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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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I'm a freelance blogger who started using Ubuntu in 2007 and wishes to share my experiences and some useful tips with Ubuntu beginners and lovers. Please comment to remind me outdated tutorial! And, notify me if you find any typo/grammar/language mistakes. English is not my native language. Contact me via [email protected] Buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/ubuntuhandbook1

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

  1. Theo June 27, 2020 at 12:05 am

    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. Luiz Fonseca August 17, 2020 at 11:28 pm

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

    Perfect!

    Regards,

    Luiz

  3. Abdul Sayyed October 9, 2020 at 11:23 am

    Thanks for sharing, you save my time.

  4. Andrea October 28, 2020 at 11:01 pm

    Very very good explanation. Thanks!

  5. pphilippe November 6, 2020 at 4:13 pm

    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. Marc January 17, 2021 at 5:40 pm

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

  7. Marc January 17, 2021 at 5:44 pm

    @ 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. Diedrich January 20, 2021 at 2:39 pm

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