When installing packages on Ubuntu via Snap, you might encounter the error message:
Unable to install “<PACKAGE>”: snap “<PACKAGE>” has “install-snap” change in progress
This problem usually happens because a previous Snap operation is still active or appears to be hanging. The following steps outline the abort snap change command that has proven effective in fixing this issue.
Understanding the Problem
The error indicates that Snap believes another installation or update is currently running in the background. This might occur if you:
- Initiated the installation multiple times.
- Encountered system delays that left a process in an unfinished state.
- Experienced a bug in the Ubuntu Software Center that did not update the installation status.
Read: How to install Snap pack support on Linux
The Effective Solution
The solution that worked involves manually checking for ongoing Snap processes and aborting the problematic operation. Here’s how to proceed:
1. Check for Ongoing Snap Changes
Open a terminal window (press Ctrl+Alt+T) and execute:
snap changes
This command displays a list of Snap operations. Look for an entry where the Status is Doing for your package (for example, “vlc”).
Example Output:
- ID Status Spawn Ready Summary
- 8 Doing 2023-10-05T12:00:00Z – Install “vlc” snap
This output confirms that the installation process is still active.
2. Abort the Stuck Process
Identify the ID associated with the stuck installation (in this example, it is 8). Abort the process by running:
sudo snap abort 8
This command terminates the pending operation, thereby clearing the way for a fresh installation.
Read: Fix Broken Packages in Ubuntu 24.04: Step-by-Step Guide to Package Repair & Removal
3. Reattempt the Package Installation
Once the ongoing change is aborted, proceed to reinstall the package. You can do this either through the Ubuntu Software Center or by using the terminal:
sudo snap install vlc
This reinstallation should now complete successfully.
Additional Considerations
Wait for Active Processes: Occasionally, the installation might finish on its own. If you suspect an active process is running, consider waiting a few minutes before aborting.
Refresh Snap: Ensure that Snap is up-to-date by executing:
sudo snap refresh
System Reboot: If the error persists even after aborting the process, a system reboot can help clear residual background locks.
Conclusion
This article highlights the snap installation troubleshooting method that has resolved the “install-snap change in progress” error for many Ubuntu users. By running snap changes, aborting the stuck process with sudo snap abort <ID>, and reinstalling the package, you can efficiently resolve this issue. This solution is ideal for administrators looking for a clear and effective fix to restore normal package installations on Ubuntu.
This guide encapsulates the precise steps described in the original solution while providing a comprehensive resource for users facing the Ubuntu snap change error resolution challenge.
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