Install Timeshift on Debian 10 - Step by Step Procedure ?

It is always important to keep a backup of your system for bad days. The simplest way to keep backup is to copy your full disk to a different disk of the same size. But it consumes time, doesn't it ?

Here at LinuxAPT, as part of our Server Management Services, we regularly help our Customers to perform related backups queries on Linyx systems. Here, we will make use of Timeshift to create a one-click backup of necessary directories and folders of your system just like someone will do on Windows and Mac. 

In this context, we shall look into how to install Timeshift which is an open source tool for creating filesystem snapshots using rsync+hardlinks or BTRFS snapshots. It has support for scheduled snapshots, multiple backup levels, and exclude filters. Once you have a snapshot taken, it can be restored while the system is in a running state or from Live CD/USB.


Steps to Install Timeshift on Debian

Timeshift is an exceptional piece of software that helps you to take backups of your disk on Debian. Timeshift creates snapshots of your disk in a compressed way. It consumes less memory and does a better job than many other backup tools. Now, follow the steps outlined below to install Timeshift on Debian 10.


To begin, It is always a good to update repositories before installing the Timeshift package. To do this, simply run the below commands:

$ sudo apt update
$ sudo apt install timeshift

To run Timeshift, you will always need to authenticate it via GUI

From the GUI, You can create one-click backups without any hassle.


How to Uninstall Timeshift from Debian Linux system ?

To uninstall Timeshift on Debian 10, you will simply run the following command:

$ sudo apt remove timeshift


[Need assistance in backing up your Linux files ? We can help you. ]

This article covers how to install Timeshift on Debian 10 from its stable repositories. Timeshift brings the System Restore feature in Windows or the Time Machine tool in macOS to Linux.


How to Restore Ubuntu, Debian & Linux Mint from Snapshot using Timeshift ?

  • To revert your system to Snapshot state, select the Snapshot you want to restore to and click the "Restore" tab on the top menu.
  • This will ask you to "Select target device" and options for /boot and /home.
  • Timeshift will Perform Dry run before doing the actual restore.
  • Confirm Actions to initiate Snapshot restore process.
  • Timeshift will start to sync Snapshot files to the root filesystem.
  • The system should reboot after the process is completed.

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