uninstall app from ubuntu

Guri Bee

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19-10-2024

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How to Uninstall Applications from Ubuntu: A Comprehensive Guide

Ubuntu, known for its user-friendly interface and vast software repository, makes installing and uninstalling applications a breeze. This guide will walk you through the various methods to remove unwanted applications from your Ubuntu system, ensuring a clean and efficient experience.

Method 1: Using the Ubuntu Software Center

The Ubuntu Software Center is the default application manager for Ubuntu. It offers a simple and intuitive interface for managing your installed software.

Steps:

1. Open the Ubuntu Software Center: You can find it by searching for "Software" in the Dash.
2. Locate the app you wish to uninstall: Search for the app using the search bar or browse through the installed applications list.
3. Click on the "Remove" button: This option will be located next to the app's name.
4. Confirm the removal: A confirmation window will appear; click "Remove" to proceed.

This method is ideal for removing applications you installed through the Ubuntu Software Center. However, for manually installed applications or those not available in the center, alternative methods are required.

Method 2: Using the Command Line (Terminal)

The command line, while appearing daunting at first, offers powerful options for managing your system. The apt package manager provides a reliable and efficient way to uninstall applications.

Steps:

1. Open the Terminal: Search for "Terminal" in the Dash and press Enter.
2. Type the following command, replacing "package_name" with the actual package name:

   sudo apt remove package_name
   

   Example:

   sudo apt remove libreoffice
   

3. Enter your password: You will be prompted to enter your password to authorize the removal process.
4. Confirm the removal: The terminal will display the packages to be removed and prompt you to confirm. Type "y" and press Enter to proceed.

Important Note: If you want to completely remove all configuration files and data associated with the application, use the following command:

sudo apt purge package_name

Identifying Package Names:

To find the correct package name for an application, you can use the following commands:

• apt search "app_name": This command will search for packages related to the provided application name.
• dpkg -l | grep "app_name": This command will list all installed packages and filter for those containing the provided application name.

Method 3: Using the Synaptic Package Manager

Synaptic Package Manager is a graphical interface for managing your system's packages. It provides a more detailed view of installed software and dependencies.

Steps:

1. Install Synaptic Package Manager: Open the Terminal and type:

   sudo apt install synaptic
   

2. Launch Synaptic: Search for "Synaptic" in the Dash and open it.
3. Search for the app: Use the search bar to find the application you want to remove.
4. Right-click on the package: A context menu will appear.
5. Select "Mark for Complete Removal": This will mark the package for complete removal, including all its dependencies.
6. Click "Apply" to confirm the removal: Synaptic will display a list of actions to be taken; confirm by clicking "Apply."

Method 4: Using the "apt-get" Command

The apt-get command, a predecessor to apt, still functions efficiently. The syntax is slightly different:

sudo apt-get remove package_name

Tip: For a complete removal, including configuration files, use:

sudo apt-get purge package_name

Additional Tips and Considerations:

• Removing Stubborn Applications: If you encounter difficulties removing an application, try using the autoremove command:

  sudo apt autoremove
  

  This will remove any unused packages that might be preventing the removal of the desired application.
• Cleanup: After removing an application, it's recommended to run the apt autoclean command to remove unused downloaded packages. This helps to free up disk space.
• Dependencies: Be mindful of dependencies when removing applications. Some applications rely on other packages to function correctly. Removing a dependency can cause other applications to malfunction.

Conclusion:

Uninstalling applications from Ubuntu is a straightforward process. Whether you prefer the graphical interface of the Ubuntu Software Center, the command line efficiency of apt or apt-get, or the detailed view of Synaptic, you can easily remove unwanted applications and maintain a clean system. Remember to consider dependencies and use the appropriate methods for each application.

Original Sources:

• GitHub: apt-get
• GitHub: Ubuntu Software Center
• GitHub: Synaptic