How to Install FreeFileSync 10.25 in Ubuntu 20.04 LTS

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