How to Install GitHub Desktop on Ubuntu 24.04
You install GitHub Desktop on Ubuntu 24.04 by downloading its Debian package or using Flatpak.
GitHub Desktop is a free, open-source graphical application that simplifies using Git and GitHub for managing your code repositories.
It allows you to clone, commit, branch, and merge changes visually, bypassing the command line entirely. This tool is especially useful if you prefer a visual workflow for tracking project history and managing pull requests, such as easily viewing all commits on a specific branch.
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
The most common way to install GitHub desktop on Ubuntu is to download and install the Deb package installer.
First, run the command below to update Ubuntu.
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.
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.
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.
Start using GitHub Desktop.
Install GitHub Desktop from Flatpak
Another way to install GitHub Desktop is to use the Flatpak package manager. Flatpak uses a sandboxing package installation, enhancing security and allowing easy updates.
Flatpak is a third-party application distribution system not included in Ubuntu by default.
You must install the Flatpak package manager and then install the GitHub Desktop.
First, update and install Flatpak.
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
sudo apt install flatpak
Next, add the Flatpak repository to Ubuntu.
sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
Finally, install GitHub Desktop.
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.
flatpak run io.github.shiftey.Desktop
Uninstall the app using the command below.
flatpak remove -y --delete-data io.github.shiftey.Desktop
Install GitHub Desktop from APT
Yet another way to install GitHub Desktop is to add the Shiftkey PPA and install it via APT.
First, run the command below to import the Shiftkey GPG key on Ubuntu.
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.
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.
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.
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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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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