Updating zen browser on linux

[royal laurel]

Hi everyone, i booted up my linux system which has a pretty old version of zen browser installed on it. I've decided to install the latest version, but i can't seem to uninstall the old one. I am on fedora 41.

[dusk sparrow]

im also in fedora, are you using the flatpak version from the store?

[royal laurel]

Probably not as it doesn't appear on flatpak list

when i locate it it appears there /tmp/.mount_ZenBroKfClnG

[dusk sparrow]

do you remember which type you used? appimage perhaps?

i would recommend using this https://flathub.org/apps/io.github.zen_browser.zen after you remove the one installed, it's updates it self so you dont have to update it each time manually

[royal laurel]

Hello, yep i've used the appimage, and yeah i'm planning on installing flathub

[flint python]

Get Gearlever. Install your appimage in there and it should be able to update it if you click "Check for Updates" then "Install All" or go into Zens profile there and click update.

[wraith meteor]

My experience with Zen flatpak is that updates can run behind the other versions. I started with flatpak then cwitched to appimage, and with Gear Lever it works beautifully, as @flint python mentions.

[flint python]

I think that was because the only flatpak was the Generic version - I'm pretty sure that the Optimized version received updates first, and the Generic had some delay. In the latest update, they actually removed the Optimized, so maybe now there is only one version, updates with be better synchronised over all versions/platforms.

[wraith meteor]

OK, sounds good. Having moved over to the appimage and being happy with Gear Lever's performance, I'll stay with the appimage. Interestingly, the appimage has not been updated to b.4 even though b.4 was released on 22 Dec, and already b.5 is planned to be released tomorrow.

[flint python]

OK!! I probably should have mentioned earlier but.... The very best way to install Zen is with a script. This method means that Zen can detect/install updates without you manually checking like with the Flatpak, but you would be getting those updates as soon as they reach the server. Just copy your .zen folder and then delete zen/reinstall with the script below and you should be fine. Make sure you did back up your .zen though - deleting the appimage shouldn't also remove this, but it's good to have just in case. If it does get deleted, just put your backup back where it currently is, and you should restore your config/bookmarks/everything else.

Of course, if you're happy with Gear Lever stay with it. If checking for updates manually is fine, it's a great option!!

This is the script: bash <(curl -s https://updates.zen-browser.app/install.sh)

Just stick that in your terminal.

[wraith meteor]

Thanks. I did that, but when I launch Zen, everything starts from scratch, i.e. all my settings, pinned tabs, extensions are no longer there.

So, being the smart-alec-non-expert-ignorant that I am, I closed Zen, deleted the .zen folder and put the previous one in that I had backed up as per your recommendation.

I relaunched Zen, but it just started up from scratch again. Any suggestion as to how I can all my previous stuff into the new version?

[flint python]

Ahhhh I forgot to mention something 💀

Replace the .zen like I said, then go to about:profiles. Try opening different ones until you find your old setup. Then set it as default.

Lmk if that does it for you.

[wraith meteor]

Perfect !! Many thanks for this. I have 2 more questions, then I'll stop, promise:

• what is the difference between your installation procedure and downloading the tarball and installing from there?
• if ever I wanted to uninstall "your" Zen (not that I am planning to), what command would I need to use?

[flint python]

The script is exactly the same as installing the tarball. It's just automated. If you want to uninstall, it should be a similar process to doing so with a tarball, though I'm not 100% certain... The script isn't mine - it's widely shared on this DC. Probably best to ask somebody like mr. algorithm artist.

Np about questions - ask as many as you like!!

[wraith meteor]

I must admit, that using the script is a lot easier than faffing about a tarball. I should think that uninstalling is by rm zen or purge zen. Anyway, it won't be difficult to find out.

Thanks very much for your help and patience.

[flint python]

No worries!!

[flint python]

First time I've heard somebody outside of my family say faffing about lol

[wraith meteor]

I think it is a typical Brit expression. I'm not British, but studied there and spent a a total of 10 years in country. Some of the lingo tends to rub off 🤣