MX Linux Forum

I was wondering if it's possible to install Garmin Express so that I can update my GPS unit. One of their support pages does indeed state: "Chromebooks and Linux-based operating systems are not compatible with the installation of Garmin Express".

I did find these links:

https://www.playonlinux.com/en/app-4208 ... press.html

https://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager. ... &iId=40213

https://gist.github.com/diegorodrigo90/ ... f52d397d30

https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/USB ... _GNU/Linux


Any opinions please as to what I should try? Thanks!

According to the forum rules (please read): Please provide full Quick System Info from the menu, use copy for forum button, no edits.

LiveUSB version is OK if needed.

You could try with GPSBabel. lets you move data between popular GPS systems such as those from Garmin, Magellan or a large number of map programs.

GPSBabel is Free Software. You are free to use it within terms of the GNU Public License.

It is found in the repositories.

Gabriel_M wrote: Mon Jul 07, 2025 10:03 am You could try with GPSBabel. lets you move data between popular GPS systems such as those from Garmin, Magellan or a large number of map programs.

I just took a look at the GPSBabel GUI, and it makes no sense to me. I wouldn't know how to manually update my GPS this way and besides, Garmin doesn't make the files individually available that I could transfer onto the device using a program like GPSBabel. Normally everything is handled in the background by Garmin Express which tells users which updates are available, and then it facilitates those updates.

Garmin Express does not run on Linus, or via Wine. It's one of the few reasons I still need to keep a Windows machine.

You could use Strava, but you don't get the full range of metrics.

Chris

chrispop99 wrote: Mon Jul 07, 2025 1:27 pm Garmin Express does not run on Linus, or via Wine. It's one of the few reasons I still need to keep a Windows machine.

Wow, damn. Thanks for letting me know.

You can't update Garmin devices with GPSBabel.
You can update Garmin devices on Linux by using Windows in a Virtual Machine.

EDIT: I should make that 'most' Garmin devices, my Instinct watch wouldn't play nice with the VM last time I bothered trying several years ago.
All my other devices, Montana 6xx & 7xx series, GPSMAP's etc. update ok.

You might check here ,but other than a search I really know nothing about it.
https://developer.garmin.com/open-source/linux/

What model is your GPS unit?

I am asking, because for certain units (as my Oregon 650 *) there is no need for GarminExpress to update the firmware.
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* https://www.gpsrchive.com/Oregon%206xx/ ... %20Updates