Back up & restore your Linux (Beta) files and apps

If you've installed Linux on your Pixelbook, you may want to back up your files and apps, restore from a previous backup, or even use the backup on another device.

For more information on using Linux with your Pixelbook, see Related articles.

Back up your current files & apps

On your device, at the bottom right, select the time.
Select Settings .
Select Linux (Beta) Back up and restore.
To manually back up your Linux apps and files, select Back up.
In the left panel, under "My files," choose where to save your files.
Write your file name, and select Save.
At the bottom right, a backup progress notification will appear.

Tip: Once backup is complete, you can click the notification to view your files in the Files app .

Replace your apps & files with a previous backup

On your device, at the bottom right, select the time.
Select Settings .
Select Linux (Beta) Back up and restore.
Next to "Restore from a previous backup," select Restore. A confirmation window will appear that states your current Linux apps and data will be deleted.
Select Restore.
Within "My files," select the backup you want to restore Open.
Important: The backup should be a .tini file.
At the bottom right, a restore progress notification will appear.

Fix problems with back up & restore

"More storage space needed"

To back up and restore your Linux files and apps uses a lot of disk space.

To make space, delete files from the Files app .
To check what is taking up space, go to Settings Device Storage management.

"Can't restore backup with architecture type"

To restore a backup on another Chrome OS device, both devices must have the same architecture, like x86 or ARM. If your devices don't have the same architecture, you can still copy the files from your backup.

Install the Wicked Good Unarchiver.
In the Files app , rename your backup from .tini to .tar.gz.
Use the Wicked Good Unarchiver to open your backup and copy files to your new Linux files.

"Couldn't back up / Couldn't restore Linux apps & files"

An unknown error occurred, try to back up or restore again.

Set up Linux (Beta) on your Pixelbook

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