How to fix dpkg: error processing package package-name (--configure): dependency problems - leaving unconfigured in APT

Run dpkg with the -a flag to attempt configuring all unconfigured packages:

sudo dpkg --configure -a

This forces dpkg to retry configuration for any packages left in an inconsistent state. Often this resolves the issue by itself if the dependencies are already installed.

If the first step doesn't work, use apt to install missing dependencies:

sudo apt --fix-broken install

This command tells apt to download and install any missing dependencies required by the problematic package, then reconfigure it. This is the most common solution.

Alternatively, use the legacy flag:

sudo apt-get install -f

Both commands do the same thing. Apt will show what it plans to install and ask for confirmation.

If the above steps don't work, clear apt's cache and retry:

sudo apt clean
sudo apt autoclean
sudo apt update
sudo apt --fix-broken install

Sometimes stale cache entries prevent proper dependency resolution. Cleaning and updating the package index can help.

If the error persists, see which package is actually failing:

sudo apt full-upgrade

Or list packages in an inconsistent state:

dpkg -l | grep '^iH'

The output shows which packages are half-installed. You can then manually inspect what went wrong for that specific package.

If the above steps fail, remove the package entirely and reinstall it:

# Remove the half-installed package
sudo apt remove package-name

# Reinstall it
sudo apt install package-name

Only do this if you're sure the package isn't a critical dependency for your system. Removing the wrong package can break your system.

For kernel-related packages (linux-image, linux-headers), be especially careful—removing them can make the system unbootable.