Clicking through update popups is fine, but the terminal does the whole job in one line and shows you exactly what's happening.
Updated August 08, 2026, after a fresh review, with updated visuals and links.
If you use Ubuntu, Mint or any Debian based distro, these commands keep your apps, security patches and system fresh in under a minute.
Short version: Open a terminal first, then refresh the package list. Details below.
Doing it properly
- Open a terminal. Press Ctrl + Alt + T, or search 'Terminal' in the apps menu.
- Refresh the package list. Type sudo apt update and press Enter. This doesn't install anything. It just asks the servers what's new, like checking the menu before ordering.
- Upgrade installed packages. Run sudo apt upgrade. You'll see a list of what will change and how much will be downloaded. Type Y to confirm, then let it work.
- The two commands chain nicely: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
- If something needs a reboot, Ubuntu tells you at the end
- Clean up leftovers. Finish with sudo apt autoremove. It deletes old kernels and packages nothing needs anymore. Free space for zero effort.
Pro tips without the attitude
- The classic one liner: sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade -y handles even updates that hold packages back.
- Snap apps update themselves in the background, but sudo snap refresh forces it right now.
- Flatpak user? flatpak update does the same job for those apps.
Quick answers
How often should I run this?
Once a week is a great habit. Security updates land constantly.
Is the terminal really faster than the GUI updater?
For a habit, yes. One command covers everything, and you see problems immediately instead of a silent spinner.
Keep reading
- How to Make an Old Laptop Feel New Again With Linux
- How to Create Images With AI: Prompts That Actually Work
- How to Change Your Motorcycle Oil at Home (Beginner Friendly)
One line, once a week: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade. Your system stays patched and you learn what actually keeps Linux ticking.
