linuxidx · Guide
How to update Linux (every major distro)
Updating Linux is one command and a minute of your time — and it's the single most important thing you can do for security and stability. Here's the exact command for each major family.
The command for your distro
- Ubuntu / Debian / Mint (apt):
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade - Fedora (dnf):
sudo dnf upgrade - Arch / Manjaro (pacman):
sudo pacman -Syu - openSUSE (zypper):
sudo zypper update - Flatpak apps:
flatpak update· Snap apps:sudo snap refresh
Not sure which family you're on? Check first with how to check your Linux version.
What "update" vs "upgrade" means
On apt systems, update refreshes the list of available packages; upgrade actually installs the newer versions. That's why you run them together. Other package managers combine both into one step.
How often? Weekly is plenty for a desktop; before installing new software is smart too. Rolling-release distros (Arch) reward more frequent updates. Always read what it's about to change before confirming.
New to typing commands at all? Start with what the Linux terminal is and the essential commands. For tech reading beyond Linux, Infoozle.