timeshift

List snapshots

$ sudo timeshift --list

$ sudo timeshift --check

$ sudo timeshift --create

$ sudo timeshift --restore

$ sudo timeshift --restore --snapshot '[snapshot]'

$ sudo timeshift --delete --snapshot '[snapshot]'

timeshift [options]

--create
    Create a system snapshot.

--restore
    Restore the system from a snapshot.

--delete
    Delete a snapshot.

--list
    List existing snapshots.

--check
    Check snapshot integrity.

--backup-level level
    Set the backup level (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly).

--comments string
    Add custom comments to the snapshot.

--verbose
    Display verbose output.

--help
    Display help message.

--version
    Display version information.

--snapshot-device device
    The device to create snapshots on.

TimeShift is a system restore tool that protects your system by taking incremental snapshots of the file system at regular intervals. These snapshots can be restored at a later date to undo all changes that were made to the system since the snapshot was taken. It works similarly to 'System Restore' feature of Windows. TimeShift saves files/directories using rsync+hardlinks or BTRFS snapshots. By default, TimeShift creates snapshots of the system files and settings, excluding user data like documents, pictures, and music. This allows you to revert to a previous stable state if something goes wrong after installing software or making system changes, without affecting your personal files.

TimeShift is not a backup tool for personal files. It is designed for system-level restoration. Restoring a snapshot will overwrite system files, so be cautious and back up important data separately. User data is excluded by default to prevent loss of user data.

TimeShift supports two snapshot types: RSYNC and BTRFS. The RSYNC method uses rsync and hard links to create incremental snapshots, which is compatible with most file systems. The BTRFS method leverages BTRFS snapshots for faster snapshot creation and restoration, but requires the system to be installed on a BTRFS volume.
Choose the method that best suits your needs and system configuration.

TimeShift provides a GUI which allows for easy scheduling and configuration of snapshots. It lets you select the backup type, frequency, and retention policy based on your needs.

TimeShift was originally developed by Tony George and released as a FLOSS application. It aims to provide an easy-to-use system restore solution for Linux distributions. It is a popular tool among users who want a convenient way to revert their system to a previous working state after system updates or configuration changes.

rsync(1)