How to Install Timeshift on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS

Timeshift is a powerful open-source tool that can help you protect your data. It allows you to create incremental snapshots of your filesystem, browsed with a file manager. In BTRFS mode, snapshots are taken using the in-built features of the BTRFS filesystem if you’re looking for a reliable way to back up your data.

Timeshift is worth considering for all users as it is handy when you need to restore, which often happens with Linux systems when you start off learning, amongst many other examples.

In the following tutorial, you will learn how to install TimeShift on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS Jammy Jellyfish using the command line terminal.

Update Ubuntu

First, before you begin, make sure your system is up-to-date by using the following terminal command.

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Install TimeShift – APT Method with Ubuntu

The TimeShift application is available on Ubuntu 22.04’s default repository.

Begin the installation using the following terminal command.

sudo apt install timeshift

Install TimeShift – APT Method with PPA

The second option to install TimeShift is to use the LaunchPAD PPA by Tony George. This is from the developer behind TimeShift and should be used for those who want the latest stable version, and I recommend using it over Ubuntu’s default repository.

First, import the PPA using the following terminal command.

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:teejee2008/timeshift -y

Next, run an APT update to reflect the newly added PPA.

sudo apt-get update

Now install the latest version of TimeShift using the following command.

sudo apt install timeshift

Launch TimeShift

Once installed, the backup software can be found in the following path Activities > Show Applications > TimeShift.

Example:

Once open, you can begin creating snapshots or go into settings and configure scheduled snapshots depending on your use case.

Create Snapshots with Timeshift

Timeshift works in two modes: Rsync mode and BTRFS mode.

In the rsync mode, snapshots are taken using rsync and hard links, and common files are shared between the snapshots to save disk space, while in BTRFS mode, snapshots are taken using the BTRFS file system. BTRFS is supported only on systems having an Ubuntu-type subvolume layout.

Example:

Snapshots can be scheduled, and this is highly recommended for nearly all users for good practice and recovery options if any installations cause bugs or an unstable system.

Example Schedule:

TimeShift has many more options, such as location, filters, and much more that you can fine-tune backups for users that require some more advanced options.

How to Remove (Uninstall) TimeShift

This can be easily removed using the following command for users who no longer need or require the backup software.

sudo apt autoremove timeshift --purge

The command will remove all data and dependencies, resulting in complete removal.

Users that installed TimeShift from the PPA can remove it also using the following command.

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:teejee2008/timeshift -y

Comments and Conclusion

In the tutorial, you have learned how to install and create a snapshot with TimeShift on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS.

TimeShift is an excellent addition to helping Linux users back up from bad software installations; typically, if your hard drive has space keeping a few snapshots can be pretty handy when diagnosing when some.