rpm-ostree

rpm-ostree [status|upgrade|rollback|install|uninstall] [-r] [options]

rpm-ostree combines OSTree image-based deployment with RPM package layering. It manages immutable base images while allowing package customization, used by Fedora Silverblue, CoreOS, and similar systems.Changes create new deployments rather than modifying the running system. Multiple deployments can coexist, enabling easy rollback to previous states.

-r, --reboot

Reboot after operation

Show what would be upgraded

Check for updates only

Use only cached data

Skip operation if the request is already applied

Permit packages that are already in the base layer

Apply changes to booted deployment without reboot

Fetch packages without deploying

Preview changes without executing

status

Show current deployments

Download and prepare upgrade

Switch to previous deployment

Layer package on base image

Remove layered package

Switch to different base image

Override base packages

Create new deployment from a specific version/branch/commit

Manage kernel boot arguments

Handle client-side initramfs regeneration

Remove pending deployments and cached data

RPM database operations (diff, list, version)

Stop a pending transaction

Apply changes to the booted deployment without reboot

Changes require reboot to take effect. Base system is immutable. Package layering has overhead. Some packages may conflict with immutable model.

rpm-ostree was developed by Red Hat to combine the reliability of OSTree image deployment with the flexibility of RPM package management for container-focused and immutable desktop distributions.

ostree(1), rpm(8), flatpak(1)