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How to Install GitHub Desktop on Ubuntu 24.04

Richard
Written by
Richard
Dec 29, 2024 Updated Jul 13, 2026 4 min read
How to Install GitHub Desktop on Ubuntu 24.04
How to Install GitHub Desktop on Ubuntu 24.04

Installing GitHub Desktop on Ubuntu 24.04 lets you manage your code projects visually, without needing to use complicated command lines. GitHub Desktop is a free program that makes working with Git and GitHub much easier for tracking code changes.

You can get GitHub Desktop in Ubuntu 24.04 by downloading its specific Debian package file or by using the Flatpak method. This program lets you do things like clone repositories, save your changes (commit), create new development lines (branch), and combine them (merge) all through its easy-to-see windows.

⚡ Quick Answer

Install GitHub Desktop by downloading the .deb package and running `sudo dpkg -i .deb`. Alternatively, use Flatpak with `flatpak install flathub io.github.shiftey.Desktop`. You can also add the Shiftkey PPA and install via APT with `sudo apt install github-desktop`.

Download and install GitHub from the Deb package

You can install GitHub Desktop on Ubuntu 24.04 using a Deb package, which is a simple way to get the app running. This method involves downloading a file and then running a quick command in your terminal to complete the setup. First, update your system with the commands: sudo apt update and sudo apt upgrade.

First, run the command below to update Ubuntu.

🐧Bash / Shell
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

Then, browse and download the latest from download the latest release page.

On the download page, locate and copy the latest version of the link. Then, with the wget command, paste it on the command line.

💻Code
wget https://github.com/shiftkey/desktop/releases/download/release-3.4.8-linux1/GitHubDesktop-linux-amd64-3.4.8-linux1.deb

Once downloaded, install it by running the command below.

🐧Bash / Shell
sudo dpkg -i GitHubDesktop-linux-amd64-3.4.8-linux1.deb

After installing, click on Activities in the top left corner of your screen. Select Show Applications.

Search for GitHub Desktop in the application list or use the search bar. Click on the GitHub Desktop icon to launch the application.

GitHub Desktop install on Ubuntu
GitHub Desktop install on Ubuntu

Start using GitHub Desktop.

Install GitHub Desktop from Flatpak

Installing GitHub Desktop on Ubuntu 24.04 using Flatpak provides a secure and easy way to manage the app and its updates. Since Flatpak isn’t included by default in Ubuntu, you’ll need to install the Flatpak system first. Flatpak is a system for distributing applications that isn’t built into Ubuntu.

📝Good to Know
Flatpak is a third-party application distribution system not included in Ubuntu by default.
📝Good to Know
You must install the Flatpak package manager and then install the GitHub Desktop.

First, update and install Flatpak.

🐧Bash / Shell
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
sudo apt install flatpak

Next, add the Flatpak repository to Ubuntu.

🐧Bash / Shell
sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

Finally, install GitHub Desktop.

💻Code
flatpak install flathub io.github.shiftey.Desktop

Once installed, you can launch it using the command below or open the app in the desktop apps center.

💻Code
flatpak run io.github.shiftey.Desktop

Uninstall the app using the command below.

💻Code
flatpak remove  -y --delete-data io.github.shiftey.Desktop

Install GitHub Desktop from APT

Easily install GitHub Desktop on Ubuntu 24.04 using the APT package manager by adding the Shiftkey PPA, which also helps keep your app updated automatically. To start, you need to import the Shiftkey GPG key. Run the command below in your terminal to import the key: wget -qO – https://apt.pa.

First, run the command below to import the Shiftkey GPG key on Ubuntu.

💻Code
wget -qO - https://apt.packages.shiftkey.dev/gpg.key | gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/shiftkey-packages.gpg > /dev/null

Next, add the Shiftkey repository to Ubuntu.

🐧Bash / Shell
sudo sh -c 'echo "deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/shiftkey-packages.gpg] https://apt.packages.shiftkey.dev/ubuntu/ any main" > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/shiftkey-packages.list'

After importing and adding the repository key, run the command below to update and install the GitHub Desktop.

🐧Bash / Shell
sudo apt update
sudo apt install github-desktop

Once installed, you can launch it using the command below or open the app in the desktop apps center.

If you want to install the app, run the command below.

🐧Bash / Shell
sudo apt remove github-desktop
sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/shiftkey-packages.list

That should do it!

Conclusion:

Installing GitHub Desktop on Ubuntu 24.04 can significantly enhance your development workflow. Whether you install it via Deb, Flatpak, or APT, GitHub Desktop provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies version control tasks.

  • Multiple Installation Methods: You can choose between Deb packages, Flatpak, or APT based on your preference.
  • User-Friendly Interface: GitHub Desktop’s graphical interface makes managing Git repositories accessible for users at any skill level.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: Easily manage pull requests and collaborate on projects with team members.
  • Visual History: Gain a clear view of your repository’s history and changes for better project management.
  • Quick Access: After installation, you can quickly launch GitHub Desktop from the Activities menu or your application center.

Start using GitHub Desktop today to streamline your development process and make Git operations more efficient!

Can I install GitHub Desktop on Ubuntu?

Now we have a terminal. Let's increase the font. So you can see this more clearly.

How do I install GitHub Desktop?

In your computer's Downloads folder, double-click the GitHub Desktop zip file. After the file has been unzipped, double-click the GitHub Desktop application file. GitHub Desktop will launch after installation is complete.

Does GitHub have a desktop app for Linux?

Although GitHub Desktop doesn't have official support for Linux, the open-source community has stepped up to fill the void. Developers have created various forks of GitHub Desktop that are compatible with Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Fedora, and OpenSUSE.

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Richard

About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

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