How to Update Git Version: A Complete Guide for All Platforms

Keeping Git up to date ensures you have access to the latest features, performance improvements, and important security patches. Whether you’re a solo developer or part of a team, using the most recent version of Git can streamline your workflow and prevent compatibility issues.

In this post, we’ll show you how to check your current Git version and how to update Git on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

🧪 Step 1: Check Your Current Git Version

Open your terminal (or command prompt) and run:

git --version

Output Example:

git version 2.34.1

This lets you know if you’re already up to date or need an upgrade.

💻 How to Update Git by Operating System

🪟 Windows

🔄 Option 1: Download the Installer

  1. Visit the official Git website:
    👉 https://git-scm.com
  2. Click on “Download for Windows”.
  3. Run the installer and follow the prompts (it will replace the old version).
  4. After installation, verify with:
git --version

🔄 Option 2: Use Git for Windows via Winget (Windows 10/11)

winget upgrade --id Git.Git -e

🍎 macOS

✅ Option 1: Using Homebrew (recommended)

If you have Homebrew installed:

brew update
brew upgrade git

Then confirm with:

git --version

✅ Option 2: Manual Download

  1. Go to https://git-scm.com.
  2. Download the latest macOS installer.
  3. Run the installer and complete the setup.

🐧 Linux

🐧 Ubuntu / Debian

sudo apt update
sudo apt install git

Note: This may not install the latest Git version. To get the latest release:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:git-core/ppa
sudo apt update
sudo apt install git

🐧 Fedora

sudo dnf install git

🐧 Arch Linux

sudo pacman -S git

🧠 Pro Tip: Use git version in CI/CD Pipelines

For automated systems or CI/CD pipelines, always verify Git versions to avoid unexpected behavior with new Git features or syntax:

git --version

🧩 Final Thoughts

Keeping Git updated is a small step with a big impact. You get access to:

  • Improved performance and reliability
  • New commands and features
  • Fixes for known bugs and vulnerabilities

Whether you’re working locally or collaborating in a team, updating Git helps maintain a smooth, modern development workflow.

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