How to version lock packages on Ubuntu

Introduction

In some cases, you may want to prevent updates to a specific package. On Ubuntu systems, a hold can be placed on a specific or multiple packages to prevent updates to the package(s).

Procedure

1. Run the following command in SSH as root to print a list of packages currently on hold:

apt-mark showhold

2. If your desired package is not listed, run the following command to place a hold on the package:

apt-mark hold $PACKAGE

Please note $PACKAGE is used as an example and should be replaced by the package you want to hold.

3. Confirm the hold was placed on the package by running the following command:

apt-mark showhold

Please note that in order to re-enable updates for packages on hold, the hold must be removed. To remove a hold on a package, run the following command in SSH as root:

apt-mark unhold $PACKAGE