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Hardening docs for Unstable Upgrades (#675)
* Update UNS001-header.md * Remove title from UNS001-header.md * Hardening of stable release upgrades (#674) * Revise upgrade guidance in STD001-header.md * Add warning for experimental distribution upgrades Added a warning about the experimental nature of distribution upgrades. * Update STD001-header.md * Update STD001-header.md * Add best practices for system upgrades (#676) * Update UNS001-header.md * Update UNS001-header.md * Update STD001-header.md
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Best Practices
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1. **Back up your data** (system and configuration).
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2. **Test on a spare device or SD card** before upgrading production systems.
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3. **Read the official release notes** of your target distribution:
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- [Armbian FAQ: Can I upgrade my userspace flavor?](/User-Guide_FAQ/#can-i-upgrade-my-userspace-flavor-like-bullseye-to-bookworm-or-jammy-to-noble)
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- [Debian upgrade notes](https://www.debian.org/releases/trixie/release-notes/upgrading.en.html)
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- [Ubuntu release upgrade guide](https://documentation.ubuntu.com/server/how-to/software/upgrade-your-release/)
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4. **Ensure you have console access** (serial, HDMI + keyboard, SSH).
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5. **Consider fresh installs** if uptime and stability matter more than keeping the old environment.
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Long-Term Support (LTS) upgrades provide a **well-tested and stable release** of the underlying Linux distribution (Debian or Ubuntu). These versions receive **security patches and critical bug fixes** for an extended period, making them the recommended choice for production systems and users who prioritize stability over new features.
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Stable / LTS upgrades move your system to a newer release of Debian or Ubuntu, bringing updated system packages along with long-term security fixes and bug patches. This makes them the safest choice for reliable, everyday use.
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!!! Note
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!!! Warning "Risks of Stable Upgrades"
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While LTS upgrades are considered safe, always back up your data before proceeding with a distribution upgrade.
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Distribution upgrades are experimental and **not supported by Armbian**. Use at your own risk.
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Even LTS → LTS upgrades (e.g., **Debian Bookworm → Trixie**, **Ubuntu Jammy → Noble**) carry some risks:
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- **Broken dependencies** – some packages may fail to upgrade or be removed.
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- **Configuration overrides** – local changes may be replaced by defaults.
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- **Downtime** – failed upgrades may require console access, manual recovery, or a full reinstall.
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Because Armbian integrates upstream Debian/Ubuntu with custom board support packages, upgrades may still trigger **unexpected breakage** on some devices.
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Testing upgrades track the **latest distribution releases** that are not yet fully stabilized. They include **new features, packages, and improvements**, but may also introduce regressions or breaking changes. This option is best suited for **developers, testers, and enthusiasts** who want early access and are willing to troubleshoot issues.
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Non-LTS releases are intended for **developers, testers, and enthusiasts** who want the latest features — **not for production systems**.
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!!! Warning
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Testing upgrades may cause system instability. Avoid using this option on production devices. Always back up important data before upgrading.
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!!! Warning "Risks of Unstable Upgrades"
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Distribution upgrades are experimental and **not supported by Armbian**. Use at your own risk.
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- **High chance of breakage** – dependencies, bootloader, or kernel may fail.
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- **Short lifecycle** – requires frequent re-upgrades (every ~6–9 months).
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- **Unfinished features** – packages may be experimental or not fully supported.
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- **Armbian compatibility** – integration with board support packages is less tested.

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