How to Update R in RStudio or Manually: Step-by-Step Guide

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Learn how to update R on your Windows or Mac computer
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Are you trying to update R easily? There are two ways to update R: via RStudio or manually. R is a coding language primarily for data visualization and statistical computing used in a wide variety of fields (such as data analysis). Thankfully, both methods of updating R are quick and easy. In this wikiHow, we'll teach you how to do both.

How to Get the Latest R Update

You can update R easily within RStudio thanks to a package called "installr" (for Windows) or "updateR" (for Mac). If you prefer to update manually, you can easily download the latest R version from CRAN's website and install it on your computer.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Automatic Update with RStudio

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    On Windows, you can update R directly in RStudio with the "installr" package. MacOS doesn't have "installr," but you can use a similar package called "updateR" to update R instead. [1]
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    Run the following command in RStudio to begin the update:
    • Windows:

      install.packages("installr")
      library(installr)

      updateR()
    • Mac (where PASSWORD is your system password):

      install.packages("devtools")
      devtools::install_github("AndreaCirilloAC/updateR")
      updateR(admin_password = "PASSWORD")

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    The "installr" or "updateR" package will check for a new version of R, download it, and install it for you.
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    After installing the new version of R, "installr" or "updateR" will ask if you want to move your packages to the new R library.
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to move your packages, if you decide to.
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    After moving your packages, "installr" or "updateR" will offer to update your packages.
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to update your packages, if you decide to.
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    "Installr" or "updateR" will complete these tasks for you manually. Once you've quit the old R, your system will be updated to the latest version.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Manual Update

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    You can manually download the latest version of R and install it on your computer, if you prefer. While you will have to move and install your R packages manually, this method gives you more control over the update process.
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    The installer will walk you through the process. If you have RStudio open, make sure to close it.
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    RStudio will detect that a new version of R has been installed.
    • To check what version of R your RStudio is using, run the command R.version.string . If the new version of R is shown, you can move on. Otherwise, do the following:
      • Click Tools > Global Options > General > R version > Change .
      • Select the new version of R.
      • Click OK to close the "R Version Chooser" window.
      • Click Apply and then OK to close the "Global Options" window.
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    Go to your old R library, copy all of your package folders, and move them to the new R library. Your R libraries are found in the following locations by default:
    • Windows: C:\Users\[your username]\Documents\R\win-library\[x.xx]
    • macOS: /Library/Frameworks/R.framework/Versions/[x.xx]/Resources/Library
      • In the filepath, [x.xx] refers to the R version. You should go to the folder for the old version first, copy your packages, and then go to the folder for the new version to paste them.
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    In RStudio, run the following command to update your packages. When prompted, press y for every question to update the packages.

    update.packages(checkBuilt = TRUE)

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    To make sure everything is updated properly, run the following command in RStudio. If your R version and package versions are displaying as the newest version, you've successfully updated R. If not, go back and repeat the steps in this article carefully.

    versionpackageStatus()

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      References

      1. ↑ https://github.com/AndreaCirilloAC/updateR

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