AlmaLinux 8.5 is finally here and is codenamed Arctic Sphynx. The new version of the incoming AlmaLinux 8.5 is filled with many improvements such as Nginx 1.20, Node.js 16, Ruby 3.0, PHP 7.4.19, and many more new module streams and enhancements. Also included are an enhanced Cockpit web console and support for the recently released OpenJDK 17.
The following tutorial will get a step-by-step walkthrough of upgrading an existing AlmaLinux 8.4 system to 8.5 using the command line terminal.
Table of Contents
Update AlmaLinux
Update your AlmaLinux system to ensure all existing packages are up to date.
sudo dnf upgrade --refreshImport the Latest 8.5 Repository
First, open your terminal and clean any obsolete packages before importing the new repository to install 8.5-1.el8.
sudo dnf clean allExample output:
26 files removedNote that your output will be different.
Next, import the latest 8.5 repositories.
For x86_64 users:
sudo dnf install https://repo.almalinux.org/almalinux/almalinux-release-latest-8.x86_64.rpmFor aarch64 users:
sudo dnf install https://repo.almalinux.org/almalinux/almalinux-release-latest-8.aarch64.rpmExample output:
Type Y, then press the ENTER KEY to proceed with importing the repository.
Upgrade to AlmaLinux 8.5
With the repository now added, begin the process of upgrading to 8.5-1.el8.
In your terminal, execute the following.
sudo dnf upgrade --refreshExample output:
As above, you can see a comprehensive list of packages that will be upgraded, installed, and removed.
Type Y, then press the ENTER KEY to proceed with importing the repository.
Depending on your hardware, resources, and internet connection, the upgrade can take several minutes.
Once the upgrade has been completed, you must reboot your system. While you are in your terminal, execute the following.
rebootOnce logged back in, open your terminal and use the following command to verify the version of AlmaLinux installed.
hostnamectlExample output:
As above, you have successfully upgraded to the new release.
Comments and Conclusion
In the tutorial, you have learned how to update to AlmaLinux 8.5. Overall, the release is still in mode. Still, if you upgrade and encounter issues, you can report the issue on the AlmaLinux Bug Tracker, and further information can be found on the AlmaLinux 8.5 Wiki changelog.
