Installing software in Qubes OS can be a daunting experience. This guide's goal is to serve as a crossroad sign to help you navigate this landscape.

Installing in a template

Will be available to all qubes based on the template. Updates via routine updates (normal way of updating).

• [reommended / "easy"] When software is already available in template's package manager Just follow the official documentation or se a practical example here.

• [medium] When software is available as an additional package repository only -- example https://forum.qubes-os.org/t/5221

• [hard / not recommended] Installing software via pip in template - see here

Installing in your app qube

Will only be available in the app qube where you installed it.

> ⚠️ Updates are simple but manual (one click for qube apps and one-command for snap packages.

• When the software is available as a "snap package" (search availability here) Read more at Installing Snap Packages (official documentation)

• When the software is available as a "flatpack package" (search availability here). Qube Apps - developed by Micah Lee, a trusted community member.

Installing in a dedicated qube

Standalone qubes are dedicated qube. You can't create templates based on them.

> When do I need this? > Here you'll install a .deb or .rpm for download and you only want to use this software in a single qube.

⚠️ Updates are manual and tiresome. It's basically repeating the whole install process! (bad security practice)

See how to do this here: https://forum.qubes-os.org/t/installing-software-in-qubes-from-deb-rpm/2890