Why won't apt-get update/upgrade install ALL outstanding security packages [duplicate]

Question

When I login to my 14.04.4 LTS VPS I see the standard system info along with:

7 packages can be updated
7 updates are security updates

When I run apt-get update/upgrade these packages remain uninstalled.

How do I install these packages? Do I need to install these packages? What's the deal?

Thanks!

The MOTD is updated infrequently. When you run sudo apt-get upgrade are any packages held back? — muru, Mar 9, 2016 at 17:05
Yes. The following packages have been kept back: linux-generic linux-headers-generic linux-image-generic — user3684145, Mar 9, 2016 at 17:11

Scott Stensland · Accepted Answer · 2016-03-09 17:17:57Z

1

Solution to held back message is to directly do updates to listed packages held (all of them)

sudo apt-get install linux-generic linux-headers-generic linux-image-generic

... then afterword re-issue your original command

answered Mar 9, 2016 at 17:16

Scott Stensland

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Do I need these updates if they are held back? That's only three packages but the MOTD lists 7? Thanks a lot for your help.
– user3684145
Mar 9, 2016 at 17:17
They are held to give you the chance to decide whether you want them or not. Security updates should always get installed.
– Scott Stensland
Mar 9, 2016 at 17:24

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