Migrate CentOS 7 to AlmaLinux 9

Posted on 20/05/2024

CentOS Linux 7 is scheduled to reach its end of life (EOL) on June 30, 2024. After this date, no further updates or security patches will be released for CentOS 7. If you’re currently using CentOS 7, it’s crucial to migrate to a new operating system before the EOL date to ensure ongoing security updates, patches, and access to new features

Migrating from CentOS 7 to AlmaLinux 9 involves a two-step process. Let’s break it down:

  1. Migrate CentOS 7 to AlmaLinux 8:
    • Update your CentOS 7 system: sudo yum update -y && sudo reboot.
    • Install the elevate-release package: sudo yum install -y http://repo.almalinux.org/elevate/elevate-release-latest-el$(rpm --eval %rhel).noarch.rpm.
    • Install Leapp packages: sudo yum install -y leapp-upgrade leapp-data-almalinux.
    • Run a pre-upgrade check: sudo leapp preupgrade.
    • Address any issues based on the generated report.
    • Start the upgrade: sudo leapp upgrade && sudo reboot.
  2. Prepare for AlmaLinux 9 Migration:
    • After migrating to AlmaLinux 8, edit /etc/yum.conf and /etc/dnf/dnf.conf to remove any exclusions related to elevate or leapp.
    • Verify the migration: Check OS versions, logs, and packages.

Remember to adapt these steps to your environment. For more details, refer to the official AlmaLinux Wiki.