How to List the Installed Packages on Linux

Whether you’re managing a Linux server, troubleshooting an issue, or just curious about what’s on your machine, knowing how to list installed packages is essential. The commands you use will depend on your distribution—Debian-based, Red Hat-based, Arch, and so on. This guide covers the most common package managers so you can quickly check installed software, no matter your flavor of Linux.

1. Debian and Ubuntu: Using dpkg and apt

List All Installed Packages:

dpkg -l

A Cleaner, Less Noisy Output:

apt list --installed

Tip: To search for a specific package, use:

dpkg -l | grep [package-name]

2. Red Hat, CentOS, Fedora: Using rpm and dnf

List Installed RPM Packages:

rpm -qa

Using DNF (for newer systems):

dnf list installed

For Older Systems (YUM):

yum list installed

3. Arch Linux and Manjaro: Using pacman

List All Installed Packages:

pacman -Q

For Explicitly Installed Packages:

pacman -Qe

4. SUSE Linux: Using zypper

List Installed Packages:

zypper se --installed-only

5. Flatpak and Snap Packages

List Installed Flatpaks:

flatpak list

List Installed Snaps:

snap list

Why This Matters

Knowing what’s installed isn’t just for curiosity—it helps with troubleshooting, keeping systems lean, and tracking down potential security risks. It’s also handy for documentation, migrations, and audits.

Pro Tip: Export the List for Backup or Migration

Want to back up your package list or migrate to another machine? Redirect the output to a file:

dpkg --get-selections > packages-list.txt      # Debian/Ubuntu
rpm -qa > rpm-packages.txt                     # Red Hat/CentOS
pacman -Qqe > pkglist.txt                      # Arch

Bottom Line:
With just a quick command, you can see exactly what’s installed on your Linux system. It’s a simple skill that saves time and headaches. Bookmark this page, and you’ll always have the right command at your fingertips.

Got a favorite Linux trick? Share it in the comments!

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!