How to Downgrade a Package in Debian 12 Bookworm System

Downgrading a package in Debian 12 (Bookworm) is sometimes necessary when a new update causes instability, compatibility issues, or unwanted changes. Unlike some rolling-release distributions, Debian maintains a stable package repository, making downgrading less common but still possible. In this guide, we’ll cover various methods to downgrade a package safely in Debian 12.

Understanding Package Downgrades in Debian

Debian uses the Advanced Package Tool (APT) for package management, which typically installs the latest available version of a package from configured repositories. However, in cases where an upgrade introduces issues, users may need to revert to an earlier version. Downgrading can be done using older repositories, manually installed .deb files, or by using snapshot archives of Debian repositories.

Checking Installed Package Versions

Before downgrading, check the currently installed package version and available versions in the repositories.

apt list --installed | grep <package-name>

To see all available versions:

apt-cache policy <package-name>

This command displays the installed version, candidate version, and versions available in different repositories.

Method 1: Downgrade Using APT (If Older Version is in Repository)

If an older version of the package is still in the Debian repositories, you can downgrade it using APT.

Step 1: Find Available Versions

Run the following command to check available versions:

apt-cache madison <package-name>

This will show output similar to:

    <package-name> | 1.5.2 | http://deb.debian.org/debian bookworm/main amd64 Packages
    <package-name> | 1.4.9 | http://deb.debian.org/debian bookworm/main amd64 Packages

Step 2: Install the Older Version

To install a specific older version, run:

sudo apt install <package-name>=<version-number>

Example:

sudo apt install package-name=1.4.9

Step 3: Prevent Future Updates (Optional)

To prevent the package from being updated again, hold the package using:

sudo apt-mark hold <package-name>

To remove the hold later:

sudo apt-mark unhold <package-name>

Method 2: Using Debian Snapshot Repository

If the version you need is no longer in the standard Debian repositories, you can use Debian Snapshots, which archive older package versions.

Step 1: Find the Package Version

Go to Debian Snapshot and search for the package. Find the URL of the .deb file for the version you want.

Step 2: Download and Install the Package

Use wget to download the .deb package:

wget http://snapshot.debian.org/archive/debian/<timestamp>/pool/main/p/package-name/package-name_<version>_amd64.deb

Install the package using:

sudo dpkg -i package-name_<version>_amd64.deb

If dependencies are missing, fix them with:

sudo apt-get install -f

Method 3: Manually Install an Older .deb Package

If you have access to an older .deb package, you can install it manually.

Step 1: Find and Download the .deb File

Search for the required version on official Debian mirrors or third-party sources like packages.debian.org.

Step 2: Install the .deb File

Use dpkg to install it:

sudo dpkg -i <package-name>.deb

Step 3: Fix Broken Dependencies

If you encounter dependency issues, run:

sudo apt-get install -f

Method 4: Using APT Pinning

APT pinning allows you to control package versions by specifying preferences for different repositories.

Step 1: Configure APT Preferences

Create a new file:

sudo nano /etc/apt/preferences.d/package-name

Add the following content:

Package: <package-name>
Pin: version <version-number>
Pin-Priority: 1001

Save and exit (CTRL+X, then Y).

Step 2: Update and Install

sudo apt update
sudo apt install <package-name>

This method forces APT to prefer the specified version.

Verifying Downgrade

After downgrading, confirm the installed version with:

dpkg -l | grep <package-name>

Conclusion

Downgrading a package in Debian 12 Bookworm is useful when an update causes issues. Whether using APT, Debian Snapshots, manually installing .deb files, or APT pinning, each method provides a way to revert to a previous stable version. Always be cautious when downgrading, as dependencies may also need adjustments to maintain system stability.