Introduction
Today, secure password management is a basic necessity for any Linux user. With the proliferation of online accounts, remembering complex passwords becomes virtually impossible without a proper tool. KeepassXC emerges as an open-source, cross-platform, security-focused solution that allows storing, generating, and autofilling credentials in an encrypted manner. In this article we will explore how to install, configure, and get the most out of KeepassXC on various Linux distributions, ensuring that your data remains protected against unauthorized access.
What is KeepassXC?
KeepassXC is a password manager derived from the classic KeePass, but rewritten in C++ with a modern Qt-based interface. Its main advantage lies in the use of AES‑256 encryption and the option to apply key transformations such as Argon2, which ensures that even if someone obtained the database file, they could not decrypt it without the correct master password. Moreover, it is completely free of tracking or telemetry, making it ideal for environments where privacy is paramount. Its compatibility with browser extensions and its ability to generate random passwords make it a versatile tool for both home users and system administrators.
Installation on Ubuntu/Debian
Installing KeepassXC on Ubuntu or Debian is straightforward thanks to the official repositories. Open a terminal and run sudo apt update followed by sudo apt install keepassxc. If you prefer to always have the latest version, you can add the community PPA with sudo add-apt-repository ppa:phoerious/keepassxc and then update and install. Another alternative is to download the AppImage package from the official website, grant it execution permissions with chmod +x KeepassXC‑*.AppImage, and run it directly without installation, which is useful in live environments or when you lack administrative privileges.
Installation on Fedora/Red Hat
In Fedora, CentOS Stream, and other RPM-based distributions, the package is available in the standard repositories. Run sudo dnf install keepassxc (on Fedora) or sudo yum install keepassxc (on CentOS). If your distribution version is somewhat old and the package is not available, you can enable the COPR repository for keepassxc with sudo dnf copr enable @keepassxc/keepassxc and then try the installation again. It is also available as a Flatpak package from Flathub: flatpak install flathub org.keepassxc.KeePassXC, which provides isolation and independent updates from the base system.
Installation on Arch and Derivatives
In Arch Linux and its derivatives such as Manjaro or EndeavourOS, KeepassXC is present in the official repositories. Simply run sudo pacman -Sy keepassxc to install it. If you prefer the latest version directly from the source code, you can use an AUR helper like yay or paru: yay -S keepassxc-git. Additionally, there is a universal AppImage package that works on any distribution without extra dependencies; just download the file, grant it execution permission, and run it. This flexibility makes KeepassXC accessible to both beginners and advanced users who want to control every detail of their environment.
Initial Configuration
The first time you open KeepassXC, the program will ask you to create a new database or open an existing one. Select ‘New database’, choose a secure location, and define a strong master password: combine uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols, or use a long passphrase. In the security settings, increase the number of key transformation rounds; a higher value improves resistance. Finally, enable automatic locking after a few minutes of inactivity and closing when the system is suspended.
Daily Use and Shortcuts
Once the database is configured, you can start adding entries. Click the ‘+’ icon or select Entry > New entry. Fill in title, username, password (use the built‑in generator), and URL. KeepassXC allows adding custom attributes, notes, and attached files, useful for storing SSH keys or tokens. Use the shortcuts: Ctrl + B copies the username, Ctrl + C copies the password (it is cleared after a few seconds), and Ctrl + V pastes into the active field. Autofill, via the tools menu or browser extension, logs you in without exposing the password in the clipboard for an extended period.
Browser Integration
Integration with browsers is one