Upgrades can “work” and still leave behind leftovers that bite later. This short checklist helps you reclaim space and catch failed services so the server stays stable after an Ubuntu upgrade.
Checklist
- Remove unused dependencies:
sudo apt autoremove - Clean package cache:
sudo apt clean - Check kernel situation:
- Running kernel:
uname -r - Installed kernels:
dpkg --list | grep linux-image
- Running kernel:
- Review large logs:
/var/log
Quick verify
- Disk:
df -h - Failed services:
sudo systemctl --failed --no-pager
FAQ
When should I run this checklist?
Right after a successful apt upgrade or dist-upgrade, and optionally on a regular schedule (e.g. monthly) to keep drift under control.
What if I find failed units?
Investigate with journalctl -u <unit> -n 100. Restart only after fixing config or dependencies; see routine service health checks for a fuller verification flow.
Related
- Fix a full root disk — if you’re already out of space
- Routine service health checks for WordPress servers — post-change verification