How to Install KTorrent on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS

KTorrent is a BitTorrent application that can be used to download files using the BitTorrent protocol. It has multiple features that make it a full-featured client for BitTorrent, and it can be run simultaneously with numerous torrents. Some of its features include: creating torrents, managing torrents, adding trackers, choosing a port number, setting up speed limits, etc. KTorrent is available on Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux operating systems.

In the following tutorial, you will learn how to install KTorrent on Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish. The tutorial will use the command line terminal with complete steps to install the official repository and tips on updating and removing the software securely and adequately.

Update Ubuntu

Before proceeding with the tutorial, it is good to ensure your system is up-to-date with all existing packages.

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Install KTorrent – APT Method

First, you will need to import the GPG and the repository. Luckily this is straightforward, and you will always have the most up-to-date version available on your Ubuntu system.

Now you can install it using the following command.

sudo apt install ktorrent -y

Install KTorrent – Flatpak Method

The second option is to use the Flatpak package manager, which is not installed on Ubuntu distributions, given that Snap, which is Flatpak’s rival, is owned by Canonical and Ubuntu. However, Flatpak is still available to install from Ubuntu’s default repository.

The extra benefit of using Flatpak installations is that you will always have the most up-to-date version compared to Ubuntu which focuses on stability with older versions that only see updates for security issues or serve bugs.

First, install the Flatpak manager; this can be skipped if you already have it installed.

sudo apt install flatpak -y

Next, you need to enable Flatpack using the following command in your terminal:

sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

For users installing Flatpak for the first time, it is often recommended to reboot your system. Failure to do this can occur with odd issues arising, such as paths not being generated for icons.

reboot

SKIP THE REBOOT IF FLATPAK IS INSTALLED.

Now install using the following flatpak command.

flatpak install flathub org.kde.ktorrent -y

How to Launch KTorrent

Now that you have the software installed, launching can be done in a few ways.

In your terminal, use the following command.

ktorrent

If you would like to launch and use the terminal simultaneously, send it to the background to continue using the current terminal.

ktorrent &

Flatpak users can use the following command to launch from the terminal.

flatpak run org.kde.ktorrent

However, this isn’t practical for desktop users, and you would use the following path on your desktop to open with the approach as follows.

Activities > Show Applications > KTorrent

Example in Show Applications:

Once open, you will arrive at the default landing start screen, where you can begin to use the torrent client.

Example:

And that is it, and you have successfully installed KTorrent.

How to Update/Upgrade KTorrent

Depending on the method of installation used, the following commands can be used to update the software and any system packages. Ideally, the terminal update command should be used even if you have auto-updates set up in your desktop GUI to ensure everything is updating correctly.

APT Update Method

sudo apt upgrade && sudo apt upgrade

Flatpak Update Method

flatpak update

How to Remove (Uninstall) KTorrent

Use one of the following commands to suit the original installation method for users who no longer require the application.

APT Remove Method

sudo apt autoremove ktorrent --purge -y

The above command will automatically remove any unused dependencies installed from KTorrent and any other leftovers from previous removals. This command should be run often to keep your system from getting too bloated.

Flatpak Remove Method

flatpak uninstall --delete-data org.kde.ktorrent -y

Next, run the following command for any leftover clean-up.

flatpak remove --unused

Comments and Conclusion

In the tutorial, you have learned how to install KTorrent on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS Jammy Jellyfish.

KTorrent is an excellent choice for a BitTorrent application that can be used to download files using the BitTorrent protocol and is lightweight and easy to use. It has multiple features that make it a full-featured client for BitTorrent without all the thrills of FrostWire or similar BitTorrent clients that add extras.