Where Does openSUSE Store Snapshots and Package Cache?
openSUSE keeps Snapper snapshots under /.snapshots with rules in /etc/snapper/configs/root, and downloaded RPMs in the zypper cache at /var/cache/zypp.
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openSUSE pairs Btrfs with Snapper out of the box, so snapshots exist whether you asked for them or not. Each one lives under /.snapshots as a numbered folder. Pre and post update pairs accumulate around every zypper transaction.
The package cache is the second folder to know. Zypper stages RPMs in /var/cache/zypp before installing. Between snapshots and cached packages, these two locations explain most disk usage surprises on Tumbleweed and Leap alike.
Where openSUSE stores this, by platform
/.snapshots
Numbered snapshots on Btrfs installs. Needs root to browse. Roll back by booting one from the GRUB menu, which is the documented recovery route when an update breaks booting.
/etc/snapper/configs/root
Retention and cleanup rules for the root config. YaST Snapper module edits this graphically. Timeline and pre and post snapshots are all governed here.
/var/cache/zypp/packages
Cached RPMs from installs and updates. Clear with sudo zypper clean. Check size with du -sh when root fills up unexpectedly.
Frequently asked questions
How do I roll back an openSUSE snapshot?
Run snapper list to see them, or open the Snapper YaST module. Boot an older snapshot from the GRUB menu when the system will not start normally. The btrfs assistant tools from other distros read the same layout.
How do I clean the zypper cache?
Run sudo zypper clean to drop cached RPMs, or check du -sh /var/cache/zypp/packages first. Zypper keeps downloads for reinstalls, so clearing is safe and only costs download time later.
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