# What Is the `omarchy update` Command For? Complete System Update Workflow > Master the omarchy update command for safe, atomic system-wide updates. Refresh Omarchy and Arch Linux packages with snapshots locks and cleanup. - Repository: [37signals/omarchy](https://github.com/basecamp/omarchy) - Tags: how-to-guide - Published: 2026-08-22 --- **The `omarchy update` command orchestrates a comprehensive, atomic update process that refreshes both the Omarchy environment and all underlying Arch Linux system packages while maintaining safety through snapshots, locks, and automatic cleanup.** The `omarchy update` command serves as the primary maintenance interface for machines running Omarchy, the Arch Linux-based development environment maintained by Basecamp. According to the source code header in `quattro/bin/omarchy-update`, the script's explicit purpose is to "Update Omarchy and system packages" (lines 3-5), coordinating a multi-stage workflow that handles everything from pre-flight checks to optional system reboots. ## How `omarchy update` Works The command executes a carefully sequenced pipeline of operations defined in `bin/omarchy-update`. Each stage is delegated to specialized helper scripts to ensure modularity and reliability. ### Pre-flight Validation and Concurrency Control Before modifying the system, the script invokes **`bin/omarchy-update-lock`** to acquire an exclusive lock, preventing concurrent update instances from interfering with each other. It then runs **`omarchy-update-requires-free-space`** to verify that sufficient disk space exists for downloading and installing updates. ### Safety Mechanisms and System Snapshots The workflow prioritizes recoverability by executing **`omarchy-snapshot create`** (via `bin/omarchy-snapshot`) to generate a Btrfs snapshot, creating a rollback point if the update fails. Simultaneously, **`omarchy-update-stay-awake`** prevents the system from suspending or sleeping during the potentially long-running operation. ### Core Package and Environment Updates The actual update sequence processes multiple package sources and environments: 1. **`omarchy-update-dev`** and **`omarchy-update-keyring`** refresh development tools and update cryptographic keyrings. 2. **`omarchy-update-system-pkgs`** (defined in `bin/omarchy-update-system-pkgs`) upgrades all native system packages using pacman. 3. **`bin/omarchy-migrate`** runs pending configuration or schema migrations to ensure compatibility with new versions. 4. **`omarchy-update-aur-pkgs`** handles updates for packages installed from the Arch User Repository. 5. **`omarchy-update-mise`** synchronizes language runtimes and tools managed by the mise version manager. ### Cleanup and Finalization The final phase removes orphaned dependencies via **`omarchy-update-orphan-pkgs`**, analyzes operation logs with **`omarchy-update-analyze-logs`**, and reports the final status through **`omarchy-update-status`**. The script releases wake-locks and, if necessary, triggers a system reboot through **`omarchy-update-restart`**. ## Usage Examples ### Basic Interactive Update Run the full update workflow with manual confirmation: ```bash omarchy update ``` *Prompts for user confirmation before proceeding with package installations.* ### Unattended Automatic Updates Execute updates without interactive prompts using the `-y` flag: ```bash omarchy update -y ``` *This sets the `OMARCHY_UPDATE_UNATTENDED` environment variable (lines 24-27 in `quattro/bin/omarchy-update`), allowing the script to proceed automatically through all stages.* ### Manual Snapshot Before Updating While the script attempts automatic snapshots, you can manually create one first: ```bash omarchy snapshot create omarchy update ``` *Explicitly ensures a rollback point exists at `bin/omarchy-snapshot` before the update begins.* ### System-Only Package Updates To update only system packages without the full Omarchy orchestration: ```bash omarchy-update-system-pkgs ``` *Directly invokes the package updater without locks, snapshots, or migration steps.* ## Key Implementation Files The update system is modularized across several scripts in the `bin/` directory: - **`bin/omarchy-update`**: The main driver script located at `quattro/bin/omarchy-update` that coordinates the entire workflow. - **`bin/omarchy-update-lock`**: Implements file-based locking to prevent concurrent update processes. - **`bin/omarchy-update-system-pkgs`**: Performs the actual pacman system package upgrades. - **`bin/omarchy-migrate`**: Executes post-upgrade configuration and schema migrations. - **`bin/omarchy-snapshot`**: Manages Btrfs snapshots for system recovery and rollback capabilities. ## Summary - **`omarchy update`** is the centralized command for maintaining both Omarchy and the underlying Arch Linux system. - The workflow includes **safety mechanisms** like file locks, free-space checks, and automatic Btrfs snapshots. - It handles **multiple package sources** including official repositories, AUR packages, and mise-managed tools. - The `-y` flag enables **unattended operation** by setting `OMARCHY_UPDATE_UNATTENDED`. - **Migration scripts** run automatically to ensure configuration compatibility after upgrades. - Comprehensive **cleanup** removes orphaned packages and analyzes logs before completion. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Does `omarchy update` modify only Omarchy or the entire system? The command updates both. According to the source code header in `quattro/bin/omarchy-update`, it handles "Update Omarchy and system packages," meaning it refreshes the Omarchy environment configuration, development tools, and all underlying Arch Linux system packages including the kernel and system libraries. ### How do I run updates automatically without prompts? Supply the `-y` flag when invoking the command: ```bash omarchy update -y ``` This sets the `OMARCHY_UPDATE_UNATTENDED` environment variable, causing the script to skip confirmation prompts and proceed through all stages—snapshot creation, package updates, migrations, and cleanup—without user intervention. ### Can I rollback if an update breaks my system? Yes. The `omarchy update` command automatically creates a Btrfs snapshot via `bin/omarchy-snapshot` before modifying the system. If the update introduces instability, you can restore the previous system state using the snapshot management tools provided by Omarchy, typically through the `omarchy-snapshot` command interface. ### What is the difference between `omarchy update` and `omarchy-update-system-pkgs`? **`omarchy update`** is the full orchestration script that handles locks, snapshots, migrations, AUR packages, and cleanup. **`omarchy-update-system-pkgs`** is a specialized helper script (located at `bin/omarchy-update-system-pkgs`) that only performs the pacman system package upgrade without any of the surrounding safety checks or Omarchy-specific maintenance tasks. Use the latter only when you need to bypass the full workflow.