How to fix dpkg: trigger processing halted because of errors in APT

Run the following command to configure all unpacked but unconfigured packages and process pending triggers:

sudo dpkg --configure -a

This is the most common solution and resolves most trigger processing errors by completing interrupted configurations.

If reconfiguring didn't resolve the issue, fix broken package dependencies:

sudo apt install -f

The -f (or --fix-broken) flag forces apt to fix broken dependencies, which often resolves trigger-related conflicts.

Once the triggers are processed and broken dependencies are fixed, update and upgrade your system:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

This ensures your package cache is current and all pending updates are applied cleanly.

If the previous steps didn't work, lock files may be preventing dpkg from progressing. Remove them carefully:

sudo rm /var/lib/apt/lists/lock
sudo rm /var/cache/apt/archives/lock
sudo rm /var/lib/dpkg/lock
sudo rm /var/lib/dpkg/lock-frontend

Then reconfigure:

sudo apt update
sudo dpkg --configure -a

Warning: Only remove these lock files if no apt/dpkg processes are currently running.

If you know which package is causing the trigger error, you can remove it:

sudo dpkg --audit

This command lists packages in broken or removed states. Once identified, remove the problematic package:

sudo apt remove [package_name]

Or force removal if necessary:

sudo dpkg --remove --force-remove-reinstreq [package_name]

As a last resort, if the triggers file itself is corrupted, you can clear it:

sudo rm /var/lib/dpkg/triggers/*
sudo dpkg --configure -a

Use this only if other methods fail, as it removes all trigger state information. Back up the triggers directory first if possible.