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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsTo manage Flatpak apps on Ubuntu, configure a Flatpak remote such as Flathub, find the app’s exact ID, and use Flatpak commands to install, launch, update, or remove it. The commands below cover app management once Flatpak is available on your system. Ubuntu’s package-install and software-center setup can vary by release and desktop environment, so check the instructions for your specific Ubuntu version before installing Flatpak itself or relying on graphical integration.
Install Flatpak on your Ubuntu release
The available Flatpak command reference documents adding remotes and managing apps, but does not establish the package-install command or software-center integration for a particular Ubuntu release. Use the Ubuntu documentation or release-specific guidance for your version to install Flatpak and, if desired, configure a compatible software-center plugin. Once the flatpak command is available, check its configured repositories:
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flatpak remotesThis lists configured remotes and indicates whether each is system-wide or per-user. If you are following a per-user setup, use that scope consistently for later commands.
Add Flathub as a remote
A remote is a repository from which Flatpak can find and install apps. To add Flathub if it is not already configured, run:
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flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://dl.flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepoThe --if-not-exists option prevents an error if a remote named flathub is already configured. The repository file supplies remote details and a GPG key. Check flatpak remotes afterward if you want to confirm that it is available.
Choose system-wide or per-user installation
Flatpak’s default installation scope is system-wide, which makes apps available to all users of the computer; Flatpak recommends this scope for ordinary day-to-day use. A per-user installation is available only to the account that installed it, and its repositories are not shared with other users.
Use the default unless you have a reason to keep an app or repository specific to one account. For a per-user app installation, add --user to the install command. Be consistent about scope when listing, updating, removing, or troubleshooting apps so you act on the installation you intended.
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Search a configured remote
Search configured remotes by app name or related term:
flatpak search <term>Confirm the app ID and remote shown in the result. IDs are exact identifiers, not necessarily the display name shown in a software catalog.
Install with the remote name and app ID
Install by specifying both the remote and the app ID. Flatpak’s documented example installs GIMP from Flathub:
flatpak install flathub org.gimp.GIMPIf you want a per-user installation, use:
flatpak install --user flathub org.gimp.GIMPReplace org.gimp.GIMP with the ID for the app you selected. The app may require a runtime, which supplies basic dependencies; Flatpak can install the required runtime before the app. Different versions of a runtime can coexist when apps need them.
Install from a .flatpakref file
A .flatpakref file can provide the app and repository details. If its remote is not configured, Flatpak may add the remote or ask whether to add it. Review the repository and app details before confirming.
Launch apps and see what is installed
Launch an app using its ID:
flatpak run org.gimp.GIMPTo see installed apps and runtimes, run:
flatpak listTo list apps without runtimes, use:
flatpak list --appUpdate apps and runtimes
Run the following command to check for and install updates to installed Flatpak apps and runtimes:
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flatpak updateSoftware centers can check for and install Flatpak updates automatically, but that capability and its availability depend on the particular software center and Ubuntu setup. Verify your release’s integration rather than assuming that a graphical updater will manage Flatpak apps.
Uninstall an app and clean up unused components
Remove an app
Uninstall an app by its ID:
flatpak uninstall org.gimp.GIMPRemove runtimes and extensions no longer in use
After removing apps, you can remove runtimes and extensions that are no longer required by installed apps:
flatpak uninstall --unusedReview Flatpak’s proposed removals before confirming.
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Troubleshoot permissions and installation issues
Understand app access to your system
Flatpak apps run in isolated environments, with host access restricted by default. Portals mediate selected access to host features, such as opening files through a file chooser or printing. Permissions differ by app; sandboxing is a boundary, not a guarantee that every app has identical access or that all security concerns disappear.
Reset an app’s portal permissions
If you need to clear an app’s portal permission choices and let it request access again, run:
flatpak permission-reset org.gimp.GIMPReplace the example ID with the relevant app’s ID. This resets portal permissions for that app; it does not change every aspect of its installation or sandbox configuration.
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To address inconsistencies in a local Flatpak installation, run:
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flatpak repairTo display installation changes over time, use:
flatpak historyUse a software center or the command line?
| Approach | What it offers | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Command line | Explicit commands for adding remotes, installing by app ID, updating, uninstalling, and maintenance. | Use the intended system-wide or per-user scope consistently. |
| Software center | Software centers may offer app browsing and automatic update checks or installation. | Integration and behavior are not established for every Ubuntu release or desktop environment; verify your setup. |
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