diff --git a/boottools/apt.py b/boottools/apt.py
index 7fe0656..b75a5a7 100644
--- a/boottools/apt.py
+++ b/boottools/apt.py
@@ -62,4 +62,5 @@ def install (pkgs, opts={}):
     for k in opts: opts_list += ['-o', f'{k}={opts[k]}']
     print ('about to install these packages: "{}"'.format (' '.join (pkgs)))
     import subprocess
+    subprocess.run (['apt-get', '--yes', 'update'])
     subprocess.run (['apt-get', '--yes', 'install'] + pkgs + opts_list)