Why Migrate from CentOS to AlmaLinux?
When Red Hat shifted focus from CentOS Linux to CentOS Stream, many businesses and sysadmins needed a stable, long-term supported operating system. AlmaLinux quickly became the best CentOS alternative, offering:
- 1:1 binary compatibility with RHEL (Red Hat Enterprise Linux)
- Long-term community support
- Enterprise-grade stability & security
- Free and open-source
So if you’re asking:
- “Is AlmaLinux a stable CentOS replacement?” → Yes.
- “Can I migrate CentOS servers to AlmaLinux easily?” → Yes, with official migration tools.
What Do I Need Before Migration?
Before switching from CentOS to AlmaLinux, ensure you have:
- A server running CentOS 8 (migration supports CentOS 8.x → AlmaLinux 8.x).
- Root or sudo access.
- Backup of your system and data (always recommended).
- Internet access for downloading migration scripts.
👉 Tip: Migration from CentOS 7 requires upgrading to CentOS 8 first.
How to Migrate from CentOS to AlmaLinux?
Here’s the step-by-step migration process:
Step 1 – Update Your CentOS System
Make sure your CentOS is fully updated before migration.
sudo dnf update -y
sudo reboot
Step 2 – Download the AlmaLinux Migration Script
AlmaLinux provides an official tool called ELevate / almalinux-deploy.
sudo dnf install -y curl
curl -O https://raw.githubusercontent.com/AlmaLinux/almalinux-deploy/master/almalinux-deploy.sh
Step 3 – Run the Migration Script
Execute the script to start the migration:
sudo bash almalinux-deploy.sh
The script will:
- Remove CentOS packages
- Replace them with AlmaLinux packages
- Preserve your data and applications
Step 4 – Reboot Into AlmaLinux
Once migration is complete, reboot the server:
sudo reboot
Step 5 – Verify Migration
Check if your server is now running AlmaLinux:
cat /etc/os-release
You should see:
NAME="AlmaLinux"
Does Migration Affect Applications or Data?
No. The migration process does not remove user data or applications. It simply replaces the CentOS repositories and packages with AlmaLinux equivalents. However, always keep a backup before performing system-level changes.
How Long Does the Migration Take?
- Small systems: 10–15 minutes
- Larger production servers: 30–60 minutes, depending on installed packages and hardware.
What If I’m Running CentOS 7?
If you’re still on CentOS 7:
- Upgrade to CentOS 8 first.
- Then follow the migration steps above.
Why Choose AlmaLinux Over Other CentOS Alternatives?
Many admins search for “Rocky Linux vs AlmaLinux”. Both are stable, but:
- AlmaLinux is backed by CloudLinux and has long-term financial support.
- Rocky Linux is fully community-driven.
If you want enterprise backing + community trust, AlmaLinux is the safe choice.
