Learning how to Install VLC on Ubuntu is essential for seamless media playback for everyone. This guide covers the installation, verification, and uninstallation processes, making it accessible for both casual users and media enthusiasts. VLC’s versatility in handling various audio and video formats makes it a go-to choice for Ubuntu users, ensuring compatibility with your favorite movies, music, and streaming content.
In this article, we provide step-by-step instructions for installing VLC through the Ubuntu Software Center and the command-line terminal. We stress the importance of keeping your system updated for a smooth installation process. Additionally, we guide you on how to verify the installation and successfully launch VLC. We also address the dynamic nature of software needs by explaining the uninstallation process, giving you a comprehensive understanding of VLC management on your Ubuntu system.
Whether you’re a new Ubuntu user or an experienced one looking to refresh your knowledge, this guide equips you with everything you need to enjoy VLC’s outstanding media playback capabilities on your Ubuntu system.
Update System Packages
When installing anything on Ubuntu, It’s highly recommended that you update the system repositories to avoid any conflicts/errors during the installation process. Remember, it’s a recommended step not mandatory. Fire up your terminal and run the following combo to perform it:
$sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
You will see this kick off the update process and will return the prompt for you once done. Now let’s look into both the installation methods.
Method 1: Through the Software Center
If you’re a new Ubuntu user, working with the terminal can be a daunting task. Follow these simple steps to install and launch VLC on your Ubuntu through the Software Center:
1. Open Ubuntu Software Center: Click on the “Show Applications” button (typically located in the lower-left corner) and search for “Software” or “Ubuntu Software.” Click to open the Software Center.
Also, this is generally pinned in the taskbar on the left side.
2. Search for VLC: In the search bar at the top left of the Software Center, type “VLC.” Press Enter or click on the magnifying glass icon to initiate the search.
3. Select VLC Media Player: From the search results, you’ll see VLC Media Player listed. Click on it to access the software’s page.
4. Install VLC: On VLC’s software page, you will see an “Install” button. Click it.
5. Authenticate: You may be prompted to enter your administrative password to confirm the installation. Enter your password when requested.
6. Installation Progress: The Ubuntu Software Center will now download and install VLC. You’ll see a progress bar indicating the installation status.
That’s it you’re done Installing VLC through the Software Center.
Launching VLC
Once the installation completes, you can use the “Show Applications” button to find and open VLC from your applications menu.
Uninstalling VLC
Similar to the installation process, the uninstallation process can be very straightforward. Similar to the installation process, you need to open up the Ubuntu Software Center and navigate to the application page for VLC.
Instead of an “Install” button, you will now see an “Uninstall” button with a bin icon on it. Click it.
Confirm the uninstall process.
Authenticate by entering your administrative password when prompted.
The Ubuntu Software Center will then remove VLC from your system.
You can verify the uninstall success by checking your applications menu.
Method 2: Through the terminal
If you want to get used to the terminal, installing tools can be a good way to learn how to get around the terminal. All you have to do is go to “Show Applications” and open up your terminal.
Alternatively, you can use the shortcut “Ctrl+Alt+T” to open up the terminal. Once you have it up and running you need to run the following:
$sudo apt install vlc -y
You will see the progress showing at the bottom throughout the process.
Once the installation is complete, you will get your prompt back in your terminal.
Launch VLC
After the installation, if you want to launch VLC through the terminal, you can simply type the following:
$vlc
Uninstalling VLC through the terminal
When you want to uninstall VLC and reclaim the consumed hard disk space, you can run the following simple command through the terminal to start the process to remove VLC and its configuration files:
$sudo apt autoremove vlc --purge -y
Similar to the last method, you can verify the success of this process by checking your applications menu.
Conclusion
If you’ve followed through the process without any errors, you have the essential knowledge to seamlessly install, verify, and uninstall VLC Media Player. VLC’s versatility caters to the needs of both casual users and media enthusiasts, ensuring a smooth media playback experience. Whether you prefer the Ubuntu Software Center or terminal installation method, our step-by-step instructions enable you to enjoy VLC’s powerful features and manage it as your software preferences evolve. With VLC installed, your Ubuntu system gains a valuable asset for effortless media enjoyment, enhancing your overall user experience.
If you want to know more about VLC, you can head on over to their website and learn about all it.
