Whenever I start CachyOS, it seems to have hundreds of available package updates. Since the system updates whenever package versions increase, I'm wondering whether it includes beta or development builds and whether that is why applications sometimes malfunction. Is there a safe way to configure updates so packages only change for major releases, or would a different Linux distribution with a slower, stable-release schedule be a better choice?
3 Answers
The frequent updates are likely one reason you chose CachyOS, since it aims to provide newer packages and performance-oriented components. If that constant maintenance is frustrating, a more stable distribution is not a downgrade—it’s simply a better match for wanting a quieter desktop.
CachyOS is based on Arch, so frequent updates are part of its rolling-release model. The official repositories generally provide stable package releases rather than random beta builds, although software from the AUR can vary in quality. Holding packages back for long periods on an Arch-based system is risky because updates often depend on one another, and a large delayed upgrade can eventually cause problems.
There isn’t really a setting that turns an Arch-based distribution into a major-release-only system. If you prefer fewer changes and more conservative updates, a stable-release distribution such as Debian, Linux Mint, Ubuntu LTS, or openSUSE Leap would probably suit you better. Fedora, openSUSE Slowroll, and openSUSE Tumbleweed are other options with different balances between freshness and stability.

Related Questions
Can't Load PhpMyadmin On After Server Update
Redirect www to non-www in Apache Conf
How To Check If Your SSL Cert Is SHA 1
Windows TrackPad Gestures