How to Update and Upgrade Packages Using APT, YUM, or DNF

Keeping your Linux system updated is crucial for security, stability, and access to the latest features. Depending on your Linux distribution, you’ll use APT, YUM, or DNF to manage updates. This guide covers the essentials for each.

📦 APT (Debian, Ubuntu, and derivatives)

APT is the package manager used in Debian-based systems like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Pop!_OS.

Update Package Lists

sudo apt update

This refreshes your local package index from the repositories.

Upgrade Installed Packages

sudo apt upgrade

This installs newer versions of installed packages without removing or installing anything new.

Full System Upgrade
  

sudo apt full-upgrade

This may install or remove packages as needed to satisfy dependencies.

📦 YUM (Older RHEL, CentOS)

YUM (Yellowdog Updater, Modified) is used in older Red Hat-based systems like CentOS 7.

Update & Upgrade Together

sudo yum update

YUM doesn’t separate update and upgrade commands—update does both.

📦 DNF (Fedora, CentOS 8+, RHEL 8+)

DNF (Dandified YUM) is the modern replacement for YUM in newer RHEL-based systems.

Update & Upgrade

sudo dnf upgrade

Like YUM, DNF handles updates and upgrades in one step.

Refresh Package Cache (Optional)

sudo dnf check-update

This checks for available updates without installing them.

✅ Summary Table

How to Update and Upgrade Packages Using APT, YUM, or DNF (F.A.Q)