How to Update AWS CLI via the Command Line

This guide is split into two sections: how to install AWS CLI via the command line and how to update AWS CLI via the command line. It explains how to do this for Linux, Windows, and macOS.

Part 1: Install CLI

Part 2: Update CLI

PART1: Install AWS CLI via Command Line

Install the AWS CLI via the Command Line on Linux (Ubuntu)

Step 1: Update Package Lists

sudo apt update -y

Step 2: Install pip and unzip

sudo apt install python3-pip unzip -y

Step 3: Download and Install the AWS CLI

curl "https://awscli.amazonaws.com/awscli-exe-linux-x86_64.zip" -o "awscliv2.zip" && unzip awscliv2.zip && sudo ./aws/install 

Step 4: Verify Installation

aws --version

Install the AWS CLI via the Command Line on Windows using PowerShell

Step 1: Download the Installer

Invoke-WebRequest -Uri https://awscli.amazonaws.com/AWSCLIV2.msi -OutFile .\AWSCLIV2.msi 

Step 2: Run the Installer

Double-click the downloaded “AWSCLIV2.msi” file and follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 3: Verify Installation

Open a new PowerShell window and run:

aws --version 

Install the AWS CLI via the Command Line on MacOS (Terminal):

Step 1: Install Homebrew (if not already installed)

bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

Step 2: Install the AWS CLI

brew install awscli

Step 3: Verify Installation

aws --version

PART 2: Update AWS CLI via Command Line

The update process is generally the same across operating systems:

Update AWS CLI via the Command Line on Linux (Ubuntu)

Step 1: Remove Existing Version

pip3 install --upgrade awscli 

Note: Use pip instead of pip3 if your Python environment defaults to Python 2)

Step 2: Verify Update

aws --version 

Update AWS CLI via the Command Line on Windows (PowerShell)

Step 1: Update with MSI Installer

If you originally installed the AWS CLI using the MSI installer, the recommended way to update is by downloading and running the latest MSI installer again from the official AWS website. This will overwrite the older version with the updated one.

msiexec.exe /i https://awscli.amazonaws.com/AWSCLIV2.msi

Step 2: Update with pip (Alternative)

You can also try updating using pip (if you have it installed):

pip install --upgrade awscli 

Step 3: Verify Update

aws --version 

Update AWS CLI via the Command Line on MacOS (Terminal)

Step 1: Update with brew

brew upgrade awscli

Step 2: Verify Update

aws --version 

Important Notes:

• Administrative Privileges: You’ll likely need administrative rights (e.g., sudo on Linux/MacOS or running PowerShell as Administrator) to install or update system-wide.
• Alternative Update Methods:
  • Windows: If you installed using the MSI installer, you might need to download and re-run the latest installer to get updates.
  • Linux: Some package managers (like apt) might offer update mechanisms (sudo apt install --only-upgrade awscli).
• Shell Restart: After updating, it’s a good practice to restart your terminal or command prompt.