Two ways of updating Ubuntu.
Have you just installed a fresh copy of Ubuntu, and you are now wondering how to install updates. This tutorial will help you check for and install updates.
There are two ways to update ubuntu, there is the GUI way and the terminal way. The GUI way is by using the app “Software Updater”.
How to Update Ubuntu via GUI
To update via Ubuntu Software, in the menu bar to the left of your desktop click The orange shopping bag-looking icon, if you hover your cursor over it you should see the icon’s label pop up.
- Click the show applications icon at the bottom of the menu bar.
- Please scroll through the applications until you see Software updater and click on it.
When the software updater opens it will automatically start searching for updates. If there are any to apply you should see the screen below.
You can click on details to see what packages are available to install, you can uncheck the box next to items you don’t want to install. Once you are ready to patch, click the Install Now button.
Once the updates finish you will see this window below stating that the software on this computer is up to date. After you are all updated it’s also not a bad idea to reboot your computer.
How to Update Ubuntu via Terminal
The next way to update your system we are going to go through is via terminal. To find it click the Show applications button at the bottom of the menu bar. Then in the search box start typing terminal, it should pop up, click it and a terminal window will pop up.
The first command we are going to use is.
Sudo apt update
Sudo will run this command with admin-level permissions, apt update will check to see if there are any updates for your system. Once it is typed press enter on your keyboard to execute it.
Since we are running a command with elevated privileges, it is going to require that you put your password in. (You created this password when you installed Ubuntu)
The next command we are going to use is.
Sudo apt upgrade
Again sudo is going to run this command with admin-level permissions, but the apt upgrade part of the command is going to actually download and install the patches. Once you have it typed out press enter again on your keyboard, you will then be asked if you want to continue press Y, then press enter.
Your updates will start to download and install. Once they finish go ahead and restart your computer and you will be all up to date.
Before you leave I want to share with you another way to use the commands I showed you above.
Sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
Adding the && in between each command will run them in order automatically.
If you have any questions about this email Kevin@thelocaltech.net and I will be happy to explain more. Or if you would like a one-on-one session on how to update Ubuntu, schedule a remote session with The Local Tech https://thelocaltech.net/remote-computer-repair/.