Avoid
The Anaconda base Python environment is a Python distribution and should be updated collectively using the standalone images put together by Anaconda.
The following command should generally be avoided in the base Python environment:
conda update --all
The reason for this is it will attempt to individually update packages and may lead to an unstable base Python environment. Essentially when one package is updated that is a dependency for other packages, the other packages may be removed and therefore the Python environment becomes unstable.
Separate Python environments should be used if you need to use a newer version of a package outside of Anacondas standard image or a package only available on conda-forge.
Editting the .condarc
Open the Anaconda PowerShell Prompt from the Start Menu:
By default it will open in %USERPROFILE%:
If a .condrc file is present, it should be deleted using:
del .condarc
A new .condarc file using the libmamba solver and default channels can be created using:
conda config --set solver libmamba
The .condarc file looks like the following:
Deactivating the base Environment
To update Anaconda, you will first want to deactivate the base Python environment. To do this use:
conda deactivate
Notice there is now no longer any (base) prefix.
Searching for Anaconda Updates
To search for versions of Anaconda use:
conda search anaconda
You will get something like:
| Name | Version | Build | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| anaconda | 2023.07 | py310_0 | pkg/main |
| anaconda | 2023.07 | py310_1 | pkg/main |
| anaconda | 2023.07 | py311_0 | pkg/main |
| anaconda | 2023.07 | py311_1 | pkg/main |
The py311_0 is Python 3.11.3 and comes with Anaconda 2023.07-1
The py311_1 is Python 3.11.4 and comes with Anaconda 2023.07-2
Anaconda 2023.07-0 was also Python 3.11.3 but was quickly replaced by 2023-07-1 and is not separately listed.
Installing a Specific Version of Anaconda
To install the latest version input:
conda install anaconda=2023.07=py311_1
Notice that = is used for the version number and again for the Python version and will install this specific version of Anaconda replacing the previous base Python environment.
Newer releases may be out by the time you read this tutorial. If present you will see these in your search query and will be able to amend the above command approriately.
Details about the packages to be updated will be listed:
Note when updating some packages may be downgraded, this happens when Anaconda deem a version of a package unsuitable and revert to an older version. Confer with Anaconda Release Notes for more details.
Input
y
in order to proceed with the changes:
Anaconda will now be updated:
