Issues After Clearing Cache or System
Various users have reported that after clearing the cache or using any system cleanup tools, they started having some form of a problem with Ubuntu Software Center not working.
Software Center Not Loading
Sometimes the Ubuntu Software Center fails to load. If you see a message such as “Unable to download from … ” it usually means that it cannot read the local cache, as it doesn’t exist.
Corrupted Cache
This is slightly trickier to deal with and different than the above. Essentially, something has gone wrong with the cached packages, and the Software Center cannot read them.
No Images or Software
As you search for software, there are occasions where there is nothing loading. The same problem can display when there are no images within the “Editors Picks” section. If this seems scary, or you are afraid it will ruin your installation, opt to avoid deletion by moving it to another location. The Software Center will work fine either way. Just launch it as you would normally from the applications menu or the launcher if you have added it as a favorite.
Issues After Upgrading
While upgrading to a new version of Ubuntu normally goes smoothly, sometimes you’ll experience glitches after the process is complete. For example, the Ubuntu Software Center may not load or work at all. In this case, you may need to install Gnome Software from scratch versus reinstalling. As with most solutions, open the Terminal and enter the following: You’ll need to reboot to complete the process.
Crashing
This is a bit of an unusual problem, but sometimes the Software Center crashes when entering categories. Usually this can be resolved by running the update commands as shown above or reinstalling as before.
The Language Fix
One of the oddest fixes for the Ubuntu Software Center not working problem is simply changing the language. You can even reselect your current language. This fix usually only works after you’ve recently installed a new version of Ubuntu, used system cleanup tools, or updated Software Center. This refreshes your system just enough to let Software Center start working correctly again. Strange, yet it’s effective for many users. Tip: While you can select a different language if you want, just choose your currently installed language. If that doesn’t make a difference, choose another language temporarily, reboot, and open Software Center again to see if it helps. You can change your language back to the original after this.
Kill Snap Store
On some versions of Ubuntu, Gnome Software isn’t actually the Gnome Software app. Instead, it’s Snap Store. If killing “gnome-software” doesn’t work, you may need to kill “snap-store.”
Use an Alternative to Gnome Software Center
While Software Center is often the go-to, it’s far from the only option to install software. There are different stores to use, or you can install .deb packages individually. In fact, you’ll likely find yourself seeking out another way to install software when you eventually find an app that isn’t available in Software Center. Try these alternative methods:
Use App Grid: this is another alternative app store. The latest release supports Ubuntu 18.04 and up.Search for .deb files individually: many websites offer their software for individual downloads without having to go through Software Center. Of course, never download anything from a suspicious site.Try Synaptic: this is an alternative to Software Center that isn’t quite as user-friendly. However, in many ways, it’s far more versatile. Once you get used to how it works, you may discover you prefer it.Use Flatpak: this is a universal software management system. Use it to search for, manage, and install apps. You can see what’s available before installing using Flathub.Use Snap Packages: while Ubuntu versions after 16.04 already have Snap support built in, if you’re using Ubuntu 16.04 and older, install Snap support by using this command: sudo apt install snapd.
If you’re tired of Ubuntu itself, try these Debian-based alternatives. All screenshots and images by Crystal Crowder. To install it on your device, open the Terminal and enter sudo apt install synaptic.
