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Timeshift

Using Timeshift, you create recovery points from a Linux system to reverse unwanted system changes.

Developer Linux Mint

Version 25.12.4 · Open source · Linux

Looking for an alternative to Timeshift?Compare Rescuezilla, Clonezilla.Compare alternatives

Timeshift stores the system state with rsync or, if appropriate, Btrfs snapshots. This allows you to return to an earlier system after a change or update. You can plan multiple levels of recovery points and set how many of them are retained.

Personal files are excluded by default. That is a conscious boundary: system restoration and your document archive are different tasks. Moreover, a snapshot on the same disk does not protect against failure of that drive. Therefore, use an additional file backup and assess where your system copies are.

Which software suits you?

Compare Timeshift with alternatives

If you want to recover a Linux system after a wrong change, you can use system snapshots or disk images. Timeshift focuses on snapshots of the installed system; Rescuezilla and Clonezilla operate from a disk copy boot environment. See how much you want to restore and whether your recovery should also be available with a faulty system drive.

Differences between Timeshift and Rescuezilla, Clonezilla
SoftwareWhat can it do?Platform and licence
TimeshiftYou are viewing this app You make snapshots to bring a Linux system back to an earlier state. Your personal files are not the default target of these system snapshots. LinuxOpen source
RescuezillaView this alternative You create and recover disk images from a bootable environment with a graphical interface. That lowers the threshold for recovery outside your installed operating system. LinuxOpen source
ClonezillaView this alternative You clone and recover disks from a bootable environment with text menu drives and extended options. You must specify precisely which disks and partitions are processed. LinuxOpen source

Choose an alternative to explore its features, system requirements and download options.

Who is it for?

You use Linux and want to go back in case of unwanted system changes. It fits in addition to, not replacing, your personal file backup.

Getting started

Install via the package manager of your distribution, choose the appropriate method and destination and check the first recovery point. Set up a separate file backup.

Privacy

Recover points contain system data and potentially sensitive settings. Limit access to storage and check the selection before assuming that data is or is not included.

Good to know

Distributions can offer their own package version. Timeshift focuses on system recovery and excludes personal data by default.

Please note

Personal data is excluded from the selection by default. Btrfs snapshots on the same storage are lost when disk failure occurs. Check the required subvolume format at Btrfs.

Advantages

  • You can reverse system changes.
  • You can save recovery points according to a schedule.
  • You can choose an appropriate rsync or Btrfs mode of operation.

Things to consider

  • Your documents are not protected by default.
  • The Btrfs setup requires a supported layout.
  • A recovery point on the same drive is not an independent reserve.

Download Timeshift

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Official download page

Provider’s website · github.com

Download Timeshift (opens in a new tab)

Version history

25.12.4

The 25.12.4 edition updates translations.

The language files have been updated. Use the appropriate package on your Linux distribution; distributions can offer corrections and own package versions separately.
Report a new version

Is there a newer version of Timeshift? Send the version number and a link to the official announcement. Our editors will check it. No login is required.

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Our verdict

Timeshift is especially useful as system recovery after a Linux update or configuration change. That targeted task makes it valuable, but also easy to misunderstand. A list of recovery points does not mean that your photos and documents are safely stored on another drive.

Choose which system problems you want to reverse and set up a personal backup. Check the storage and recovery path of your distribution. For system states Timeshift is appropriate; for deleted documents or a defective source disk you need additional protection.

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