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One Command to Install MultiMedia Codecs in Ubuntu 19.10

Last updated: October 2, 2019

Ubuntu 18.04

Due to legal reason, Ubuntu does not have multimedia codec installed out of the box, though they are available in the universe repositories.

When you’re going to play music or video via the default media players (Rhythmbox and Totem), it prompts to install the decoder:

And Ubuntu Software pops up with a list of software packages after clicked the button.

For those don’t want to be interrupted again, or you don’t know which to install, simple run following single command in terminal.

1.) Open terminal either via Ctrl+Alt+T or by searching for ‘terminal’ from application menu. When it opens, run command:

sudo apt install ubuntu-restricted-extras

Type user password for sudo prompts and hit Enter. Run sudo apt update first if required

The command will install gstreamer, ffmpeg, dvd reading and navigation libraries, mesa and intel video acceleration drivers, and other most required software libraries.

That’s it. Enjoy!

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    7 responses to One Command to Install MultiMedia Codecs in Ubuntu 19.10

    1. 000 November 10, 2019 at 2:03 pm

      Thanks a lot!

    2. Sam Ullum January 14, 2020 at 7:24 am

      I am getting a “Package Configuration…..TrueType core fonts for the Web EULA END-USER LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR MICROSOFT SOFTWARE”. When this appears the install does not continue. It appears that the “OK” button at the bottom of the box needs acknowledgement but I am at a loss at how to do this. Is anyone else having this problem? Also, during the start of the install ‘PlayOnLinux’ was deleted from my computer.

    3. Sam Ullum January 14, 2020 at 7:50 am

      Concerning my previous comment…. It appears an update was needed (as you mentioned in the article). After the update the install went smoothly!
      ALL HAIL THE LEARNING CURVE!!!

    4. ALLAN February 20, 2020 at 1:37 pm

      UBUNTU aint allowing me install any app, its bringing up “unable to install GStreamer multimedia codecs not supported”. am new to this OS

      • Ji m February 21, 2020 at 3:26 pm

        Try launching Software & Updates utility and make sure the first 4 checkboxes under “Downloadable from the Internet” are enabled.

        And refresh your system package cache either by launching Software Updater or by running command in terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T):

        sudo apt update
    5. Allan June 8, 2020 at 9:27 pm

      You guys are awsome!