How to Restore Ubuntu From Timeshift Snapshot?

This article provides a straightforward, step-by-step guide on how to restore your Ubuntu system using a Timeshift snapshot. Whether your system recently crashed due to a faulty update, or you simply want to revert to a previous stable state, Timeshift allows you to roll back your system configuration quickly. We will cover how to perform a restore from directly within a working Ubuntu desktop environment as well as how to recover your system using a live USB if Ubuntu fails to boot.

Restoring from a Working Ubuntu System

If your system boots but is experiencing stability issues, you can perform the restore directly from the graphical user interface (GUI).

• Open Timeshift: Search for “Timeshift” in your Ubuntu application menu. You will be prompted to enter your administrator password.
• Select a Snapshot: Look through the list of available snapshots. They are organized by date, time, and type (Scheduled or Manual). Select the snapshot you wish to revert to.
• Click Restore: Click the Restore button in the top menu bar.
• Confirm Target Device: Timeshift will open a window asking where to restore the system files. By default, it selects your current system drives (e.g., / and /boot). Unless you have a specific custom setup, leave these settings at their defaults.
• Review Dry Run: Click Next. Timeshift will perform a “dry run” to compare your current system files with the snapshot. Review the list of files that will be deleted, modified, or kept.
• Apply the Restore: Click Next again to acknowledge the warning screens. Your system will begin the restoration process and will automatically reboot once the files are replaced.

Restoring when Ubuntu Fails to Boot

If a system error prevents Ubuntu from loading past the GRUB menu or a black screen, you can still restore your snapshot by using an Ubuntu live USB.

• Boot from Live USB: Insert your Ubuntu installation USB into your computer. Restart the machine and enter your BIOS/UEFI settings to boot from the USB. Choose the “Try Ubuntu” option.
• Install Timeshift on the Live Session: Once the live desktop loads, open a terminal window (Ctrl + Alt + T) and run the following commands to install Timeshift:

sudo add-apt-repository -y ppa:teejee2008/ppa
sudo apt update
sudo apt install timeshift

• Launch Timeshift: Open Timeshift from the application menu in the live environment.
• Configure Storage Location: Select your backup type (usually RSYNC) and point Timeshift to the drive where your snapshots are stored.
• Run the Restore: Select your desired snapshot from the list and click Restore. Timeshift will handle reinstalling the bootloader and aligning the system files to the selected backup state.
• Reboot: Once the process is finished, remove the USB drive and restart your computer to boot back into your restored, functional Ubuntu system.