Managing infrastructure on Amazon Web Services often begins with the command line, and keeping the AWS Command Line Interface up to date on an Ubuntu system is a fundamental practice for efficiency and security. A current version ensures access to the latest service features, performance improvements, and critical bug fixes that stabilize automated workflows. This guide walks through the standard methods for upgrading the AWS CLI on Ubuntu, addressing common scenarios from simple patch updates to major version migrations.
Why Upgrading the AWS CLI on Ubuntu Matters
Each new release of the AWS CLI introduces support for recently launched services and deprecations for older ones, making an upgrade essential for script reliability. Security patches address vulnerabilities that could be exploited through malformed API responses or dependency libraries. Furthermore, performance enhancements in the CLI core can significantly reduce execution time for commands that handle large payloads or extensive list operations. Neglecting updates can lead to deprecated flag usage, resulting in failed automation pipelines and unexpected downtime during deployments.
Checking Your Current Installation
Before initiating an upgrade, it is crucial to verify the version currently installed to understand the scope of the update required. The AWS CLI stores its version information in a dedicated response group command that outputs the exact build number and date. Running this check provides a baseline for validation after the upgrade process is complete.
Verifying the Version
Execute the following command to display the current version of the AWS CLI:
aws --version
The output will resemble aws-cli/2.15.9 Python/3.13.7 Linux/5.15.0 exe/x86_64.ubuntu.24 , which indicates the exact version and environment. Comparing this against the latest release notes helps determine if the upgrade path involves minor adjustments or significant changes in syntax.
Upgrading via Bundled Installer (Recommended for Most Users)
The AWS-provided bundled installer offers the most straightforward and reliable method for upgrading on Ubuntu. This approach downloads the latest version directly from AWS and replaces the existing installation without affecting system dependencies. It is particularly useful for users who installed the CLI using the original installer method.
Download and Install
To perform the upgrade, curl the latest installer from the official AWS endpoint and pipe it to the shell with elevated privileges. The executable is architecture-aware and will automatically select the correct binary for the system.
curl "https://awscli.amazonaws.com/awscli-exe-linux-x86_64.zip" -o "awscliv2.zip" unzip awscliv2.zip sudo ./aws/install
Upon execution, the installer outputs verbose logs confirming the removal of the old version and the successful installation of the new one. This method ensures that the CLI resides in the standard /usr/local/bin path, maintaining consistency across the system.
Upgrading Using Apt-Get for Snap-Based Installs
Users who installed the AWS CLI via Snap on Ubuntu benefit from a system-managed upgrade process handled by the snapd daemon. Snap packages are self-contained, which isolates the CLI from system libraries, and the upgrade command pulls the latest stable release from the store.
Executing the Snap Upgrade
To update the CLI installed via Snap, use the refresh command. This operation fetches the latest version and applies it seamlessly without requiring manual file management.
sudo snap refresh aws-cli --classic
The --classic flag is necessary because the CLI utilizes classic confinement, which grants it broader system access required for interacting with AWS services. After the refresh completes, the CLI is updated and ready for immediate use.
