--- title: "Ubuntu Software Center : The Ultimate How To" description: "Learn how to istall software, such as PowerShell, via the Ubuntu Software Center in this ATA Learning tutorial!" canonical: "https://adamtheautomator.com/ubuntu-software-center/" --- # Ubuntu Software Center : The Ultimate How To > Learn how to istall software, such as PowerShell, via the Ubuntu Software Center in this ATA Learning tutorial! Source: https://adamtheautomator.com/ubuntu-software-center/ --- ATA Learning Tap to hide [ ATA Learning ](/) * [Home](/) * [Tutorials](/tutorials/) * [Instructors](/author/) * [Advertising](/advertising/) * [Recommended Resources](/resources/) * [About Adam](/about-adam/) Search for: * [](https://twitter.com/adbertram) * [](https://github.com/Adam-the-Automator) * [](https://www.linkedin.com/company/adam-the-automator-llc) * [](/feed/) ![How to Install and Use the Ubuntu Software Center](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ubuntu-software-center.jpg) # How to Install and Use the Ubuntu Software Center [![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2788bb1a3f735603f81eca51d68daec56a9d97e805a10268fb2c20afcc76b81b?s=192&d=mm&r=g)Nicholas Xuan Nguyen](https://adamtheautomator.com/author/nicholas-xuan-nguyen/)19 July 20234 min. read Categories: [IT Ops](/category/it-ops/) Tags:[Ubuntu Linux](/tag/ubuntu-linux/) Table of Contents * [Prerequisites](#prerequisites) * [Installing the Ubuntu Software Center](#installing-the-ubuntu-software-center) * [Installing Software Packages via the Ubuntu Software Center](#installing-software-packages-via-the-ubuntu-software-center) * [Updating Installed Software Packages](#updating-installed-software-packages) * [Removing Unwanted Software Packages](#removing-unwanted-software-packages) * [Conclusion](#conclusion) There are many ways to install software in your Ubuntu system. But if you opt for a GUI method, the Ubuntu Software Center is a great way to get started! In this tutorial, you will learn to find virtually any program or package and install them on your system via the Ubuntu Software Center. Keep reading and streamline your workflow by quickly installing software on Ubuntu! ## Prerequisites Since this tutorial houses hands-on demonstrations, to follow along, ensure you have an Ubuntu system. This tutorial uses Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, but other versions of Ubuntu will work, while the steps may vary slightly. Related:[How to Install Ubuntu 20.04 \[Step-by-Step\]](https://adamtheautomator.com/install-ubuntu/) ## Installing the Ubuntu Software Center An intuitive GUI that simplifies finding, installing, and managing software is like a dream. But how does the Ubuntu Software Center work? Below are some features that Ubuntu Software Center has in store for you: * Provides a centralized location where you can search for applications, games, utilities, and other packages. * Handles dependencies and updates automatically. This feature provides convenience for users new to Linux or who prefer a user-friendly interface. But just like other tools, you must install the Ubuntu Software Center on your system as follows: 1\. Open the terminal, and run the following `apt` command to `update` the package lists. Doing so ensures you have the latest information about available software packages. Related:[Learning Ubuntu Apt Get Through Examples](https://adamtheautomator.com/ubuntu-apt-get/) ```bash sudo apt update -y ``` ![Updating the package lists](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/image-152.png) Updating the package lists 2\. Next, run the below command to `install` the Ubuntu software center (`ubuntu-software`). ```bash sudo apt install ubuntu-software -y ``` Once installed, the Ubuntu Software Center becomes available from your applications menu (step three). ![Installing the Ubuntu Software Center](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/image-153.png) Installing the Ubuntu Software Center 3\. Search for and open the Ubuntu Software Center. Related:[The Many Ways On Ubuntu to Find Files](https://adamtheautomator.com/ubuntu-to-find-files/) ![](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/image-154.png) Searching for and launching the Ubuntu Software Center If successfully installed, you will see the Ubuntu Software Center interface, as shown below, where you can search for and install software packages. ![Viewing the Ubuntu Software Center interface](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/image-155.png) Viewing the Ubuntu Software Center interface > 💡 _If you encounter any issues with the Ubuntu Software Center, restart your system or reinstall the Ubuntu Software Center using the same installation steps._ ## Installing Software Packages via the Ubuntu Software Center With the Ubuntu Software Center installed, you will experience finding and installing software packages. Instead of scouring the internet via a web browser, you can directly find dedicated or compatible software packages with your Ubuntu system. To find and install software packages: 1\. Click the search icon (top-left), search for the software you wish to install (i.e., **[powershell](https://adamtheautomator.com/what-is-powershell)**), and select it to see its overview page. > 💡 _The search bar in the Ubuntu Software Center is not case-sensitive but flexible and can accommodate different input formats._ Related:[What is PowerShell and Why Use It?](https://adamtheautomator.com/what-is-powershell/#:~:text=PowerShell%20is%20two%20things%3B%20it%27s,anything%20you%20can%20think%20of.) ![Searching for a software package in the Ubuntu Software Center](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/image-162.png) Searching for a software package in the Ubuntu Software Center 2\. Next, review the detailed information to ensure the software meets your requirements, and click **Install**. The package will be downloaded and installed automatically. > 💡 _Note: Pay attention to the release date and user reviews to understand its stability and popularity._ ![Installing software (PowerShell) via the Ubuntu Software Center](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/image-161.png) Installing software (PowerShell) via the Ubuntu Software Center 3\. When prompted, provide your password, and click Authenticate to authenticate the installation. ![Authenticating the software installation](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/image-160.png) Authenticating the software installation Once authenticated, the installation begins, as shown below. ![Overviewing the installation progress](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/image-159.png) Overviewing the installation progress Below, the progress bar turns to a delete icon once the installation is complete. ![Confirming the software installation is complete](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/image-158.png) Confirming the software installation is complete 4\. Now, find and launch the newly-installed software to verify it has been successfully installed on your system. ![Launching the newly-installed software (PowerShell) ](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/image-157.png) Launching the newly-installed software (PowerShell) Since you installed PowerShell, your terminal opens and is already at the PowerShell prompt. ![Verifying the newly-installed software opens](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/image-156.png) Verifying the newly-installed software opens ## Updating Installed Software Packages Installing software is one thing, but how do you keep them updated? Regularly updating your software helps keep your system healthy. And with the Ubuntu Software Center, you can get your installed software’s latest features and bug fixes. To update installed software packages in your system: Navigate to the **Updates** tab in the Ubuntu Software Center, which is specifically dedicated to managing software updates. The **Updates** tab may take a while to load as it retrieves the latest update information from the Ubuntu server. ![Waiting for the update information to load](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/image-163.png) Waiting for the update information to load Once the **Updates** tab has loaded, click on **Update All** to update all software packages simultaneously or **Update** specific ones only. ![Updating installed software packages](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/image-164.png) Updating installed software packages As the update process begins, do not close the Software Center or shut down your system to avoid your application becoming corrupted. ![Overviewing the software update progress](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/image-165.png) Overviewing the software update progress After the update finishes, you will see a message indicating that your software is up to date. > 💡 _Restart your system if prompted, as some updates may require a reboot to take effect._ ![Verifying all software has been updated](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/image-166.png) Verifying all software has been updated ## Removing Unwanted Software Packages Multiple software packages are installed by default during your system’s initial setup. But as time goes on, some of these applications can become unnecessary and take up valuable space on your computer. In such cases, you can opt to remove them from your system. Related:[How to Install Ubuntu Minimal Desktop](https://adamtheautomator.com/ubuntu-mini/) To remove software via the Ubuntu Software Center: 1\. Navigate to the **Installed** tab, which displays a comprehensive list of installed packages on your system. ![Viewing all installed software](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/image-169.png) Viewing all installed software 2\. Locate the software package (i.e., **powershell**) you want to remove, and click the adjacent **Uninstall** button to initiate removing the software package. ![Uninstalling a software package](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/image-168.png) Uninstalling a software package 3\. Lastly, click **Uninstall** to confirm the removal when prompted. ![Confirming uninstalling a software package](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/image-167.png) Confirming uninstalling a software package ## Conclusion Software management becomes quick when you have the Ubuntu Software Center on your system. And in this tutorial, you have learned how this valuable tool lets you install new, update existing ones, and remove unwanted software packages on your Ubuntu system. With the Ubuntu Software Center’s intuitive GUI, you can now easily search for and install a wide range of software packages. Be it a developer’s tool or a client for video games, the Ubuntu Software Center is up for the task. Relating to video games, why not install a digital distribution platform like the popular [Steam client](https://ubuntu.com/blog/steam-client-now-available-in-ubuntu-software-center)? Quickly find, install, and manage games to your heart’s content! 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