packages have been kept back

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rdtennent
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packages have been kept back

Post by rdtennent »

Output from an apt upgrade:

The following packages have been kept back:
apt apt-transport-https apt-utils libapt-pkg6.0

I don't recall seeing this before. Why is this happening?
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rdtennent
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Re: packages have been kept back

Post by rdtennent »

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iconoclast
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Re: packages have been kept back

Post by iconoclast »

That's quite helpful as I've had this issue with Mint 21 aswell. Thanks
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spamegg
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Re: packages have been kept back

Post by spamegg »

It seems to be a new thing starting with Ubuntu 22.04. I think it's called "Phased Updates" or something. It started out during 21.04 which we Mint users didn't see (because we were using 20.04):
https://discourse.ubuntu.com/t/phased-u ... 1-04/20345

It means that you won't get those updates for a few days. Looks like the developers are trying some updates on a few people who are willing to get them a few days early, to see if there are any last bugs, before they push the update to everyone. A few days later the "kept back" message goes away and you get those updates.
Phased Updates are a safety feature

Some users get the upgraded packages first, and have the ability to report broken package, instead of everybody getting a broken package at once and millions of users scratching their heads.

It's there for your protection. Don't try to outsmart it.

Kept-back packages due to Phased Updates will automatically resolve themselves, download, and install over a week or so.

Most users should DO NOTHING. It's not broken. Don't try to force upgrades. Just be patient and let the system work.
https://askubuntu.com/questions/1420969 ... as-automat
So there is no need to use apt dist-upgrade, unless you want to volunteer as a lab rat and possibly break your system. I've been just waiting and not doing anything when I see "kept back". I stick to apt update and apt upgrade.
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