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deb Ubuntu

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5 Best Methods to Install

.deb Ubuntu
Written by Reviewed by Last updated: June 13, 2024
Ojash  Akshat  Expert verified

TL;DR
To install .deb Ubuntu, follow these steps:

1 Open the Terminal by pressing Ctrl +

Alt + T.

2 Navigate to the directory containing the

.deb file using cd /path/to/your/file.

3 Install the .deb file with sudo dpkg -i

filename.deb (replace filename.deb
with your file name).
4 Enter your password when prompted to
authorize the installation.
5 Update your system and resolve any
dependencies by running sudo apt
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update.

Explore the article below to learn how to install deb file

in Ubuntu, common errors, and best practices for
managing deb files.

You’ve probably downloaded a software package and

wondered how to install it on Ubuntu. There’s a
straightforward solution to manage these installations. In this
post, I’ll guide you through different methods to install .deb
Ubuntu using both command-line and graphical interfaces.

You’ll learn how to efficiently handle package installations,

updates, and removals to keep your system running smoothly.
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, this guide will
provide you with the necessary steps and best practices to
maintain an organized and efficient Ubuntu system. Let’s
make your software management easier!

What is a .deb File?

A .deb file is a software package format used by Debian-
based Linux distributions like Ubuntu. It contains all the files
and information needed to install a software program on your
system. Think of it as a zip file for software, it bundles
everything required for the installation process, making it
easy to distribute and install programs.

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Importance of .deb Files

1 Standardization: .deb files create a standard
way to package and distribute software for
Debian-based systems. This standardization
ensures that software developers can create a
single package that works across multiple
distributions like Debian, Ubuntu, and Linux Mint.
2 Ease of Installation: Using .deb files makes
installing software straightforward. Users can
simply download a .deb file and install it with a
few commands or a double-click, without
needing to compile the software from source.
3 Dependency Management: .deb files help
manage dependencies, which are other software
libraries and tools that a program needs to run.
The package management system automatically
checks and installs these dependencies,
ensuring that all required components are
present for the software to function correctly.
4 Consistency: By using .deb files, Debian-based
distributions maintain a consistent method for
software installation and updates. This
consistency helps prevent conflicts and issues
that can arise from using different installation
methods.
5 Integration with Package Managers: .deb files
integrate seamlessly with package managers like
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apt, dpkg, and gdebi. These tools provide a

user-friendly way to install, update, and remove
software, making system maintenance easier.

How to Install .deb Ubuntu

Using CLI
To install .deb Ubuntu using CLI, first open the Terminal
by pressing. Navigate to the directory containing the
.deb file with the cd command. Use sudo dpkg -i
filename.deb (replace filename.deb with your file
name) to install the file. Enter your password when
prompted to authorize the installation. Finally, resolve
any dependencies by running sudo apt update to
ensure all system packages are up-to-date.

That was the quick answer. Here are the detailed steps for two
different methods to Ubuntu install deb file:

1. dpkg Command
Installing deb files through the Terminal offers a powerful and
flexible approach, allowing advanced users to have precise
control over the installation process and execute commands
efficiently. Here’s a step-by-step guide to install .deb Ubuntu:

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1. Open the Terminal by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T.

2. Navigate to the directory containing the deb file using

the cd command.

3. Install the deb file using the following command:

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sudo dpkg -i filename.deb

Replace filename.deb with the actual name of your deb file.

4. If prompted, enter your password to authorize the

installation.
5. Update your system to resolve any dependencies by
running

sudo apt update

6. The command will update the system packages.

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2. APT Package Manager

Ubuntu’s APT package manager offers automatic dependency
resolution and streamlined package management, enabling
users to easily install deb files on Ubuntu while maintaining
system stability. Here’s how to install .deb on Ubuntu using
APT:

1. Open the Terminal by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T and update

the package list by running the command:

sudo apt update

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2. Install the deb file using the following command:

sudo apt install ./filename.deb

Replace filename.deb with the actual name of your deb file.

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How to Install .deb Files on

Ubuntu Using GUI
To install .deb Ubuntu using GUI, open the Ubuntu
Software Center from the application menu. Use the
search bar to find the .deb file you want to install. Click
on the file to open its details page, then click the Install
button. Enter your password if prompted to authorize
the installation.

Alternatively, you can use Gdebi Package Installer by

right-clicking the .deb file, selecting Open with Gdebi
Package Installer, and then clicking the Install
Package button. Both methods provide a user-friendly
way to install .deb files without using the command
line.

Here is the detailed step-by-step guide for three different

methods to install .deb files using GUI:

1. Ubuntu Software Center

The Ubuntu Software Center provides a user-friendly
graphical interface, making it a convenient choice for users
who prefer a straightforward and intuitive method to install
deb files on Ubuntu. Follow these steps:

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1. Open the Ubuntu Software Center by searching for it

in the application menu.

2. Use the search bar to find the deb file you wish to
install. Click on the deb that you want to install to
open its details page.

3. Click the Install button to begin the installation

process.
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4. Enter your password, if prompted, to authorize the

installation.

2. Gdebi Package Installer

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Gdebi Package Installer simplifies the installation of deb files,

providing a dedicated tool that ensures smooth installation,
handles dependencies, and offers a streamlined experience.
Follow these steps to deb file install Ubuntu:

1. Install Gdebi from the Ubuntu Software Center by

searching for Gdebi and clicking the Install button.

2. Locate the deb file you want to install.

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3. Right-click on the file and choose Open with Gdebi

Package Installer.

4. Gdebi will open and display information about the

package. Click the Install Package button to proceed.

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3. Synaptic Package Manager

Synaptic Package Manager provides a comprehensive
graphical interface for managing packages, offering advanced
features and fine-grained control over deb file installations
and configurations. To install deb files using Synaptic, follow
these steps:

1. Install Synaptic from the Ubuntu Software Center by

searching for Synaptic and clicking the Install button.

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2. Open Synaptic from the application menu.

3. Use the search bar to find the deb file you want to
install. Select the package from the search results
and click the Apply button to begin the installation
process.

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How to Remove .deb

Packages?
Removing unnecessary or unwanted packages can help free
up space and keep your system organized. Here are various
methods to delete .deb packages on Ubuntu.

1. Using apt
apt is a high-level package management command-line tool
that handles installation, updates, and removal of packages.

1. Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open the terminal.

2. Use the following command to remove the package:

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sudo apt remove package_name

Replace package_name with the name of the package you

want to remove.

3. After removing the package, clean up any

dependencies that are no longer needed:

sudo apt autoremove

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4.

2. Using dpkg
dpkg is a low-level package manager for Debian-based
systems, allowing direct control over package installation,
removal, and querying.

1. Access your command window.

2. Use the following command to remove the package:

sudo dpkg -r package_name

Replace package_name with the name of the package you

want to remove.

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3. Use the following command to remove dependencies

that are no longer needed:

sudo apt autoremove

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3. Using Ubuntu Software Center

The Ubuntu Software Center provides a graphical interface to
manage software packages, making it easy to install and
remove applications.

1. Open the Software Center from the application menu.

2. Use the search bar to find the package you want to

remove.

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3. Click on the package and select Remove to uninstall

it.

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How to Update Installed .deb

Packages
Keeping your packages up to date is essential for security and
performance. Updating installed .deb packages ensures you
have the latest features and bug fixes.

1. Launch your Terminal. Ensure your package list is up-

to-date by running the following command:

sudo apt update

This command refreshes the list of available packages and

their versions.

2. Upgrade all the packages on your system to their

latest versions with:
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sudo apt upgrade

This command will install the latest versions of all the

packages currently installed on your system.

3. To check if a specific package installed via a .deb file

has an available upgrade, use:

sudo apt list --upgradable

This command lists all the packages that have newer versions
available.

If a newer version is available for a specific package, download

the updated .deb file from the official source.

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Install the downloaded .deb file using one of the methods

mentioned earlier (e.g., dpkg, gdebi, apt).

4.

Best Practices for Managing

Installed Deb Files
Managing installed deb files is critical to maintaining a well-
organized and efficient Ubuntu system. You can ensure
system cleanliness, optimize resources, and streamline the
software installation process by effectively keeping track of
installed packages, removing unnecessary ones, and
leveraging package managers. Here are three best practices:

📦 Keeping Track of Installed Packages:

Maintaining an organized record of installed deb
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packages is crucial for efficient system

management. Use tools like dpkg and aptitude
to list all installed packages and generate
detailed reports. Commands such as dpkg -l
help you track package names, versions, and
installation dates.
🗑️ Removing Unnecessary Packages: Free up
disk space and optimize system performance by
removing unused or unnecessary packages.
Regularly clean your system of these packages
to prevent clutter and potential software
conflicts. Use package management tools or
graphical interfaces to uninstall packages you no
longer need, improving system efficiency and
reclaiming valuable disk space.
🚫 Avoiding Manual Package Installations: Rely
on package managers for most installations to
ensure system stability and ease of
maintenance. Package managers like APT
automate dependency resolution and simplify
updates. Commands like sudo apt update and
sudo apt upgrade keep your software current.

Ubuntu deb Install: In a

Nutshell

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To wrap up, you can install .deb files on Ubuntu using

command-line tools like dpkg and apt, or graphical interfaces
like the Software Center and Gdebi. Follow best practices by
regularly removing unnecessary packages and using package
managers for installations and updates. This keeps your
system clean, organized, and efficient.

For further learning, I recommend:

Discover how to install a specific package

version using apt, which will help you manage
software versions precisely and ensure
compatibility.
Learn how to efficiently uninstall software on
Ubuntu using Linux uninstaller, helping you
keep your system clean and organized.
Explore how to fix the “You Have Held Broken
Packages” error on Linux to resolve common
package management issues and maintain a
smooth-running system.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I check if a deb file is already
installed on my system?
To determine if a package installed from a deb file is already
on your system, you can utilize the dpkg -l command
followed by the package name. This command stands for list
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and provides a comprehensive list of installed packages. If the

specific package is installed, it will be displayed in the output
along with its version number and other relevant details.
Cross-referencing the package name lets you quickly
ascertain its installation status on your system.
Can I install deb files on Ubuntu from
sources other than the Ubuntu
Software Center?
Absolutely! Ubuntu allows you to install deb files from various
sources apart from the Ubuntu Software Center. You can
obtain deb files from software repositories, third-party
websites, or even directly from developers’ official websites.
This flexibility provides users with a wide range of software
options. However, it is crucial to exercise caution and verify
the authenticity and trustworthiness of these alternative
sources to ensure the integrity and security of your system.
Is it possible to downgrade a package
installed from a deb file?
Downgrading a package installed from a deb file can be a
complex process, as it may involve addressing dependency
conflicts and potential system instability. Generally, it is
recommended to uninstall the package’s current version first
and then install the desired older version using the
appropriate deb file. This ensures a clean transition between
versions and minimizes the chances of encountering
compatibility issues or unintended consequences.

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Ojash
Author
Ojash is a skilled Linux expert and tech writer with over a decade of
experience. He has extensive knowledge of Linux's file system,
command-line interface, and software installations. Ojash is also an
expert in shell scripting and automation, with experience in Bash,
Python, and Perl. He has published numerous articles on Linux in various
online publications, making him a valuable resource for both seasoned
Linux users and beginners. Ojash is also an active member of the Linux
community and participates in Linux forums.

 

Akshat
Reviewer
Akshat is a software engineer, product designer and the co-founder of
Scrutify. He's an experienced Linux professional and the senior editor of
this blog. He is also an open-source contributor to many projects on
Github and has written several technical guides on Linux. Apart from
that, he’s also actively sharing his ideas and tutorials on Medium and
Attirer. As the editor of this blog, Akshat brings his wealth of knowledge
and experience to provide readers with valuable insights and advice on a
wide range of Linux-related topics.

 

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Table of Contents
1 TL;DR
2 What is a .deb File?
3 How to Install .deb Ubuntu Using CLI
4 How to Install .deb Files on Ubuntu Using GUI
5 How to Remove .deb Packages?
6 How to Update Installed .deb Packages
7 Best Practices for Managing Installed Deb Files
8 Ubuntu deb Install: In a Nutshell
9 Frequently Asked Questions
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