How to fix Breaks: package-name but version is to be installed in APT

Start by updating your package lists to ensure you have the latest information:

sudo apt update

Then check what version of the conflicting package is currently installed:

apt show package-name
apt show package-name:arch

Replace "package-name" with the actual package name and "arch" with the architecture (e.g., i386, amd64) if applicable.

View all available versions of both the package you want to install and the package that is already installed:

apt policy package-name
apt policy other-package-name

This will show you which versions are available and which one is currently installed. Look for versions that might be compatible.

Try installing both packages with specific versions that are compatible. First, find a version of the breaking package that does not conflict:

sudo apt install package-name=1.2.3 other-package-name=4.5.6

Replace the version numbers with actual versions from your apt policy output. If both packages are available in compatible versions, apt should allow the installation.

If apt fails to resolve the conflict, try aptitude, which has a more sophisticated conflict resolver:

sudo aptitude install package-name

When aptitude encounters a conflict, it will suggest alternative solutions. You can accept the suggested solution by pressing "y" or explore other options. Aptitude may suggest upgrading the conflicting package to a compatible version, which apt would not consider.

If you are working with multiarch packages (e.g., both amd64 and i386 versions), ensure both versions are compatible:

sudo apt install package-name:amd64=VERSION-A package-name:i386=VERSION-B

Make sure VERSION-A and VERSION-B are versions that do not break each other. Check the package metadata to see if the breaks declaration is version-specific.

If no compatible version exists, you may need to remove the conflicting package and reinstall both packages from scratch:

sudo apt remove --purge package-name other-package-name
sudo apt autoremove
sudo apt install package-name other-package-name

This ensures a clean installation without version conflicts. Only use this approach if compatible versions cannot be found.

Some packages may be held (marked to prevent automatic updates), which can contribute to breaks conflicts:

sudo apt-mark showhold

If the conflicting packages are held, unhold them to allow upgrades:

sudo apt-mark unhold package-name

Then retry the installation or upgrade.