How to Update and Upgrade Your Linux System (Keep Your System Secure and Stable)

Keeping your Linux system up to date is essential for security, performance, and getting the latest features. This guide will walk you through how to update and upgrade your system using both the Terminal and the Graphical User Interface (GUI) — perfect for beginners!

Why You Should Update Your Linux System

Updating your system ensures:

• Security patches are applied
• Software bugs are fixed
• New features are added
• Your system stays compatible with modern apps

Method 1: Using the Graphical Interface (GUI)

If you’re new to Linux and prefer clicking over typing, here’s how to do it the easy way using your desktop environment.For Ubuntu / Linux Mint / Elementary OS:

These distributions use Ubuntu’s update manager, which makes updating very simple.

🔹 Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open the Update Manager
   • Press the Super (Windows) key and search for “Update Manager” or “Software Updater”.
   • Click to launch it.
2. Wait While It Checks for Updates
   • The tool will automatically check for updates.
   • If updates are found, you’ll see a list of them.
3. Click “Install Updates”
   • Click the button and enter your password when prompted.
   • The system will download and install everything for you.
4. Restart if Required
   • Some updates (like kernel or system updates) might require a restart.
   • You’ll see a prompt if that’s necessary.

📝 Tip: You can also enable automatic updates from Settings > Software & Updates > Updates tab.

For Fedora:

Fedora uses GNOME Software for GUI updates.

Steps:

1. Open Software from the application menu.
2. Go to the Updates tab.
3. Click Download and then Restart & Install Updates when ready.

For KDE Plasma (Kubuntu, KDE Neon):

1. Open Discover (the KDE software manager).
2. Click the Updates tab on the left.
3. Click Update All to begin installation.

Method 2: Using the Terminal (For When You’re Ready)

Once you’re comfortable, the terminal is faster and gives more control.

For Ubuntu/Debian/Linux Mint (APT-based):

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

• apt update checks for new packages.
• apt upgrade installs the available upgrades.

👉 You can also use:

sudo apt full-upgrade

This handles dependencies better and upgrades everything possible.

For Fedora (DNF-based):

sudo dnf upgrade

For RHEL/CentOS (YUM-based):

sudo yum update

What’s the Difference Between update and upgrade?

How Often Should You Update?

• For desktops: Once a week is usually enough.
• For servers: Apply security updates daily.
• Enable automatic updates for background security updates.

Bonus Tip: Enable Automatic Security Updates (Ubuntu)

sudo apt install unattended-upgrades
sudo dpkg-reconfigure --priority=low unattended-upgrades

Final Thoughts

Updating your Linux system regularly is one of the easiest ways to keep it safe and running smoothly. Whether you prefer using a GUI or want to explore the terminal, Linux gives you both options.

📌 Quick Summary