> Source: https://www.vultr.com/docs/update-ubuntu-server-best-practices

### Introduction

It is a best practice to update your server on a regular schedule for security and stability. Use this guide to keep your Ubuntu server updated.

Supported Versions
This guide applies to:

- Ubuntu 20.04 LTS
- Ubuntu 19.10
- Ubuntu 18.04 LTS
- Ubuntu 16.04 LTS

### Make a Backup

Always make a backup before updating your system.

### 1. Update the Package Lists

This command updates the package lists from the enabled repositories.

```sh
$ sudo apt update
```

### 2. List the Upgradable Packages

This step is optional. To view the upgradable packages before performing the upgrade, use the apt list command.

```sh
$ sudo apt list --upgradable
```

### 3. Upgrade Packages

This command will upgrade all the upgradeable packages.

```sh
$ sudo apt upgrade
```

### 4. Restart the Server

```sh
$ sudo reboot
```

### One Line Upgrade

If you want to accept all the defaults and perform the upgrade without intervention, use this command:

```sh
$ sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
```

### Optional - Autoremove

Use apt to remove old packages and dependencies automatically.

```sh
$ sudo apt autoremove
```