What is the Difference between Apt-get Upgrade and Update?

The other day I asked myself, What is the difference between apt-get update and apt-get upgrade?

As I’m sure many other people, at some point may ask the same, I thought I would share the answer. Quite simply,

  • apt-get update – updates the list of available packages, and their versions. However it does NOT upgrade or install any packages.
  • apt-get upgrade – installs  a newer version of the packages that you currently have installed.
Rick Donato

Want to become a Linux expert?

Here is our hand-picked selection of the best courses you can find online:
Linux Mastery course
Linux Administration Bootcamp
and our recommended certification practice exams:
AlphaPrep Practice Tests - Free Trial