Learn how to migrate from CentOS to AlmaLinux. Our Server Management Support team is here to help you with your questions and concerns.

How to Migrate from CentOS to AlmaLinux

If you are looking for a guide to help migrate from CentOS to AlmaLinus with a little help from our experts.

AlmaLinux was created as a possible replacement for CentOS. It offers a stable, community-supported alternative for users who rely on CentOS.

Furthermore, AlmaLinux lets users enjoy a CentOS-like experience without the uncertainty caused by CentOS’s transformation.

Our experts have come up with two ways to migrate to AlmaLinux from CentOS.

Method 1: Via the almalinux-deploy Script

1. To begin with, we have to download the almalinux-deploy script. Additionally, we have to grant it execute permissions as seen here:

   # curl -O https://raw.githubusercontent.com/AlmaLinux/almalinux-deploy/master/almalinux-deploy.sh
# chmod +x almalinux-deploy.sh

2. Then, we have to execute the script with root or sudo privileges:

   # bash almalinux-deploy.sh
3. Now, the script will proceed with initial checks and start to remove, reinstall, downgrade, as well as upgrade packages. This will take some time.
4. Finally, reboot the system to load into AlmaLinux.
5. Now, we can verify if the migration is successful by checking the `/etc/redhat-release` file:

   # cat /etc/redhat-release
AlmaLinux release 8.3 (Purple Manul)


Furthermore, we have to make sure that the system is set to boot the AlmaLinux kernel by default.


# grubby --info DEFAULT | grep AlmaLinux
title="AlmaLinux (4.18.0-240.el8.x86_64) 8"


Method 2: Manual Migration

Although the previous method is easier, this method works for those who prefer the manual approach:

1. First, we have to update CentOS with the latest packages.

   $ sudo dnf update -y
2. Then, we have to reboot the system to make sure all changes take effect:

   $ sudo reboot
3. Next, it is time to remove CentOS-specific packages, branding, and keys. The commands depend on whether we have GNOME installed or not:

   # If GNOME is installed
$ sudo rpm -e --nodeps centos-backgrounds centos-indexhtml centos-gpg-keys centos-linux-release centos-linux-repos centos-logos
# If GNOME is not installed
$ sudo rpm -e --nodeps centos-gpg-keys centos-linux-release centos-linux-repos

4. Then, we must download and install the latest AlmaLinux release package.

   $ sudo rpm -ivh https://repo.almalinux.org/almalinux/8.3-beta/BaseOS/x86_64/os/Packages/almalinux-release-8.3-2.el8.x86_64.rpm

5. Now, we have to execute this command to complete the migration by synchronizing packages.

   $ sudo dnf distro-sync -y
6. Finally, reboot the system to load into AlmaLinux.

[Need assistance with a different issue? Our team is available 24/7.]

Conclusion

In brief, our Support Experts demonstrated how to migrate from CentOS to AlmaLinux.