wanting a thunar action to install .deb packages. Have lxqt-sudo

Question

I'm looking for an action that works. I've tried lxqt-sudo apt-get install %f but it won't work, not even show for other files

thunar 1.18.4 Xubuntu 20.04

Answer 1

Create a custom action in Thunar file manager to install .deb files manually as follows. This custom action is better than lxqt-sudo apt-get install %f because it tries to install any .deb file's required dependencies too.

1. Open Thunar's preferences and select Edit- -> Configure custom actions.

2. Add a new action by clicking the + button.

3. Configure the action.

   Name: "Install .deb package with apt."  
   Command: sudo apt install ./%f  
   Applies to: *.deb   
   

4. Click OK to save the action.

If this doesn't work install the thunar-custom-actions extension. This extension includes a predefined action called "Install with APT". Once installed and applied, right-clicking a .deb file will show this option alongside other choices.