Where Does Garuda Linux Store Snapshots and Package Cache?
Garuda keeps Snapper snapshots under /.snapshots with settings in /etc/snapper/configs/root, and the pacman package cache in /var/cache/pacman/pkg.
Last updated
Garuda is famous for shipping Snapper preconfigured, which is also why new users run out of disk and blame the distro. Snapshots accumulate under /.snapshots on a standard install. The retention policy lives in /etc/snapper/configs/root and Btrfs Assistant gives you a graphical editor for it.
The pacman cache is the second silent grower. Garuda is Arch based, so every update stages packages in /var/cache/pacman/pkg. Between snapshots and cached packages, these two folders explain most mysterious disk usage on Garuda.
Where Garuda Linux stores this, by platform
/.snapshots
Numbered snapshot folders live here on Btrfs installs. You need root to browse them. Garuda Assistant and Btrfs Assistant wrap the same location in a GUI, including restore and quota settings.
/etc/snapper/configs/root
Holds retention and cleanup rules for the root config. Edit it directly or through Btrfs Assistant. Timeline snapshots and pre and post update snapshots are both controlled from this file.
/var/cache/pacman/pkg
Every downloaded package stays here after install. Use paccache -rk2 to keep two recent versions, or clear it from Garuda Assistant maintenance. Check with du -sh before deciding it is the culprit.
Frequently asked questions
How do I restore a Garuda snapshot?
Open Garuda Assistant, go to the maintenance section, and use its snapshot tools, or run sudo snapper list in a terminal. Snapshots are numbered folders under /.snapshots. Boot an older one from the GRUB menu when the current system will not start.
Do Garuda snapshots take up disk space over time?
Yes. Garuda sets up Snapper with timeline snapshots on Btrfs by default, so they accumulate over time. Open Btrfs Assistant to set retention limits, or run sudo snapper setup-quota to keep usage visible. The pacman cache in /var/cache/pacman/pkg is the other folder to trim.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.