How to update Manjaro using command line in the Terminal

By default settings, Manjaro connects to the internet and shows a notification that updates are available to download on the status bar. You have the option to confirm and go ahead to update your system. It is the graphical user interface way.

On the other hand, if you wish to go to the Terminal and perform the update by command line, here is the guide for you. It is especially useful if you are updating a Manjaro PC by remote login.

Synchronizing and updating the system

Updating Manjaro using command-line is done in two ways:

Syu command: System Update will update the system with the latest updates. It is enough for most of the general scenarios when the system is working well with no corrupt database.

Syyu command: Syyu command is used to help pacman locate and download the packages for installation with forced database update.

-yy flags will force the refresh of all package lists and rebuild everything. It is especially great for fixing a corrupted database. The command synchronizes your Manjaro database with the Manjaro official repositories and updates your system. It will rebuild the system repo database info completely.

Updating Manjaro XFCE from the Terminal

Step 1) Click on the Manjaro icon on the taskbar and look for “Terminal.”

Step 2) Launch “Terminal Emulator.”

Launching Terminal in Manjaro XFCE

Step 3) Use the pacman system update command to update the system. Pacman is the Manjaro’s default package manager used to install, upgrade, configure and remove software. Use it with sudo.

sudo pacman -Syu

OR

sudo pacman -Syyu

Step 3) Pay attention to the progress of the Terminal and enter ‘Y’ when needed. You should see it multiple numbers of times.

Terminal – Performing System Update

Monitor the progress to finish: You’ll see a progress bar for each package being downloaded and installed.

Updating Manjaro GNOME from the Terminal

Step 1) Launch ‘Terminal’.

Launching Terminal in Manjaro GNOME

Step 2) Use the pacman Syyu command to update the system. Pacman is the Manjaro’s default package manager used to install, upgrade, configure and remove software. Use it with sudo.

sudo pacman -Syu

OR

sudo pacman -Syyu

Step 3) Pay attention to the progress of the Terminal and enter ‘Y’ when needed. You should see it multiple numbers of times.

Update Manjaro GNOME via Terminal

Post-update steps

After updating, it’s a good practice to reboot your system, especially if there were kernel or driver updates. This ensures that all new changes are correctly applied.

Additional tips

• Check for orphaned packages: After updating, you can remove orphaned packages (packages that were installed as dependencies but are no longer needed) with sudo pacman -Rns $(pacman -Qdtq).
• Use a mirror closer to you: For faster downloads, you can update your mirror list to use servers closer to your geographical location.

Dealing with errors

Sometimes, you might encounter errors during the update process. Common issues include keyring errors, package conflicts, or network problems. Here’s how to address them:

1. Keyring errors: Refresh the keyring with sudo pacman-key --refresh-keys.
2. Package conflicts: Follow the on-screen instructions to uninstall conflicting packages, if safe to do so.
3. Network problems: Check your internet connection and try again.

FAQ: Navigating Manjaro updates with ease

In this section, I’ll address some frequently asked questions about updating Manjaro via the command line. These are based on common queries I’ve encountered and some of my personal experiences with Manjaro updates.

1. Is it safe to update Manjaro via the command line?

Absolutely! Updating Manjaro through the command line is not only safe but recommended for a more direct and informative experience. It allows you to see exactly what’s being updated and gives you more control over the process.

2. How often should I update Manjaro?

Manjaro is a rolling release distribution, meaning updates are continuous. I generally recommend checking for updates at least once a week. This helps in keeping your system secure and up-to-date with the latest features and bug fixes.

3. What should I do if an update takes too long?

Patience is key. Some updates, especially those involving the kernel or major system components, can take a significant amount of time. However, if an update seems unusually slow, check your internet connection. If everything seems fine but it’s still slow, it might be due to the server you’re downloading from. Consider updating your mirror list to use faster servers.

4. Can I use the system while it’s being updated?

Yes, you can generally use your system during most of the update process. However, I advise against running resource-intensive applications or restarting the system while updates are being installed. Once the update is complete, a system restart is a good practice.

5. What if I encounter a message about a ‘locked database’ during updates?

This usually means that another instance of pacman (the package manager) is running or that a previous update process was interrupted. You can often resolve this by removing the lock file with sudo rm /var/lib/pacman/db.lck. However, be cautious and make sure no other updates are running before doing this.

6. How can I revert an update if something goes wrong?

Reverting an update in Manjaro can be complex, but it’s usually possible. You can downgrade specific packages using the downgrade utility or restore from a backup if you’ve set up system snapshots (highly recommended). It’s a good idea to regularly back up your system to handle such scenarios.

7. Are there any GUI alternatives if I’m not comfortable with the command line?

Certainly! If you prefer a graphical interface, Manjaro offers a user-friendly update manager that you can use for the same purposes. It’s a great alternative for those who are not yet comfortable with the command line.

Conclusion

Updating Manjaro using the command line is a straightforward, efficient, and rewarding process that offers users deeper insight and control over their system’s maintenance. From the initial steps of checking for updates to resolving potential errors and understanding the importance of regular updates, this guide has aimed to demystify the process, making it accessible even for those new to Linux.