How to Safely Update and Upgrade Ubuntu 24.04

Linux & Ubuntu | Published 2026-03-21 | By NetCollege Team

Summary: Step-by-step guide to keeping your Ubuntu system up to date with best practices to avoid breaking packages.

Introduction

Keeping your Ubuntu system updated is essential for security and stability. This guide covers the recommended way to update packages on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.

Step 1: Update the package list

Run:

sudo apt update

Step 2: Upgrade installed packages

Run:

sudo apt upgrade -y

The -y flag automatically confirms prompts.

Step 3: Full system upgrade

Run:

sudo apt full-upgrade -y

Best practices

Always run sudo apt update before upgrading.
Reboot after major updates with sudo reboot.
Check pending upgrades with apt list --upgradable.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between apt upgrade and apt full-upgrade?

apt upgrade updates installed packages without removing dependencies, while apt full-upgrade can add or remove packages to complete upgrades.

Should I reboot after updating Ubuntu 24.04?

Reboot when kernel or core system components are updated, especially on servers after planned maintenance windows.

How can I reduce update risk on production systems?

Snapshot or backup first, review package changes before confirming, and test updates on staging systems when possible.