205

How do I get to the Universe Repository in supported versions of Ubuntu?

Improve this question
2
230

If you want in one command and not use Software source ticking then in terminal put:

sudo add-apt-repository universe

On older versions of Ubuntu, you might have to use a full source line:

sudo add-apt-repository "deb http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu $(lsb_release -sc) universe"

To enable all Ubuntu software (main universe restricted multiverse) repositories use

sudo add-apt-repository "deb http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu $(lsb_release -sc) main universe restricted multiverse"

you can add also partner repository with different link (see difference is ubuntu to canonical)

sudo add-apt-repository "deb http://archive.canonical.com/ubuntu $(lsb_release -sc) partner"

Then update the package list:

sudo apt-get update

p.s.

$(lsb_release -sc) checks your Ubuntu version and puts its name in the source link. Since 12.04 is called precise, you can test in a terminal that lsb_release -sc gives precise. That adds the precise name of your Ubuntu release in Software sources. Wrong word and nothing will work.

For all differences in repositories read https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Repositories/Ubuntu

Improve this answer
2
  • 7
    Just a note that you may have to run sudo apt-get update before you can install the package you wanted. – ty01 Nov 21 '13 at 19:17
  • Debian doesn't always come with lsb_release installed, but if you have it you can use a similar syntax with their mirror URLs. – dragon788 Dec 22 '20 at 13:10
48

First, open software center. Click on 'edit' and then 'software sources' to open the software sources window. Once that is open, check the box that says, "Community-maintained free and open-source software (universe)."

enter image description here

Now, all the universe packages should show up in software center just like all the other ones.

More information:

Improve this answer
1
  • In my case ( on Ubuntu 16.04 LTS) This option was already checked. So i have just unchecked it and then checked it again. Click on "revert" and then software cache will update. And then i was able to install stable chrome using ubuntu software installer with stable debian page. Thanks @user69469 :)) Strang!! isn't it? – Yashrajsinh Jadeja May 29 '17 at 16:01
31

Command Line Way of enabling Ubuntu software Repositories For 12.10 and above:

To enable main repository,

sudo add-apt-repository main

To enable universe repository,

sudo add-apt-repository universe

To enable multiverse repository,

sudo add-apt-repository multiverse

To enable restricted repository,

sudo add-apt-repository restricted

NOTE:

After enabling the repositories, don't forget to update it.Run the below command to update the repositories,

sudo apt-get update
Improve this answer
4
  • 3
    what's the difference between your answer and kangaroo's answer, yours seems shorter, and simpler. – speedox Jun 19 '15 at 1:31
  • 8
    Because my answer won't work for the versions below 12.10 – Avinash Raj Jun 19 '15 at 5:02
  • 1
    Is there also a way to check them first? So you only enable them when they aren't enabled already... For scripting purposes. – user2304170 Apr 30 '16 at 11:53
  • If they are already enabled, you'll get a message saying that it is already available ``` $ sudo add-apt-repository main 'main' distribution component is already enabled for all sources. ``` – Muhammad Ali Sep 25 '19 at 14:24
17

Open dash and type Software sources

type <code>software sources</code> in Dash

then open software sources and click on the the universe repository .

select "Community maintained Open Source Software (universe)"

Close and reload cache

reload cache

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.