How to fix E: Broken packages (apt-listchanges) in APT

APTINTERMEDIATEMEDIUMUpdated Dec 29, 2025· 119 views

The apt-listchanges package has unmet dependencies preventing package operations. This typically occurs due to missing Python dependencies or incomplete previous operations, and can be resolved by fixing broken packages and reconfiguring failed installs.

Quick fix

Fixes E: Broken packages (apt-listchanges)

sudo apt-get check
  1. Check broken packages
  2. Reconfigure partially installed packages
  3. Update package lists with fix-missing
  4. Fix broken packages and dependencies
apt — error
sudo apt-get check
E: Broken packages (apt-listchanges)

What this error means

apt-listchanges is a Debian package management utility that shows changelog entries when packages are updated. When apt reports "E: Broken packages (apt-listchanges)", it means the apt-listchanges package cannot be properly installed or configured because one or more of its dependencies are missing or broken. This is commonly caused by interrupted package operations, missing Python libraries like python3-apt or python3-debconf, or conflicting package states. The error prevents apt from proceeding with package upgrades or installations until the dependency issue is resolved.

Typical symptoms

  • apt update or apt upgrade fails with "E: Broken packages (apt-listchanges)"
  • apt commands show unmet dependencies for python3-apt, python3-debconf, or sensible-utils
  • Cannot install or upgrade any packages while apt-listchanges is broken
  • Previous installation or upgrade operations left apt-listchanges in an incomplete state

Common causes

  1. Interrupted apt or dpkg operation left apt-listchanges in a partially installed state
  2. Missing Python dependencies (python3-apt, python3-debconf) required by apt-listchanges
  3. Incompatible apt-listchanges version selected during package operations
  4. Third-party repository conflicts causing dependency resolution failures
  5. Broken configuration files in /etc/apt/listchanges.conf

How to fix "E: Broken packages (apt-listchanges)"

1Check broken packages

First, identify all broken packages on your system:

bash
sudo apt-get check

This command will list which packages have dependency problems and need to be fixed.

2Reconfigure partially installed packages

Use dpkg to finish any incomplete package configurations:

bash
sudo dpkg --configure -a

This will attempt to complete any partially installed or removed packages that dpkg left in an inconsistent state.

3Update package lists with fix-missing

Update the package lists while ignoring temporarily unavailable packages:

bash
sudo apt update --fix-missing

This allows apt to refresh its package cache while skipping any missing or broken sources.

4Fix broken packages and dependencies

Use apt to fix broken package dependencies:

bash
sudo apt --fix-broken install

Alternatively, you can use:

bash
sudo apt install -f

This command will install missing dependencies and attempt to resolve the broken state. You may be prompted to remove conflicting packages.

5Remove and reinstall apt-listchanges if still broken

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, forcefully remove apt-listchanges and let apt reinstall it:

bash
sudo dpkg --remove --force-remove-reinstreq apt-listchanges

Then reinstall and update:

bash
sudo apt update && sudo apt install apt-listchanges

This forces removal even if dependencies are broken, then performs a clean reinstall.

6Complete the upgrade

Once apt-listchanges is fixed, complete any pending upgrades:

bash
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

Your system should now be able to process package operations normally.

Advanced notes

The apt-listchanges package is installed by default on most Debian and Ubuntu systems. It functions as an APT plugin configured in /etc/apt/listchanges.conf. The package depends on python3-apt and python3-debconf for parsing changelogs. In rare cases where the package is no longer needed, you can safely remove it entirely with sudo apt remove apt-listchanges and apt operations will continue normally. For systems using unattended-upgrades, apt-listchanges can be configured to send email notifications about updates by setting the frontend to "mail" in the configuration file.

Frequently asked questions

What does "E: Broken packages (apt-listchanges)" mean?
apt-listchanges is a Debian package management utility that shows changelog entries when packages are updated. When apt reports "E: Broken packages (apt-listchanges)", it means the apt-listchanges package cannot be properly installed or configured because one or more of its dependencies are missing or broken. This is commonly caused by interrupted package operations, missing Python libraries like python3-apt or python3-debconf, or conflicting package states.
How do I fix "E: Broken packages (apt-listchanges)"?
The apt-listchanges package has unmet dependencies preventing package operations. This typically occurs due to missing Python dependencies or incomplete previous operations, and can be resolved by fixing broken packages and reconfiguring failed installs.
What causes "E: Broken packages (apt-listchanges)"?
Interrupted apt or dpkg operation left apt-listchanges in a partially installed state Missing Python dependencies (python3-apt, python3-debconf) required by apt-listchanges Incompatible apt-listchanges version selected during package operations
Is the "E: Broken packages (apt-listchanges)" error serious?
It is a medium-severity error — more of a blocker than a risk. The steps above resolve it.

Official resources & further reading