Command referenceconda update
conda update command (Linux & Windows / Conda)
What it does
Update Conda packages (or Conda itself) to newer compatible versions. When people look up conda update package, they usually want safe flags, copyable examples, and how this Conda subcommand fits Anaconda or Miniconda workflows on Linux, Windows, and macOS. Syntax, options, and practical examples are below.
Update Conda packages (or Conda itself) to newer compatible versions.
Syntax
conda update [-n ENV] PACKAGE [PACKAGE ...] | conda update --all
Common options
| Flag / option | Meaning |
|---|---|
| PACKAGE | Update a specific package. |
| --all | Update every package in the environment. |
| conda | Update the Conda CLI in the base environment. |
| -n, --name | Target a named environment. |
| -y, --yes | Skip confirmation. |
Practical examples
Update one package
conda update numpy
Moves NumPy to a newer build allowed by the solver.
Update everything
conda update --all
Refreshes the active environment's packages.
Update Conda
conda update -n base -c defaults conda
Upgrades the Conda tool itself in base.
Alias form
conda upgrade pandas
`upgrade` is an alias of `update`.
Common mistakes
- Blindly running `conda update --all` in a carefully pinned production env.
- Updating packages in the wrong environment because it was not activated.
Related commands
- conda installInstall packages into the active or named Conda environment from configured channels.
- conda listList packages installed in the active or named Conda environment.
- conda env updateUpdate an existing environment to match packages listed in a YAML file.
- conda cleanRemove unused Conda cache files, package tarballs, and temporary indices to free disk space.
- conda createCreate a new isolated Conda environment with an optional Python version and starter packages.
- conda activateActivate a named or path-based Conda environment in the current shell session.
- conda env listList all Conda environments and mark the currently active one.
- aptSearch, install, update, and remove packages on Debian-based systems.
FAQ
What does conda update do in Conda?
Update Conda packages (or Conda itself) to newer compatible versions.
Does conda update work on Windows and Linux?
Yes. Conda runs on Linux, Windows, and macOS; shell activation differs slightly after `conda init`, but the CLI flags are the same.
What is a practical conda update example?
Try `conda update numpy` — Moves NumPy to a newer build allowed by the solver.
Is mamba the same as conda update?
Mamba is a faster drop-in solver for many Conda workflows. Prefer `mamba` only when it is installed; otherwise use the Conda commands on this page.
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