Update OS without Rebooting?

[IniBudi]

Hi, I just want to know is it possible to update OS without rebooting the server to minimize downtime? Or rebooting is mandatory when update the OS?

[threetrees3]

Guess that's part of the OS.. Ubuntu pro seems to have livepatching

[nottheend]

Yeah, and as an addition, there are also proprietary solutions like https://jetpatch.com/patch-management/ to get it done without downtime

[murgero]

@IniBudi Generally speaking, the only times where Linux needs to reboot for updates is when the file being updated was in use during the update itself, situations like the following but not limited to:

• Service(s) were updated but not restarted may require update
• Kernel updates or Kernel Module updates

As you saw from other replies there are different ways around it, if you're paying money. But generally speaking, unless there was a huge security update, you can hold off on rebooting until the weekend when there is likely less server traffic.