How to Set Up Automatic System Updates on a VPS

2 weeks ago
nikolay
1 minute

Configuring automatic system updates on VPS

🔹 Why It’s Important

Automatic updates help to:

  • keep your VPS secure with the latest patches;
  • reduce risks of exploits due to outdated packages;
  • save time by automating regular maintenance.

⚙️ 1. For Ubuntu / Debian

1. Install the automatic update package:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install unattended-upgrades -y

2. Enable automatic updates:

sudo dpkg-reconfigure --priority=low unattended-upgrades

3. Edit configuration manually if needed:

sudo nano /etc/apt/apt.conf.d/50unattended-upgrades

4. Ensure these lines are enabled:

"${distro_id}:${distro_codename}-security";

"${distro_id}:${distro_codename}-updates";

5. Optional — enable automatic reboot:

sudo nano /etc/apt/apt.conf.d/20auto-upgrades

 Example:

APT::Periodic::Update-Package-Lists "1";

APT::Periodic::Unattended-Upgrade "1";

⚙️ 2. For CentOS / AlmaLinux / Rocky Linux

1. Install the tool:

sudo yum install dnf-automatic -y

2. Edit configuration:

sudo nano /etc/dnf/automatic.conf

3. Set:

apply_updates = yes

4. Enable and start the timer:

sudo systemctl enable --now dnf-automatic.timer

5. Check status:

systemctl status dnf-automatic.timer

✅ Recommendations

  • Check update logs occasionally:

cat /var/log/unattended-upgrades/unattended-upgrades.log

  • Don’t power off VPS during updates.
  • Consider adding email or Telegram alerts for critical systems.