Ubuntu and its derivatives support a long list of packages with various versions. In contrast, each version offers The specific package version on Ubuntu is vital as it ensures compatibility, functionality, and security. Different versions may introduce new features, bug fixes, and improvements while addressing vulnerabilities. Choosing the right package version guarantees optimal performance and stability within your Ubuntu environment.

This post offers possible ways to install a specific package version on Ubuntu. We will use Ubuntu 22.04 (the current LTS) for this post.

How to Install a Specific Package Version on Ubuntu?

The packages on Ubuntu can be installed in various ways, i.e., using the apt repository directly, adding the PPA of the package, or downloading the .deb file of that specific package. Let’s dig into the possible methods:

Method 1: Install the Specific Version of apt-based Packages

The apt package manager is the default and the most useful package manager for Debian, Ubuntu, and their derivatives.

Step 1: Update the Packages List

As we are going to use the apt package manager to install the package, so, use the command:

$ sudo apt update

Step 2: Search for the Available Versions

Now, look for the available versions of the package. For instance, you want to install VLC. The available packages of VLC can be obtained via the following command:

$ apt list --all-versions vlc

You must mark the version that you want to install. Let’s say “3.0.16.”

Step 3: Install the Version

Use the following “apt install” command to install the specific version of the package:

$ sudo apt install vlc=3.0.16-1build7

Verify the installed version via the command:

$ vlc --version

The command output shows that version “3.0.16” has been installed.

Method 2: Install a Specific Version of .deb Packages

The “.deb” packages are supported on all the Debian-based derivatives, including the Ubuntu. However, the installable files have different addresses or versions from which you must choose the appropriate or the required one. The “.deb” files may be available on the official support of that package or the “packages.ubuntu.com”:

Note: We will take Skype as an example to show the installation of a specific .deb package version.

Step 1: Download the “.deb” File

Navigate to the packages website of Ubuntu or the Skype Archives to download any specific version. For instance, we have downloaded the version “8.97.0.203”:

Step 2: Install the “.deb” File

Now, use the below-stated command to install the skypeforlinux package: (Ensure to double-check the exact version/name of the .deb file)

$ sudo apt install ./skypeforlinux_8.97.0.203_amd64

Note: Instead of “apt install,” you can use the “dpkg -i” command, i.e., “sudo dpkg -i.” While installing Skype, you might get dependency errors. To rectify those dependency errors, you can use the “sudo apt -f install.”

Wrap Up

To install a specific package version, first, you must check the platform from where the package is available, i.e., apt, PPA, .deb file. Once clarified, use the appropriate commands to install that specific version on your Ubuntu system.

The specific package version is sometimes required to execute/run any other application dependent on that specific version. It is mostly seen in cases of programming languages (development purposes). This post has listed the possible ways to install the specific package version on Ubuntu.