Ubuntu System Restore Snapshots Using TimeShift

February 9 2023 1:47am • Est. Read Time: 2 MIN

Did you know you can take Ubuntu system snapshots to recover from common errors? It's true, but an explanation. Restoring from a system snapshot does not fix the problem. Instead, it allows you to get back to work and sort out what is wrong later.



For example:

You run a series of updates. They were just released. You installed them, rebooted, and now your Wi-Fi is no longer working. Now you could click on the link on the left, but instead, you have work that is due and needs more time to troubleshoot the issue.



If you took a little extra time to set up TimeShift ahead of time, then you're all set - roll back to a previously working state. 




Tip: Snapshots vs user data backups?


- Snapshots are best for a restore point when a system configuration goes wrong. Updates break something, oddball issues that happened after you changed something. This gets you back to a working state to sort out the problem later.


- Backups are best for your home directory contents. Application data such as browser or email data you want kept safe. Pictures, documents, etc. I recommend using an application called Backups for home directory backups.



Install and set up TimeShift on Ubuntu ( not encrypted)


1- Install TimeShift: 


sudo apt install timeshift


2- Run TimeShift, choose RSYNC if using a default Ubuntu installation (EXT4 file system)



3- Select a EXT4 formatted external drive. 




4- Select a schedule to create snapshots. Click finish.




5- Home directory backup. You will want to select /root Exclude All Files for most people. I recommend choosing Include Only Hidden Files (which saves browser history, Thunderbird email, and various user-level application configurations).





6- Next we'll want to take our first snapshot. Click the Create button in the upper left. 




Restore a snapshot


1- Select the restore point you want.



2-  Unless you know what you're doing here, stick the selected defaults.




3- It will start off with a dry run.




4- Next, confirm what your would like to restore. If unsure, leave it as is and press next.



5- Verify everything looks correct, triple check those partitions to make sure you making the right selections - if unsure, hit cancel now and check.




6- You will not see it go to a black screen with a ton of text on it. This will feel like a command line program is running, then it will reboot.