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github-actions[bot] edited this page Oct 17, 2026 · 1 revision

Short answers to common questions, with links to the details.

Is this an official Proton app?

No. It is an independent, open-source client, not affiliated with or endorsed by Proton AG. It uses a Rust port of Proton's own Drive SDK, and everything stays end-to-end encrypted. It has had no independent security audit. See the security model.

If I delete a file in ~/ProtonDrive, is it deleted on Proton Drive?

Yes. ~/ProtonDrive is your Proton Drive, not a copy. A deleted file moves to the Proton Drive Trash, and you can restore it from Trash in the app or the web. See Trash.

Stopping the service is not the same: once the service stops, ~/ProtonDrive is just an empty folder, and your files stay on Proton Drive.

Online only, available offline or synced folder: which do I want?

  • Online only for most of your Drive. Files take no space until you open them.
  • Available offline for files in ~/ProtonDrive you need without a connection.
  • Synced folder for a folder that lives on this computer, such as ~/Documents, and should be backed up.

Getting started compares them side by side.

Does it work offline?

Yes, for files that are on this computer: available-offline files, synced folders, and recently opened files still in the cache. You can also create, rename, move and delete files offline. The changes are queued and sent when the connection is back. See Changes waiting for Proton Drive.

How do I get updates?

Through your package manager. The Fedora COPR repository, the AUR and the Nix flake get every release, so dnf upgrade, your AUR helper or a flake update brings it. The .deb has to be downloaded again for each release. To be told about new releases, turn on Check for updates in Preferences. The app never updates itself. See Installation → Updating.

Why is there no tray icon?

GNOME needs the AppIndicator extension to show tray icons. If you hid the icon from its own menu, turn it back on under Preferences → General → Appearance.

What is stored unencrypted on my computer?

To show your files, the client decrypts them on this computer. Recently opened files, files kept offline, changes waiting to upload, and the names of your files and folders are stored without extra encryption. Use full-disk or home-folder encryption. The security model has the full list.

Does it send telemetry?

No. The client connects only to Proton, and, if you turn them on, to OpenFreeMap for the street map in Photos and to GitHub to check for updates. See Network connections.

Can I use it on several computers?

Yes. Each computer has its own backup in Proton Drive, and two or more computers can also sync the same folders. See Syncing several computers.

Can I continue a backup from Windows or macOS?

Yes. On the Computers page, choose Move to This Computer… on the old computer. Its folders move into this computer's backup on Proton Drive, without uploading anything again. See Moving another computer's backup here.

Can I run it on a server without a desktop?

Yes, with pdfs daemon or pdfs mount. It still needs a Secret Service provider such as GNOME Keyring or KeePassXC to hold the session. See Headless and server use.

Which architectures and languages are supported?

Release packages are for x86_64. Other architectures can build from source.

The app, tray and launcher are available in English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, Polish and Brazilian Portuguese. Translating explains how to add a language.

How do I report a bug?

Run pdfs diagnose, then open an issue with what Reporting a problem lists. Report security problems privately, as described in SECURITY.md.

Documentation of Proton Drive for Linux 3.5.0, generated from docs/ at a73ed34. To change a page, edit it in the repository.

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