions from the repositories.
Use this before upgrading.sudo apt upgrade
Installs newer versions of already-installed packages where it’s safe to do so.
You might occasionally see:
sudo apt full-upgrade(orsudo apt dist-upgradeon older docs)
This can add or remove packages if necessary to complete an upgrade (e.g., new kernel, changed dependencies).
For a simple desktop system, running:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeon a regular basis is usually enough.
Updating on Fedora/RHEL-Based Systems (dnf)
Applies to: Fedora, RHEL, CentOS Stream, AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux (with minor tool name differences).
Graphical Method
On Fedora Workstation and similar:
- The Software app (GNOME Software) shows available updates
- You may get a notification like “Updates Available”
Typical flow:
- Open Software (or “Software Center”).
- Go to the Updates tab.
- Review updates (you may see “OS Updates” and “Application Updates”).
- Click Download / Install.
- Reboot if the system asks you to (often after kernel or OS updates).
Command-Line Method (`dnf`)
In a terminal:
sudo dnf check-update
sudo dnf upgradesudo dnf check-update
Checks if updates are available (optional;dnf upgradealso checks).sudo dnf upgrade
Downloads and installs available updates.
You can combine checking and upgrading with just:
sudo dnf upgrade
On some systems you may see dnf update — it’s effectively the same as dnf upgrade in most modern Fedora-family systems.
Updating on Arch-Based Systems (pacman)
Applies to: Arch Linux, Manjaro, EndeavourOS, etc.
These are typically rolling release distributions: staying updated is essential.
Graphical Method
In beginner-friendly Arch-based distros (like Manjaro), you may have:
- “Add/Remove Software” or “Pamac”
- Tray notifications for updates
Flow is similar:
- Open the graphical package manager.
- Check for updates (often automatic).
- Click Apply or Update.
- Enter your password.
- Wait; reboot if a kernel or core component was updated.
Command-Line Method (`pacman`)
In Arch and derivatives, updates are usually done with:
sudo pacman -SyuThis runs three operations at once:
-S– synchronize packages-y– refresh package database (metadata)-u– upgrade all out-of-date packages
On rolling releases, try not to skip updates for too long; read major news/announcements for your distro before big upgrades if possible.
Using the Graphical “Software Center” vs Terminal
You usually have both options; you can choose what you’re more comfortable with.
- Graphical updater / software center:
- Easier for beginners
- Shows updates in a friendly list
- Good for routine desktop use
- Terminal:
- More precise control
- Easier to copy commands from documentation
- Useful for troubleshooting or remote systems
You don’t need to use both at the same time; pick one method per update session.
Reboots and When They’re Needed
Most Linux updates do not strictly require a reboot.
Common reboot triggers:
- Kernel update
- Major system libraries (e.g.,
glibc) or graphics stack changes - Some system services that are hard to restart cleanly
Many graphical updaters will:
- Show a message like “Restart Required” or
- Offer a “Restart Now” button
From a practical perspective, if you’ve just done a large system update (especially after a fresh install), a reboot is a good idea even if not strictly required.
Automatic and Scheduled Updates
Many desktop distributions offer some level of automation:
- Security-only automatic updates
Often enabled by default or available via settings. - Full automatic updates
Sometimes configurable; may not be enabled by default to avoid surprises.
Where to look:
- System Settings → Software & Updates, Updates, or similar
- The settings in your Software / Software Center app
- Search for “Updates” or “Software & Updates” in your application menu
For beginners, a good balance is:
- Automatic security updates enabled
- Manual full updates (using GUI or terminal) every few days or weekly
Dealing With Common Update Situations
Interrupted Updates
If the process stops due to:
- Network problems
- Power loss
- Closing the laptop
Usually, simply running the update command again fixes it:
- On Debian/Ubuntu:
sudo dpkg --configure -a
sudo apt -f install
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade- On Fedora:
sudo dnf upgrade --refresh- On Arch:
sudo pacman -SyuFor absolute beginners, if something goes wrong:
- Read any error messages carefully.
- Try to run the same update command again.
- If it still fails, search the exact error message or consult documentation/forums.
Updates Requiring Manual Confirmation
Occasionally:
- You may be asked whether to keep or replace a configuration file.
- You may see a text-based screen (like
pagerorless) with a changelog or license.
Tips:
- If unsure about config files, keeping the existing version is often safer on a beginner desktop.
- To exit a pager:
- Press
qto quit the view and continue.
How Often Should You Update?
For a typical desktop:
- Security-conscious usage or internet-facing services:
Check for updates daily or every couple of days. - Normal home desktop use:
Updating once a week is usually sufficient. - Rolling-release systems (e.g., Arch):
Update regularly (e.g., at least weekly) to avoid large jumps.
If you haven’t used the system for a long time, expect:
- Many updates at once
- More time for downloads and installation
Quick Distribution-Specific Cheat Sheet
Use these as your “first thing after install” commands in a terminal:
- Ubuntu / Debian / Mint / Pop!_OS:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade- Fedora / RHEL-family (with dnf):
sudo dnf upgrade- Arch / Manjaro / EndeavourOS:
sudo pacman -SyuRun these on a fresh install before doing anything else, then periodically to keep your system safe and current.