Uninstall Packages With Apt Package Manager[2 Proven Methods]

Written by

Ojash

Reviewed by

Akshat

Last updated: July 26, 2023

Expert verified

In Linux, package management plays a pivotal role in maintaining a well-organized and efficient system. Apt, short for Advanced Package Tool, is a powerful package manager that simplifies the installation, removal, and management of software packages on various Linux distributions. Uninstalling packages with Apt is a crucial skill that empowers you to maintain a clean and optimized system effortlessly. In this article, I’ll explore different methods to uninstall packages with apt package manager, including how to remove single and multiple packages, handle configuration files and dependencies, and even revert package uninstalls. I will also discuss how to revert package installation and five tips to master the art of uninstalling using the apt package manager.

How to Uninstall Packages With Apt Package Manager

To uninstall packages with Apt Package Manager, you have two methods at your disposal. Firstly, for removing single packages, it’s a straightforward process – use apt remove to retain configuration files or apt purge for a clean removal. Secondly, to efficiently uninstall multiple packages simultaneously, create a text file with package names and utilize sudo xargs apt remove < package_list.txt. 

1. Uninstalling Single Packages

Uninstalling a single package with Apt is a straightforward process that comes in handy when you want to tidy up your system by removing specific software. Follow these steps:

1. Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open the Terminal.

2. Use the following command to verify the package name and description before removal:

<strong>apt show package_name</strong>

3. This command will display detailed information about the specified package, including its name, version, description, and other relevant details.

4. To remove the package without deleting its configuration files, use the apt remove command followed by the package name:

<strong>sudo apt remove package_name</strong>

5. This command will uninstall the specified package from your system while retaining its configuration files

6. If you want to completely remove the package, including its configuration files, use the apt purge command:

<strong>sudo apt purge package_name</strong>

7. This command will not only uninstall the package but also delete its configuration files, freeing up disk space and ensuring a clean removal.

8. After removing a package, you can automatically remove any residual dependencies that are no longer required using the apt autoremove command:

<strong>sudo apt autoremove</strong>

9. This command will identify and uninstall any packages that were automatically installed as dependencies but are no longer needed, helping to keep your system clutter-free.

2. Batch Uninstalling Multiple Packages

When it comes to a more comprehensive cleanup or uninstalling multiple packages simultaneously, Apt provides an efficient solution through batch uninstallation. This time-saving method ensures efficient package management while reducing manual effort. Apt provides an efficient way to do this with a single command:

1. Prepare a text file containing the names of the packages you wish to remove, with each package name on a separate line.

2. Use the following command to uninstall all the packages listed in the text file:

<strong>sudo xargs apt remove < package_list.txt</strong>

3. This command reads the package names from the package_list.txt file and uninstalls all the listed packages in a single batch operation.

How to Revert Package Uninstallations

Apt’s versioning feature comes to the rescue when you realize you need to bring back a previously uninstalled package. This functionality allows you to quickly and effortlessly rectify any unintended package removals and restore system stability. To do this:

1. Use the apt policy command to view the available versions of a package:

<strong>apt policy package_name</strong>

2. This command will display information about the specified package, including its installed version and available versions in the repositories.

3. To reinstall a specific package version, use the install option followed by the package name and the desired version:

<strong>sudo apt install package_name=version</strong>

4. This command allows you to install the specified version of the package. Replace package_name with the actual name of the package and version with the desired version number.

5 Tips to Uninstall Packages With Apt Package Manager

Mastering the art of uninstalling packages with Apt Package Manager is essential for efficient Linux system maintenance. Apt, being a widely-used package manager, streamlines software management on various distributions. These five expert tips will help you navigate the process flawlessly and keep your system clean and optimized:

• 🔍 Choose the Right Uninstall Command: When removing packages with Apt, it’s crucial to select the appropriate command based on your requirements. Use apt remove to uninstall a package while retaining its configuration files. This option is ideal when you may want to reinstall the package later, preserving any custom settings. On the other hand, if you want a complete removal without leaving behind any traces, apt purge is the way to go. It deletes not only the package but also its configuration files, freeing up disk space and avoiding potential conflicts in the future.
• 🗂️ Batch Uninstall Multiple Packages: Handling multiple package removals can be time-consuming. Streamline the process by preparing a text file listing all the packages you wish to uninstall. This method is particularly useful when cleaning up a system or removing software you no longer need. To perform a batch uninstallation, execute a single command using xargs, which reads the package names from the text file and uninstalls them all at once. This time-saving tip allows you to efficiently manage your software packages without manual intervention.
• 🚫 Carefully Remove Configuration Files: When uninstalling packages with apt remove, configuration files may remain on your system. This can be beneficial if you plan to reinstall the package in the future, as your custom configurations will still be intact. However, if you want to ensure a clean uninstallation, manually delete these files using the dpkg command. By identifying and removing the configuration files left behind after uninstallation, you can avoid potential conflicts or issues when reinstalling the package later on.
• 🔄Revert Package Uninstalls When Needed: Mistakes happen, but with Apt’s versioning feature, you can easily rectify them. If you accidentally remove a package, use apt policy to check available versions and then reinstall the desired version using apt install. This tip ensures you can effortlessly revert package uninstalls without hassle. This feature is especially valuable when dealing with critical packages or system utilities, as it allows you to quickly roll back changes and maintain system stability.
• 🏆 Leverage Advanced Apt Features: Take your package management to the next level by using advanced Apt features. For instance, you can employ apt-mark hold to protect critical packages from updates or removals during system upgrades. This prevents unintentional disruptions to essential software components and ensures the stability of your system during major updates. Additionally, explore package pinning with preferences files to prioritize specific package versions from designated repositories. This powerful technique allows you to tailor your system precisely to your needs and maintain compatibility with specific software versions.

In Conclusion

I hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights to uninstall packages with Apt Package Manager. By mastering the various methods and implementing the expert tips shared here, you can effortlessly declutter your Linux system, optimize its performance, and ensure a smooth package management experience. I have also included the methods to revert package uninstallation.

As you continue your journey of Linux and package management, I encourage you to explore other essential topics to deepen your knowledge. Discover more about system updates, significance of keeping your software up-to-date, and best practices for package installations. Furthermore, explore the vast world of Linux distributions, where you’ll find unique features, package managers, and communities that cater to specific preferences and needs. Keep expanding your expertise, and you’ll unlock the full potential of your Linux system.

Frequently Asked Questions