44

I would like to install the restricted extras package, which I didn't select during the install. How can I do that?


is a meta-package that installs:

  • Support for MP3 and unencrypted DVD playback
  • Microsoft TrueType core fonts
  • Flash plugin
  • codecs for common audio and video files
6

3 Answers 3

40

First, be warned that it might not be legal in some countries, because of software patents.

With that being said, here is how to install it, click here:

ubuntu-restricted-extras Install ubuntu-restricted-extras

Or you can open up a terminal and run the following command:

sudo apt-get install ubuntu-restricted-extras

Select yes, and you'll have ubuntu-restricted-extras installed and working.

2
  • it doesn't work on ubuntu 18.04
    – nicolimo86
    Feb 13, 2021 at 13:04
  • @nicolimo86 That's the version I wanted to do it with too.
    – RufusVS
    Jan 5, 2022 at 16:58
9

I suggest to install Ubuntu Restricted Extras through Ubuntu Software Center. It will install all media codecs plus java and flash plugins.

Well I think you need to enable multiverse on Software and Updates (if you use Ubuntu 12.04, you can access software properties or something like that from Ubuntu Software Center > Edit menu)

enable multiverse

Then close the Software Center and open Software Updater (Update Manager on 12.04) to update the package lists. Alternatively you can run sudo apt-get update from Terminal.

After update got completed, open Software Center again and look for Ubuntu restricted extras to install.

Ubuntu restricted extras

If you still can’t find the package, try sudo apt-get install ubuntu-restricted-extras from a Terminal and see if it results in an error.

4
  • I've found the software center but cannot find the icon for Ubuntu retstricted extras?
    – vincent
    Sep 2, 2013 at 16:14
  • @vincent There is no icon just for this it is just a box of tools that is the generic icon for system tools. you can find it by searching for it by name in the text box in the upper right of the Software Center. If you want to find theses ind of things without knowing their complete name you need to click the bottom left where it says "Show xx Technical Items" to show the hidden items that are usually this kind of software.
    – TrailRider
    Sep 2, 2013 at 16:23
  • @vincent, as TrailRider mentioned, Ubuntu restricted extras is not an app so there’s no icon for it in Dash or somewhere, you need to search for it inside Ubuntu Software Center. I just edited my answer to add screenshots and more information. I hope it will help. Sep 2, 2013 at 16:37
  • @TrailRider thanks a lot, but I think it will be excellent if it can help the question owner. ;) Sep 2, 2013 at 16:52
7

Just click this link to apt repository.

Or go to software centre and install Ubuntu-restricted-extras

Or use apt-get, type in terminal

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install ubuntu-restricted-extras

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .