The Fastest Way to Update Ubuntu and Leave Windows Behind

Looking for a change from the endless updates and occasionally clunky experience of Windows 11? You’re not alone. Ubuntu remains one of the most popular and user-friendly Linux distributions available, and for good reason. Its graphical interface (GUI) is intuitive, polished, and can handle almost everything you need day-to-day.
But let’s be honest—part of the fun of running Linux is mastering the Command Line Interface (CLI), or terminal. It’s not the intimidating beast it once was, and for quick administrative tasks, it’s often the fastest, most powerful tool at your disposal.

One of the first essential commands every Ubuntu user should know is how to update their system. It’s a foundational step for system security and stability.

Understanding the Key Update Commands

To update Ubuntu from the terminal, you’ll be using the Advanced Package Tool (APT) with elevated permissions via sudo (Super User Do). There are two core commands you must use in sequence:

sudo apt update

What it does: This command refreshes the local package list (or “package cache”) by contacting all the software repositories your system is configured to use.

Think of it as: Checking for available updates. It simply downloads the latest metadata—it does not install any new software or updates yet. It just lets your system know what can be upgraded.

sudo apt upgrade

What it does: This command actually downloads and installs the newest versions of all packages currently installed on your system, based on the list you just updated.

Think of it as: Actually installing the updates. It handles security patches, OS components, and any apps installed via the APT system.

The Two-Step Update Process

Here’s the quick and clean way to perform a full system and application update:

Open the Terminal: Use the Ctrl + Alt + T shortcut, or hit the Super (Windows) key and search for “terminal.”

Check for Updates (Refresh the list):

sudo apt update

Enter your password: When prompted, type in your user account password (note that characters will not appear on the screen as you type—this is normal for security).

Install Available Updates (Upgrade the packages):

sudo apt upgrade

The Power User’s One-Liner

Want to feel like a proper Linux veteran? You can combine both steps into one single, powerful command using the && operator. This tells the terminal: “Run the second command ONLY if the first command succeeds.”

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

To make it truly hands-off, you can add the -y flag to the end of the upgrade command. This automatically confirms the installation prompt, saving you from typing ‘Y’ and pressing Enter.

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

This single line saves you time and ensures your system gets the latest security and stability fixes in one smooth operation. Once the terminal returns you to the prompt, your Ubuntu system is fully updated!