"Waiting to install" for ever - Ubuntu Software - 16.04

Question

When I try to install .deb files with "Ubuntu Software", it keeps "Waiting to install" for ever.

Answer 1

Install .deb packages from the terminal:

$ sudo dpkg -i <path/to/deb.deb>
$ sudo apt-get install -f

The reasoning behind apt-get install -f from the man page:

 -f, --fix-broken
           Fix; attempt to correct a system with broken dependencies in place. This option, when used with install/remove, can
           omit any packages to permit APT to deduce a likely solution. If packages are specified, these have to completely
           correct the problem. The option is sometimes necessary when running APT for the first time; APT itself does not allow
           broken package dependencies to exist on a system. It is possible that a system's dependency structure can be so
           corrupt as to require manual intervention (which usually means using dpkg --remove to eliminate some of the offending
           packages). Use of this option together with -m may produce an error in some situations. Configuration Item:
           APT::Get::Fix-Broken.

_{Credit: Mohit Rajan's comment}

Answer 2

1 - Donwload the old "Ubuntu software center" in the new "Ubuntu software".

2 - unity --reset-icons or Restart your computer (to remove the "waiting to install")

3 - Open the .deb file with the just installed "Ubuntu software center"

4 - Install it

Answer 3

Just a suggestion, Not sure if it should help but, if you frequently install packages from .deb files it's advisable to use a reliable package handler like Gdebi

However, if you like to browse for apps and install them from the same place, you should stick to Ubuntu Software Center. To trash Gnome-Software and install the classic and trusted Ubuntu Software Center follow this guide.

Answer 4

Workaround was proposed and filed as another bug related to this issue.

All you need to do is log out, and then login again.

Tested and verified this workaround fixes the issue on Ubuntu 16.04.6 LTS, clean installation.

Answer 5

It seems that we are all affected by https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/gnome-software/+bug/1573206.

Unfortunately there is no other solution than using another package manager to install these packages.