Debian 12, codenamed “Bookworm,” has arrived with a host of new features, updated packages, and performance improvements, making it an exciting release for Debian enthusiasts. If you’re currently running Debian 11 and eager to experience the latest enhancements, you’ll be pleased to know that upgrading to Debian 12 is a straightforward process. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of upgrading your Debian 11 system to Debian 12, ensuring a smooth transition without compromising your data or settings.
Why Upgrade to Debian 12?
Debian 12 introduces numerous improvements across the board, including updated software packages, security enhancements, and new features designed to enhance your computing experience. From the latest kernel version to upgraded desktop environments and development tools, Debian 12 offers something for everyone, whether you’re a desktop user, sysadmin, or developer.
Before You Begin
Before initiating the upgrade process, there are a few important steps you should take to ensure a successful upgrade:
- Backup Your Data: While the upgrade process is generally reliable, it’s always a good idea to back up your important files and data to prevent any unforeseen data loss during the upgrade process.
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Update Your System: Ensure that your current Debian 11 system is up to date by running the following commands in the terminal:
$ sudo apt update$ sudo apt upgrade$ sudo apt dist-upgrade
- Remove Third-Party Repositories: If you’ve added any third-party repositories or PPAs, consider removing them temporarily to avoid potential conflicts during the upgrade process.
Upgrading to Debian 12
Once you’ve completed the preparatory steps, you’re ready to begin the upgrade process:
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Update Package Lists: Start by updating your package lists to ensure you have the latest information about available packages:
$ sudo apt update
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Install the
update-manager-corePackage: If you haven’t already installed theupdate-manager-corepackage, you’ll need to do so to use thedo-release-upgradetool:$ sudo apt install update-manager-core
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Initiate the Upgrade: Once the
update-manager-corepackage is installed, you can initiate the upgrade process using thedo-release-upgradecommand:$ sudo do-release-upgrade
- Follow the On-Screen Prompts: The upgrade tool will guide you through the process, providing information about the packages that will be upgraded, removed, or installed. Carefully review the information and follow the on-screen prompts to proceed with the upgrade.
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Reboot Your System: After the upgrade process is complete, you’ll be prompted to reboot your system to apply the changes. Ensure that you save any unsaved work and then reboot your system:
$ sudo reboot
Post-Upgrade Tasks
Congratulations, you’ve successfully upgraded your Debian 11 system to Debian 12 “Bookworm”! Before diving back into your computing experience, here are a few post-upgrade tasks to consider:
- Review System Configuration: Take some time to review your system configuration, including network settings, user accounts, and installed applications, to ensure everything is working as expected.
- Update Configuration Files: If prompted during the upgrade process, carefully review and update any configuration files that have been modified or replaced with their default versions.
- Test Applications: Test your critical applications and services to verify that they’re functioning correctly after the upgrade. Pay special attention to any custom configurations or dependencies.
- Explore New Features: Take advantage of the new features and enhancements introduced in Debian 12, such as updated software packages, performance improvements, and security enhancements.
By following this guide, you can seamlessly upgrade your Debian 11 system to Debian 12, unlocking a world of possibilities with the latest release. Enjoy the enhanced stability, performance, and features that Debian 12 “Bookworm” has to offer!
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