How Do You Uninstall Apps on Ubuntu?
Uninstalling applications on Ubuntu is a common task that every user encounters, whether to free up space, remove unused software, or troubleshoot issues. While Ubuntu offers a user-friendly interface, the variety of methods available to uninstall apps can sometimes feel overwhelming—especially for newcomers. Understanding how to effectively remove programs not only helps maintain a clean system but also enhances overall performance and security.
In Ubuntu, applications can be installed through different channels such as the Ubuntu Software Center, command-line tools, or third-party repositories. Each installation method often requires a slightly different approach to uninstallation, making it important to know the right steps for your specific situation. Whether you prefer graphical interfaces or command-line commands, Ubuntu provides flexible options tailored to your comfort level.
This article will guide you through the essential techniques to uninstall apps on Ubuntu, highlighting the pros and cons of each method. By gaining a clear overview of these processes, you’ll be empowered to manage your system efficiently and keep your Ubuntu environment running smoothly.
Uninstalling Applications Using the Terminal
Uninstalling applications via the terminal in Ubuntu offers a powerful and flexible approach, especially for users comfortable with command-line interfaces. The primary package management tools used in Ubuntu are `apt`, `dpkg`, and `snap`, each serving different purposes depending on how the application was installed.
To uninstall a package installed with `apt`, the following command syntax is commonly used:
“`bash
sudo apt remove package_name
“`
This command removes the package but retains its configuration files. If you want to remove the package along with its configuration files, you should use:
“`bash
sudo apt purge package_name
“`
After removal, it’s good practice to run:
“`bash
sudo apt autoremove
“`
This command cleans up any dependencies that were installed with the package but are no longer needed.
For applications installed via `dpkg`, which is the underlying Debian package manager, the syntax is:
“`bash
sudo dpkg -r package_name
“`
This removes the package but does not handle dependencies. If there are unmet dependencies, `apt` is preferred for handling removals.
Ubuntu also supports snaps, which are containerized software packages. To remove a snap package, use:
“`bash
sudo snap remove package_name
“`
Snaps are self-contained, so removing them is straightforward without worrying about dependencies on the system.
Using Ubuntu Software Center to Remove Applications
The Ubuntu Software Center offers a graphical interface for managing applications, making it accessible for users less comfortable with the command line. To uninstall an app:
- Open the Ubuntu Software application from the dock or applications menu.
- Navigate to the “Installed” tab to view all currently installed applications.
- Locate the application you want to remove; you can use the search function for convenience.
- Click on the application to open its details page.
- Select the “Remove” button and authenticate if prompted.
- The software center will handle the uninstallation process and provide feedback once complete.
This method is particularly useful for desktop applications installed via the GUI or from the Ubuntu repositories.
Removing Applications Installed from External Sources
Some applications installed on Ubuntu come from external sources or use different packaging formats like `.deb` files downloaded from websites or third-party repositories. The removal process depends on the installation method:
- Debian Packages (`.deb`): If installed via `dpkg`, use `sudo dpkg -r package_name`. If installed using `apt` after adding a repository, use `sudo apt remove package_name`.
- Flatpak Applications: If you used Flatpak to install the app, remove it with:
“`bash
flatpak uninstall package_name
“`
- Manual Installations: For applications compiled and installed manually (e.g., using `make install`), there is no automatic uninstall command. Check the application’s documentation for uninstall instructions or manually remove installed files, typically located in `/usr/local/bin`, `/usr/local/lib`, or `/usr/local/share`.
Comparison of Uninstallation Commands
Different package managers provide specific commands for removing applications. The following table summarizes the main commands and their typical use cases:
| Package Manager | Command | Removes Configuration Files? | Handles Dependencies? | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| apt | sudo apt remove package_name |
No | Yes | Standard removal of packages installed via APT repositories |
| apt | sudo apt purge package_name |
Yes | Yes | Complete removal including config files |
| dpkg | sudo dpkg -r package_name |
No | No | Low-level removal of Debian packages |
| snap | sudo snap remove package_name |
Yes | Self-contained | Removal of snap packages |
| flatpak | flatpak uninstall package_name |
Yes | Self-contained | Removal of Flatpak applications |
Cleaning Up Residual Files After Uninstallation
Even after uninstalling an application, residual files such as configuration files, logs, or caches might remain on your system. These files typically reside in your home directory or system folders and can consume disk space unnecessarily.
To clean these files manually, consider the following locations:
- User configuration and cache files:
- `~/.config/package_name/`
- `~/.cache/package_name/`
- `~/.local/share/package_name/`
- System-wide configuration files:
- `/etc/package_name/`
- Logs:
- `/var/log/package_name/`
Using terminal commands like `rm -rf` can delete these folders, but exercise caution to avoid removing important data accidentally.
Alternatively, utilities like `bleachbit` provide a user-friendly interface for system cleaning, including application leftovers.
Best Practices for Safe Application Removal
When uninstalling applications on Ubuntu, adhering to best practices ensures system stability and prevents accidental loss of data:
- Always verify the exact package name before removal using:
“`bash
apt list –installed
Uninstalling Apps Using the Ubuntu Software Center
The Ubuntu Software Center provides a graphical interface that simplifies the process of uninstalling applications. This method is ideal for users who prefer not to use the command line.
To uninstall an app via the Ubuntu Software Center:
- Open the Ubuntu Software application from the application menu.
- Navigate to the Installed tab to view all currently installed applications.
- Scroll through or use the search bar to locate the app you wish to uninstall.
- Click on the app to open its details page.
- Press the Remove button to uninstall the application.
- Enter your password if prompted to authorize the removal.
This process will cleanly remove the app along with associated files managed by the package system. However, configuration files stored in your home directory might remain and can be manually deleted if desired.
Uninstalling Applications via Terminal Using APT
APT (Advanced Package Tool) is the default package management system in Ubuntu and provides powerful command-line control for installing and removing software.
To uninstall an application using APT:
- Open the Terminal application.
- Identify the package name of the application you want to remove. You can use `apt list –installed` or `dpkg –list` to browse installed packages.
- Execute the following command to remove the package but retain configuration files:
“`bash
sudo apt remove package_name
“`
- To remove the package including its configuration files, use:
“`bash
sudo apt purge package_name
“`
- After removing packages, it is recommended to clean up unused dependencies with:
“`bash
sudo apt autoremove
“`
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
| `sudo apt remove` | Removes the package but keeps configuration files |
| `sudo apt purge` | Removes the package including configuration files |
| `sudo apt autoremove` | Removes orphaned dependencies no longer needed |
This approach ensures a thorough and controlled uninstallation process, especially useful for system administrators and advanced users.
Using Snap Commands to Remove Snap Packages
Ubuntu supports Snap packages, which are self-contained applications managed separately from APT packages. To uninstall Snap applications, the `snap` command-line tool is used.
Steps to remove a Snap package:
- List installed Snap packages with:
“`bash
snap list
“`
- Identify the Snap package name you want to remove.
- Uninstall the package using:
“`bash
sudo snap remove package_name
“`
Snap packages often bundle dependencies within themselves, so removing a Snap app usually deletes all related files. Snap also handles automatic updates, so manual removal of dependencies is typically unnecessary.
Removing Flatpak Applications
If you use Flatpak to manage applications on Ubuntu, uninstalling apps requires the Flatpak command-line tool.
To uninstall a Flatpak application:
- List installed Flatpak apps with:
“`bash
flatpak list
“`
- Identify the application ID or name.
- Uninstall the application using:
“`bash
flatpak uninstall application_id
“`
Flatpak applications run in isolated environments, so uninstalling them removes all related components, providing a clean removal.
Manual Removal of Applications Installed from Source
Applications installed from source code or third-party binaries may not be managed by Ubuntu’s package systems. Uninstalling these requires manual intervention.
Typical approaches include:
- Using the original source directory to run:
“`bash
sudo make uninstall
“`
if supported by the Makefile.
- Deleting the application files manually from directories such as `/usr/local/bin`, `/opt`, or your home directory.
- Removing associated configuration files stored in `~/.config` or other hidden directories in the user’s home folder.
Because manual uninstallation varies widely, it is important to consult the installation instructions or documentation provided by the software developer.
Cleaning Up Residual Configuration and Cache Files
After uninstalling applications, some configuration files, caches, or user data may remain on your system. Cleaning these can help free disk space and maintain system hygiene.
Common locations for residual files include:
- `~/.config/` — User-specific configuration files.
- `~/.cache/` — Cached data for applications.
- `~/.local/share/` — Application data and user-installed files.
- `/var/cache/` — System-wide cache files.
Use commands such as `rm -rf ~/.config/app_name` to remove leftover directories, but exercise caution to avoid deleting important data unintentionally.
Using GUI Tools for Advanced Package Management
Beyond the Ubuntu Software Center, tools like Synaptic Package Manager offer advanced graphical interfaces for managing packages, including uninstallation.
Features of Synaptic include:
- Comprehensive search and filter options.
- Viewing package dependencies and reverse dependencies.
- Batch removal of multiple packages.
- Detailed package information and changelogs.
To install Synaptic:
“`bash
sudo apt update
sudo apt install synaptic
“`
After installation, launch Synaptic from the application menu, search for the desired package, mark it for removal or complete purge, and apply the changes.
Best Practices When Uninstalling Applications
To maintain system stability and avoid dependency issues, consider these best practices:
- Always check for dependencies before removing packages, especially system-critical ones.
- Use package managers (`apt`, `snap`, `flatpak`) rather than manual deletion whenever possible.
- Clean up orphaned dependencies using `sudo apt autoremove` after removal.
- Backup important configuration files before purging applications.
- Regularly update package lists with `sudo apt update` to ensure accurate package information.
Adhering to these guidelines will ensure that your Ubuntu system remains clean and well-maintained after uninstalling applications.