How to install multimedia codecs on Kubuntu

Kubuntu is a popular Linux distribution that integrates the KDE desktop environment for a user-friendly experience. Many media formats require proprietary multimedia codecs to play files properly, but these are not always included by default. Installing such codecs ensures broad playback support and overall system compatibility.

Non-free packages, such as kubuntu-restricted-extras, contain essential decoders for various audio and video formats. These packages may include licensing agreements or EULA prompts, because they deliver proprietary software components. Installing them from the official repository is recommended for reliability and security.

Adding multimedia codecs involves a simple process in Kubuntu, requiring an internet connection and administrative privileges. Software management is handled through the graphical Discover application, which streamlines installation and updates. Once the codecs are installed, media players will gain broader format compatibility for both music and video files.

1. Open a terminal window from the KDE application launcher or by pressing Alt+F2 and typing “konsole”.
2. Update the system to ensure all repositories are synchronized using the following command.

   $ sudo apt update
   [sudo] password for user:
   ...
   Get:1 http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu focal InRelease [123 kB]
   Get:2 http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu focal-security InRelease [109 kB]
   ...
   Reading package lists... Done

3. Install kubuntu-restricted-extras.

   $ sudo apt install --assume-yes kubuntu-restricted-extras
   Reading package lists... Done
   Building dependency tree
   Reading state information... Done
   The following additional packages will be installed:
     libavcodec-extra libdvd-pkg ...
   ...
   Setting up libdvd-pkg (1.4.2-1-1) ...

4. Follow any on-screen prompts related to licensing agreements during the installation process.
5. Restart any open media applications to load the newly installed multimedia codecs.
6. Play an audio or video file to verify that the codecs are working correctly.