Debian Linux uses the APT package manager which depends on a list of repositories to install packages. If you want to use software packages not included in the official Debian repositories, you’ll need to add them yourself. If you’re in that situation, this tutorial will show you how to add third-party repositories to your Debian system.

Add a Repository to Debian Using the “Software & Updates” Tool

If you’re also using the GNOME Desktop Environment like us, you should have a tool called “Software & Updates,” which lets you add repositories in a few clicks.

On your home screen, click on “Activities” in the top left corner of your screen.

In the search bar, start typing “Software & Updates”. You should see the tool appear. The icon has a globe on it. Click on that icon to open it.

When the tool launches, you will notice four tabs. Click on the “Other Software” tab.

You will see a list in that tab. At the bottom, press the “Add” button.

Now you need to input the third-party repository URL in the below format:

deb [repository URL] [distribution] [component(s)]

Here, the “deb” keyword refers to the repository type. Then, you add the URL or link to that repository. After the URL, add the distribution name (bullseye, bookworm) or class (stable, testing). Lastly, you add the type of component (main, contrib, non-free). This string is what Debian refers to as an APT line.

In our example, we’ll add the repository of Wine. Following the above format, it will look like this:

deb https://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/debian bookworm main

Enter your APT line in the text box. Then press “Add Source.”

You’ll be asked to enter your password. Enter it and press “Authenticate.”

And that should add the repository to your list.