Windows list package updates equivalent in Linux
Shows packages that can be upgraded.
list package updates
apt list --upgradable
dnf check-update
checkupdates
Overview
What this command does
On Windows, "list package updates" is used to list available upgrades. On Linux, the closest practical mapping shown here is "apt list --upgradable". Shows packages that can be upgraded. This reference is grouped under Package Management → Packages.
Windows → Linux context
What changes when you use this on Linux?
Equivalent task, different tool
Windows list package updates maps to apt for this task. Treat this as a workflow mapping rather than a character-for-character syntax translation.
Distribution details matter
The Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch rows are not identical. Use the row for your distribution instead of changing only the package-manager name in an example.
For the broader concept behind this mapping, read Linux package management.
Practical tasks
Common use cases
List available upgrades
Shows packages that can be upgraded.
apt list --upgradable
List available upgrades
apt --help
Show command help when supported
man apt
Open the manual page when installed
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
apt list --upgradable
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Windows equivalent: list package updates
apt list --upgradableReference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
apt list --upgradable | List available upgrades |
apt --help | Show command help when supported |
man apt | Open the manual page when installed |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
The equivalent is distribution-specific for this task: Debian/Ubuntu uses "apt list --upgradable"; Fedora uses "dnf check-update"; Arch uses "checkupdates".
| Distribution | Package manager / base | Equivalent command | Difference to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian/Ubuntu | apt / dpkg | apt list --upgradable |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | dnf / rpm | dnf check-update |
Equivalent workflow for this distribution. |
| Arch | pacman | checkupdates |
Equivalent workflow for this distribution. |
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