OPNsense update via web interface

Updates for the open source firewall OPNsense can be easily installed via its web interface. In this article we show you how to install such an update.

To our OPNSense firewalls

Update via web interface

Start a web browser and log on to the OPNsense system. Then perform the following steps:

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  Click on Click to check for updates in the dashboard.
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  The update process begins, the system checks for updates.
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  For larger updates, a changelog is displayed, scroll down if necessary and click on Close.
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  The packages to be updated are displayed, for larger updates you must scroll down.
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  Click on Update, to the right you will see whether a restart is required.
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  In this case, a restart is required, click on OK.
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  The update is running.
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  The update is complete and a restart will now be performed.
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  The new version number can now be seen in the dashboard.

Release Upgrade via web interface

A release upgrade can be carried out conveniently via the OPNsense web interface. The following example shows the Upgrade process from version 24.7 to 25.1.

Important note: Create a backup of the configuration beforehand.

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  Go from the dashboard to System → Firmware → Updates. OPNsense checks for updates and the release 24.7.12 is the latest update for OPNsense 24.7. Click Close to install.
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  The packages to be updated are displayed.
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  Scroll down and click on Update.
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  A message appears stating that OPNsense needs to be restarted. Click on OK.
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  The upgrade process begins.
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  A restart takes place.
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  Log in to the system.
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  Click on the Click to check for updates entry in the dashboard.
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  Updates are being searched for.
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  The upgrade instructions for OPNsense 25.1 are displayed. Click on OK.
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  The changelog of version 25.1 is displayed. Click on Close.
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  Now the upgrade to 25.1 begins. Click on Upgrade.
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  A restart is required again. Click on OK.
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  The packages of OPNsense 25.1 are downloaded.
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  The new packages and kernel are installed, the system will now reboot.
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  Log in to the web interface.
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  OPNsense is now updated to 25.1, it has a new user interface.

References

Author: Thomas Niedermeier Thomas Niedermeier working in the product management team at Thomas-Krenn, completed his bachelor's degree in business informatics at the Deggendorf University of Applied Sciences. Since 2013 Thomas is employed at Thomas-Krenn and takes care of OPNsense firewalls, the Thomas-Krenn-Wiki and firmware security updates.

Author: Werner Fischer Werner Fischer, working in the Knowledge Transfer team at Thomas-Krenn, completed his studies of Computer and Media Security at FH Hagenberg in Austria. He is a regular speaker at many conferences like LinuxTag, OSMC, OSDC, LinuxCon, and author for various IT magazines. In his spare time he enjoys playing the piano and training for a good result at the annual Linz marathon relay.