How to use the command 'do-release-upgrade' (with examples)
- Linux
- December 25, 2023
The command ‘do-release-upgrade’ is an Ubuntu-specific command used for upgrading the entire operating system to a new release. It provides a streamlined way to upgrade Ubuntu on both desktop and server environments. This command fetches the necessary packages and performs the upgrade process in accordance with the specified options and flags.
Use case 1: Upgrade to the latest release
Code:
sudo do-release-upgrade
Motivation: Upgrading to the latest release is essential for accessing new features, security updates, and bug fixes. By executing this command, users can easily upgrade their Ubuntu installation to the latest stable version available.
Explanation:
sudo: It is a command used to run subsequent commands as the superuser (root). It gives necessary administrative privileges to perform the release upgrade.do-release-upgrade: This is the main command responsible for initiating the upgrade process.
Example output:
Checking for a new Ubuntu release
Get:1 Upgrade tool signature [819 B]
Get:2 Upgrade tool [1,342 kB]
Fetched 1,343 kB in 0s (0 B/s)
authenticate 'focal.tar.gz' against 'focal.tar.gz.gpg'
extracting 'focal.tar.gz'
...
Do you want to start the upgrade?
1 installed package is no longer supported by Canonical. You can
still get support from the community.
48 packages are going to be removed. 284 new packages are going to be
installed. 1107 packages are going to be upgraded.
...
Upgrade complete
The upgrade has completed but there were errors during the upgrade
process.
Use case 2: Upgrade to the latest development release
Code:
sudo do-release-upgrade --devel-release
Motivation: For users interested in testing and contributing to the development of Ubuntu, upgrading to the latest development release is important. It allows users to access bleeding-edge features and actively participate in the development process.
Explanation:
sudo: Same as explained before.do-release-upgrade: Same as explained before.--devel-release: This option instructs the command to upgrade to the latest development release instead of the stable version.
Example output:
Checking for a new Ubuntu release
Get:1 Upgrade tool signature [819 B]
Get:2 Upgrade tool [1,342 kB]
Fetched 1,343 kB in 0s (0 B/s)
authenticate 'hirsute.tar.gz' against 'hirsute.tar.gz.gpg'
extracting 'hirsute.tar.gz'
...
Do you want to start the upgrade?
1 installed package is no longer supported by Canonical. You can
still get support from the community.
56 packages are going to be removed. 320 new packages are going to be
installed. 1735 packages are going to be upgraded.
...
Upgrade complete
The upgrade has completed but there were errors during the upgrade
process.
Use case 3: Upgrade to the latest proposed release
Code:
sudo do-release-upgrade --proposed
Motivation: By upgrading to the latest proposed release, Ubuntu users can test pre-release packages and potential updates before they are officially released. This allows users to identify issues, provide feedback, and contribute to the stability improvement of upcoming Ubuntu releases.
Explanation:
sudo: Same as explained before.do-release-upgrade: Same as explained before.--proposed: This flag enables the installation of packages from the proposed pocket, which contains updates that are still being tested.
Example output:
Checking for a new Ubuntu release
Get:1 Upgrade tool signature [819 B]
Get:2 Upgrade tool [1,342 kB]
Fetched 1,343 kB in 0s (0 B/s)
authenticate 'focal.tar.gz' against 'focal.tar.gz.gpg'
extracting 'focal.tar.gz'
...
Do you want to start the upgrade?
1 installed package is no longer supported by Canonical. You can
still get support from the community.
48 packages are going to be removed. et al.
Upgrade complete
The upgrade has completed but there were errors during the upgrade
process.
Conclusion:
The ‘do-release-upgrade’ command is a powerful tool for upgrading Ubuntu to the latest release, development release, or even proposed release. By understanding and utilizing the various options and flags available, users can have control over their Ubuntu upgrade process and stay up to date with the latest features and improvements.
