While the official Ubuntu App Center and Snap Store provide thousands of popular applications, many software developers—including Google Chrome, Steam, Visual Studio Code, and Zoom—distribute their latest Linux software packages directly from their websites as standalone Debian installation packages (ending in .deb). While veteran Linux users frequently install these via terminal commands like dpkg or apt, newcomers can easily install .deb files using graphical desktop tools.
What Is a .deb File?
A .deb file is an archived software installation bundle specifically designed for Debian-based Linux distributions, including Ubuntu and Linux Mint. It packages compiled executable programs, desktop icons, configuration files, and software dependency lists into a single installer, functioning identically to an .exe file on Windows or a .dmg file on macOS.
Method 1: Install Using the Default Ubuntu App Center
Modern versions of Ubuntu allow you to open and install downloaded .deb files through the built-in system software store:
- Open your web browser, download the
.debinstaller from the official software vendor’s website, and locate it in your Downloads folder inside the Files app. - Right-click on the downloaded
.debfile. - Select Open With Other Application (or Open With).
- Choose App Center (or Software Install) from the application list and click Select.
- The Ubuntu App Center will launch and inspect the package, displaying the application name, version number, description, and file size.
- Click the green Install button.
- Enter your administrative user account password when prompted by the system security dialogue.
- Once the progress bar completes, the app is fully installed and ready to launch from your Ubuntu application menu.
Method 2: Install Using GDebi (Recommended for Complex Dependencies)
Occasionally, the default Ubuntu App Center may hang or struggle with third-party software dependencies. GDebi is a lightweight graphical package installer dedicated specifically to .deb files that automatically identifies and downloads missing library dependencies:
- Install GDebi once by opening the App Center, searching for GDebi, and clicking Install.
- Once installed, right-click any downloaded
.debpackage in your Files manager. - Select Open With > GDebi Package Installer.
- GDebi will open a compact window showing package details and status. It will verify that “All dependencies are satisfied”.
- Click Install Package in the upper-right corner.
- Authenticate with your password. GDebi will complete the installation cleanly and inform you when finished.
How to Uninstall a .deb Application Later
Applications installed via .deb packages integrate into your operating system just like store apps. To remove an app later, open App Center, navigate to the Installed tab, locate the software, and click the red trash can icon to uninstall it.