How to Install Opera Web Browser on Ubuntu 24.04
Opera is an open-source web browser supported on Linux, Windows, and macOS. It is lightweight and consumes fewer resources as compared to other browsers. Because of its lightweight and open-source nature, it is loved by Ubuntu users (and other distro users).
Today, we will guide you to install Opera Web Browser on Ubuntu 24.04.
Outline:
How to Install Opera Web Browser on Ubuntu 24.04
On Ubuntu, Opera support is available through the snap store, Debian package, and the flatpak/flathub. Let’s get into these methods and analyze at the end which is the best among these:
Method 1: Install Opera From Command Line Snap
By default, snap is enabled on Ubuntu 24.04. However, if you have installed the minimal version of Ubuntu then you might need to install the snap and its essentials.
Step 1: Install Snapd and Snap Core
Install the snap daemon and the dependencies suite via the command:
sudo apt install snapd;sudo snap install core
Step 3: Install Opera
Opera is available in three different variants, i.e., stable, beta, and development. Stable is recommended for smooth performance. However, you can check/test the new features in the upcoming stable releases through the beta and development releases. Thus, choose and install the relevant variant as per your requirement:
sudo snap install opera #Latest Stable Release sudo snap install opera-beta #Beta Release sudo snap install opera-developer #Development Release
Opera 109.0.5097.45 is installed via snap.
You can launch it from the terminal using the name, i.e., opera for stable, opera-beta for beta, and opera-developer for the development branch:
And here you go with Opera.
Method 2: Install Opera Using the Debian Package
Opera offers installable packages on its website for Ubuntu (and other operating systems as well). Here, you can find the beta, stable, and development releases for your Ubuntu. Follow the steps below to install Opera using the Debian Package:
Step 1: Download the .deb File
Download the Debian package file from the Official Downloads Page and download the relevant variant (stable, beta, or development):
Step 2: Install Opera
Navigate to the directory where the file is downloaded and install the opera using the “apt install” command:
sudo apt install <package-path>
Note: You can also use the “dpkg -i” command instead of “apt install”.
While installing, you will get the update prompt to keep the Opera up to date with the system. Choose Yes and proceed further:
Let’s check the installed version:
The version is the same as installed using the snap method.
Method 3: Install Opera Using Flatpak/Flathub
Flatpak also assists in installing the Opera from the Flathub. You need to ensure that the flathub is enabled on your system and then you can use Opera’s application ID to install it through the Flatpak/Flathub.
Step 1: Install Flatpak and Enable Flathub Support
As Ubuntu 24.04 (or any older release) does not come with flatpak support, so, you need to install the flatpak:
sudo apt install flatpak
And enable the flathub support also via the below commands:
sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://dl.flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
Step 2: Install Opera
Now, install Opera using its application ID “com.opera.Opera” with the flatpak command:
flatpak install flathub com.opera.Opera
The flatpak-based installation takes a bit more time and storage as it handles the dependencies and configuration run time.
Step 3: Check Version / Launch
Let’s check the installed version of Opera using the command:
flatpak list | grep opera
This installed version is a bit older than the versions installed with the above methods, i.e., snap and Debian packages.
You can launch the flatpak-based installed Opera using the following prompt (or from the applications menu):
flatpak run com.opera.Opera
That’s how to install and use Opera through flatpak.
Method 4: Install Opera Using Snap GUI
Installing an application from the graphical support of Snap has the same impact as of command line Snap. Ubuntu 24.04 is equipped with a more interactive and user-friendly App Center (the name has been changed from the Software Center). Open it, search for Opera, and choose the variant you want to install:
Proceed with the onscreen navigation:
Soon, the browser will be installed. You can open it directly from the App Center:
Or you can search for it in the applications menu and launch it:
That’s how you can install Opera through GUI, i.e., a Snap Store’s extended support.
How to Update Opera on Ubuntu 24.04
Just installing Opera does not ensure that you have the latest version even after a few days. Opera keeps on updating the system and you need to incorporate those updates into your installed Opera manually. Based on your installations, you need to choose the appropriate method to update Opera. Here we have listed the update methods relevant to the provided installation methods.
If Installed Via Snap
Use the below command to refresh the already installed Opera’s snap:
sudo snap refresh opera
If Installed Via Debian Package
As it is an apt-based installation and the package is distributed via the repository, thus you need to update the overall packages list and then upgrade Opera:
sudo apt update sudo apt install --only-upgrade opera-stable
Note: Using the “apt install” command also upgrades the package if it is already installed.
If Install Via Flatpak/Flathub
The following command will update the flatpak-based installed Opera:
flatpak update com.opera.Opera
These are the ways to update your existing Opera installation.
How to Uninstall Opera From Ubuntu 24.04
Likewise, for update methods, the Opera can be uninstalled from Ubuntu 24.04 via the method followed for installation. Here we have provided all the methods to remove Opera from Ubuntu 24.04:
If Installed Using apt | Debian Package
If you have installed Opera via the Debian package, use one of the below commands to remove the apt-based installed Opera:
To Remove Package and Its Dependencies/Configurations:
sudo apt autoremove opera-stable --purge
Remove Only Executable and a Few Essentials:
sudo apt remove opera-stable
If Installed From the Snap Store
Opera, whether it is installed using the CLI or the GUI of the Snap store, can be installed in both ways. Here is the command to remove it using the CLI support of Snap:
sudo snap remove opera
If you want to remove Opera from the Snap GUI, open the App Center and search for Opera. When you open it, you will find Three Dots, click on them and choose Uninstall:
If Installed Via Flatpak/Flathub
The flatpak-based installed Opera can be removed using the command:
flatpak uninstall com.opera.Opera
That’s how you can deal with Opera on Ubuntu 24.04, Noble Numbat.
Bottom Line
Opera, a renowned web browsing platform for Ubuntu users, can be installed using the snap store, the Debian package, and the flatpak/flathub. Snap and the Debian package methods provide the latest version whereas Flatpak has a bit older version.
Moreover, the Debian package-based installation of Opera provides updates to the system. However, the other two methods require manual updates. Thus, for a smooth performance, you should use the Debian-based installation.
This post has listed the potential installation methods of Opera Web Browser on Ubuntu 24.04, codenamed Noble Numbat.
