If you’re running Ubuntu as your operating system, updating the system software is easy, and lets you stay up-to-date with the latest security and compatibility fixes. There are two main methods of updating your system software: using the graphical Ubuntu software updater, or using the apt-get command line tool. They both do the same thing under the hood, and you can use whichever you find easiest.

Updating using Ubuntu software updater

  • In the Unity GUI, press the Super Key on your keyboard once (on many keyboards, this is the Windows Key). If done correctly, the Dash search interface appears.
  • Type updater in the search box to bring up the icon for the software updater application.
  • Click the icon to run software updater. Select the desired update options, and enter your password if prompted.

Updating using apt-get

  • Open a new terminal session to access the command line. You can open the terminal by holding the Super Key and pressing T, or by opening the Dash search interface and typing the word terminal, and clicking the Terminal icon.
  • At your command line, run the following three commands, entering your password when prompted: sudo apt-get updatesudo apt-get upgradesudo apt-get dist-upgrade

sudo apt-get updatesudo apt-get upgradesudo apt-get dist-upgrade

  • See the apt-get command documentation for further information and examples.
  • Linux and Unix shell tutorial
  • See our Linux and Ubuntu definitions for further information and related links.
  • Linux help and support.