How to Install Software on Debian Linux: 5 Simple Ways

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Easily install software packages in the terminal and GUI

Written by Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: December 3, 2025 Fact Checked

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Using Apt

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Using Synaptic

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Other GUI Installers

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Using Dpkg

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Using Flatpak

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Video

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Q&A

This wikiHow guide teaches you how to install software packages on Debian Linux. The most common way is to use a package manager like Apt, Synaptic, or GNOME Software, but you can also install .deb packages using Dpkg. Another option is to use Flatpak, which has an App Store-like interface and lets you install sandboxed applications. Keep reading to learn how!

Installing Debian Software: Easy Options

In a terminal window, use "apt-cache search softwareName" to search for a program, then use "sudo apt install packageName" to install it.
For a simpler graphical installer, try Synaptic, Flatpak, or your desktop environment's GUI package manager.
If you need to install a .DEB package, use "sudo dpkg –i packageName".

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Using Apt

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If you're using a graphical user interface (GUI), you can usually do this by clicking the terminal icon or by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T.
You will be asked to enter your password to confirm. Once your password is verified, the package manager will update to include the latest software sources.^{[1] X Research source}

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Search for the package you want to install. If you already know the exact name of the package you want to install, skip to the next step. Otherwise, run apt-cache search softwareName (with softwareName being the name of your software) at the prompt.^{[2] X Research source}
- This can sometimes print out a lot of options, of which many are irrelevant. Be patient and read the description of every package to determine which one you want to install. If you're unsure, you can also use apt show packageName, with packageName being the name of any listed package, to get a longer description of what the package is.
- If you're unsure what your software is called, you might try searching for a word that describes what the package does. For example, typing apt-cache search paint will print the package names of many painting programs, including GIMP and Krita.
4
Run sudo apt install packageName to install the package. Replace packageName with the actual package name. For example, if you want to install the package dillo (that's a web browser), you would type sudo apt-get install dillo.^{[3] X Research source}
- If additional dependencies are required for the package to install, follow the on-screen instructions to choose whether to install them now.
- To remove an installed package, use sudo apt-get remove packageName.

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Using Synaptic

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Open the Synaptic graphical package manager. Synaptic, which is a graphical version of Apt, comes preinstalled in Debian as long as you've installed the version with desktop support.^{[4] X Research source} You'll find it in your Applications menu, or under System > Administration. If you want to use a different graphical package manager, open that instead—most work similarly.
- You can also run Synaptic from the command line using sudo synaptic.
Tip: If you can't find any graphical package manager, consider installing one through the command line, for example, one of the following: KPackage, Klik, Autopackage, Bitnami, Click N Run.
It's the magnifying glass icon near the top of the window.
You can use the search bar to find something in particular or browse the list by category.
Check the box next to the name of any package you want to install. You can install multiple packages at once if you wish.
It's at the bottom of the window. Synaptic will now download and install the selected packages.

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Using Other Graphical Package Managers

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1
Many desktop environments come with a built-in "app store." These graphical package managers make it easy to search for and install software on Debian Linux. Most also allow you to install Flatpaks. Some popular options:^{[5] X Research source}
- KDE: KDE Discover
- GNOME: GNOME Software
- Cinnamon: Software Manager
- MATE: Software Boutique

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Using Dpkg

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If you want to install a package that ends with the .deb file extension, you can use a built-in tool called dpkg.^{[6] X Research source} Start by downloading the desired *.deb file from your preferred source.
If you're using a graphical user interface (GUI), you can usually do this by clicking the terminal icon or by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T.^{[7] X Research source}
For example, if you've saved the file to a folder in your local directory called downloads, type cd downloads and press ↵ Enter or ⏎ Return.
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Run sudo dpkg –i packageName. Replace packageName with the full name of the package ending in .deb. This installs the software package.^{[8] X Research source}
- For example, to install a package called icewm_0.8.11-2.deb, type sudo dpkg –i icewm_0.8.11-2.deb and press ↵ Enter or ⏎ Return.
- Type your root password when prompted to complete the command.

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Using Flatpak

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1
Install Flatpak. Flatpak is a different type of package manager, similar to an App Store, that allows you to install sandboxed versions of software on Linux. Though Flatpak isn't preinstalled on Debian, you can install it easily using Apt. Here's how:^{[9] X Research source}
- Open a Terminal window.
- Type sudo apt update and press Enter.
- Type sudo apt install flatpak and press Enter.
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Install the Software Flatpak plugin. If you're using GNOME or KDE as your desktop environment, you should also install the Flatpak plugin. Here's the command you'll need:^{[10] X Research source}
- GNOME: sudo apt install gnome-software-plugin-flatpak
- KDE: sudo apt install plasma-discover-backend-flatpak
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Add the Flathub repository to Flatpak. The Flathub repository is home to many Flatpak versions of software, which you can also browse online. To add the repository, run the following command:
- flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://dl.flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo.
Before you use Flatpak to install software, be sure to restart your computer. Otherwise, you will run into issues using the Flathub repository and, possibly, have trouble getting desktop apps to work.^{[11] X Research source}
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Search for and install Flatpaks. Once you're all set up, installing software with Flatpak is just as easy as installing apps from the App Store or Play Store–just head to Flathub.org, search for and select the app you want to install, then click the Install button.
- You can also use programs like KDE Discover and GNOME software to install Flatpaks. If an application you find in either program is available as a Flatpak, you'll be prompted to download the Flatpak version upon installation.^{[12] X Research source}

Community Q&A

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Where do I find what I've installed?

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For command line applications, you can use the `which` command. It will print the path of the executable. Just type your application name as argument. Examle: `which firefox`.

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How do I download this terminal?

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The terminal is built into all Linux Mint operating systems. If it's missing, then you may have a faulty OS.

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How do I install the Audible app on Linux?

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While it isn’t made for Linux itself, many Windows programs (such as Audible) will run under W.I.N.E. Try installing PlayOnLinux onto your Linux installation, downloading the WINDOWS.EXE, and clicking “Install a Program” in PlayOnLinux. Click “Install an Unlisted Program” in the bottom left, then go to your downloads folder, click the .EXE, and install like normal.

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