How to Install FreeFileSync 10.25 in Ubuntu 20.04 LTS

Last updated: June 20, 2020

This simple tutorial shows how to install the latest FreeFileSync, open-source file synchronization software, and create application shortcut in Ubuntu 20.04 LTS.

FreeFileSync is a folder comparison and synchronization software that creates and manages backup copies of all your important files. Instead of copying every file every time, FreeFileSync determines the differences between a source and a target folder and transfers only the minimum amount of data needed.

How to Install FreeFileSync in Ubuntu 20.04 LTS:

1.) First, download the source tarball from its official download page.

Scroll down a little and select download the Linux package.

2.) Extract the source tarball, and you can run the executable to launch the software.

For global use, open terminal (press Ctrl+Alt+T) and run command to extract to /opt:

sudo tar -zxvf ~/Downloads/FreeFileSync_*_Linux.tar.gz -C /opt

3.) Create app shortcut for FreeFileSync by running command:

gedit ~/.local/share/applications/FreeFileSync.desktop

and paste following lines into the open file:

[Desktop Entry]
Type=Application
Name=FreeFileSync
GenericName=Folder Comparison and Synchronization
GenericName[de_DE]=Ordnervergleich und Synchronisation
Exec=/opt/FreeFileSync/FreeFileSync %F
Icon=/opt/FreeFileSync/Resources/FreeFileSync.png
NoDisplay=false
Terminal=false
Categories=Utility;FileTools;
StartupNotify=true

4.) Also create app shortcut for RealTimeSync if you want via command:

gedit ~/.local/share/applications/RealTimeSync.desktop

and paste following lines into the file and save it:

[Desktop Entry]
Type=Application
Name=RealTimeSync
GenericName=Automated Synchronization
GenericName[de_DE]=Automatisierte Synchronisation
Exec=/opt/FreeFileSync/RealTimeSync %f
Icon=/opt/FreeFileSync/Resources/RealTimeSync.png
NoDisplay=false
Terminal=false
Categories=Utility;FileTools;
StartupNotify=true

After saving the files, you’re able to launch them via ‘Show Applications’ menu.

How to Remove FreeFileSync:

To remove the source folder, run command:

sudo rm -r /opt/FreeFileSync

To remove the app shortcuts, run command:

cd ~/.local/share/applications && rm FreeFileSync.desktop RealTimeSync.desktop 

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8 responses to How to Install FreeFileSync 10.25 in Ubuntu 20.04 LTS

  1. Hey Ji,
    I’m a linux user for a few years now, but still have quite a hard time with very basic stuff. I’ve read some other directions on installing this app, but could only understand it with your post: all I need to do is to copy/create the desktop file in the /.local/share/applications directory for the system to recognize it and show it on the menu. Such a basic info, but so hard to find.
    Thanks a lot.

  2. Hi Ji,
    Thank you very much!
    It helps me a lot.

    Perfect!

    Regards,

    Luiz

  3. Thanks for sharing, you save my time.

  4. Very very good explanation. Thanks!

  5. Hi Ji
    First command :
    “sudo tar -zxvf ~/Downloads/FreeFileSync_11.3_Linux.tar.gz -C /opt”
    returns :
    No such file exist / Error is not recoverable: existing now / child returned status 2
    What do you think it is ?
    Tanks, pphil

  6. Dear Ji,
    such a fluence tutorial … thank you very – very – much!
    Greetings from Germany.
    Marc :)

  7. @ pphilippe: just use command, as shown in this tutorial … for me, it works with version 11.5 … you just have to use

    sudo tar -zxvf ~/Downloads/FreeFileSync_*_Linux.tar.gz -C /opt

    Marc

  8. Thank you very much for this, it works perfectly and is very simple!