How to Uninstall Software Packages on Ubuntu [5 Easy Ways]

Is your Ubuntu system running slower or running out of space due to too much-installed software? This guide will help you fix that by showing you how to uninstall software packages easily. I’ll cover different methods to remove software using both commands and graphical tools, ensuring you do it safely and efficiently. You’ll also learn best practices to avoid issues and keep your system running smoothly. By the end of this post, you’ll have a clean and efficient Ubuntu system, ready for optimal performance.

What Are Software Packages?

Software packages are collections of files and programs that you install on your computer to make applications work. Think of them like bundles that contain everything an app needs to run.

Here are the main types of software packages you’ll encounter on Ubuntu:

• DEB Packages: These are the traditional package format for Debian-based systems like Ubuntu. They use the .deb file extension.
• Snap Packages: These packages are designed to work across various Linux distributions. They are self-contained, meaning they include everything an app needs, reducing dependency issues.
• Flatpak Packages: Similar to Snap packages, Flatpak packages are also self-contained and work on different Linux distributions. They aim to provide a consistent environment for applications.
• AppImage Packages: These are standalone executable files. You don’t need to install them; you just download, make them executable, and run them.

Why Uninstall Software?

There are several good reasons to uninstall software from your Ubuntu system:

• Improving System Performance: Fewer applications mean fewer background processes, which can speed up your system and reduce resource usage.
• Freeing Up Space: Unused software takes up disk space. Removing it can free up valuable storage.
• Removing Unused or Problematic Software: If you no longer use an app or it’s causing issues, uninstalling it can improve your system’s stability.

How to Uninstall Software Packages on Ubuntu

Here are the detailed steps for each of the five methods to uninstall software packages on Ubuntu:

Preparing for Software Uninstallation

Before you uninstall software on Ubuntu, you should prepare your system to avoid losing important data and ensure a smooth process.

1. Creating Backups Before Uninstalling Software: Creating backups is crucial. If something goes wrong during the uninstallation, you can restore your system to its previous state without losing your data. It’s like having a safety net.
2. Identifying Installed Packages: To uninstall software, you first need to know what’s installed on your system. You can use commands to list installed packages:

This command lists all Flatpak packages installed on your system.

• For DEB Packages:

1. Open the terminal.
2. Run the command:

dpkg --list

This command lists all DEB packages installed on your system.

• For Snap Packages:

1. Open the terminal.
2. Run the command:

snap list

1. This command shows all Snap packages installed on your system.

• For Flatpak Packages:

1. Open the terminal.
2. Run the command:

flatpak list

1. Use the Ubuntu Software Center

Ubuntu Software Center provides a graphical user interface (GUI) that makes it easy for users to remove software packages. This method is especially useful for users who prefer a point-and-click interface over using the Terminal. Here’s how to uninstall Ubuntu software via Ubuntu Software Center:

1. Head to the Applications menu on your Ubuntu desktop.

2. Search for the Ubuntu Software from the search bar and click on it to open.

3. Click the Installed tab at the top of the screen.

4. Scroll down and find the software package that you want to uninstall, and double-click on it.

5. Once you double-click the software package you want to uninstall, you will see a screen that provides you with some basic information about the package, such as its name, version, and size. To uninstall the selected software package, simply click the trash can icon.

6. If the prompt asks whether you want to uninstall the selected software. Click Uninstall.

7. You may be prompted to enter your administrator password to confirm the action. Once you have entered your password and confirmed the removal, the software package will be uninstalled from your system.

2. Use Synaptic Interface

Another method to uninstall software packages on Ubuntu is to install the synaptic package manager. Synaptic is a graphical package management tool that allows you to easily manage software packages on your Ubuntu system, including uninstalling software packages. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to uninstall applications from Ubuntu through the Synaptic package manager:

1. In the Terminal app, run the following command to install Synaptic on your Linux system:

sudo apt-get install synaptic

2. Enter your administrator password when prompted.

3. Type y and press Enter to continue the installation process.

4. Once Synaptic is installed on your system, search for Synaptic in the Ubuntu dashboard and click on it.

5. Enter your password to authenticate and run the Synaptic package on your Linux machine.

6. Use the search bar to find the software package you want to uninstall.

7. Right-click on the package and select Mark for Removal from the drop-down list.

8. Click the Mark button to mark the selected software package.

9. Now, navigate to the Edit menu at the top and click Apply Marked Changes to remove the marked software packages.

10. Finally, click the Apply button to confirm the uninstallation of the marked software packages.

3. Use apt-get remove Command

Sometimes you may need Terminal commands to uninstall software packages. As the apt-get package is generally pre-installed with all Ubuntu versions, you can use these commands to remove unwanted files from your system. Here’s how to do it:

1. Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open the Terminal app and execute the command:

sudo apt-get remove [package_name]

Replace [package_name] with the name of the package you want to uninstall.

2. You may be prompted to enter your administrator password. If so, enter it and press Enter.

3. Then, to remove any leftover dependencies, run the following command:

sudo apt-get autoremove

4. Wait for any leftover dependencies to be removed from your system. But if your system does not have any leftover dependencies, you’ll see the following output:

4. Use apt-get purge Command

Alternatively, you can use the purge option with the apt-get command to remove not only the package files but also any associated configuration files and dependencies. Here is how you can use the purge option in the Terminal:

1. Launch the Terminal app and run the following command:

sudo apt-get purge [package_name]

Replace [package_name] with the name of the package you want to uninstall.

2. You may be prompted to ask about uninstallation. If so, enter y and press Enter.

3. Now, to completely remove a package, its associated configuration files, and any dependencies that are no longer needed, run the following command:

sudo apt-get autoremove

4. Once all the dependencies files are removed, you see the similar output:

5. Use the dpkg Command

Another method to uninstall application packages is to use the dpkg command-line tool. This is a low-level command-line tool to manage software packages on Ubuntu and other Debian-based Linux distributions. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to uninstall package through the dpkg command:

1. Run the Terminal app and type in the following command to search for the installed package:

dpkg -l | grep [package_name]

Replace [package_name] with the name of the package you want to remove.

2. Press Enter to execute the command and wait for the output to show up to note down the exact package name from the output.

3. Run the following command to remove the package:

sudo dpkg -r [package_name]

Replace [package_name] with the exact package name and version number.

4. Wait for the package to be removed from your system. If done correctly, you’ll get the following output:

Best Practices for Uninstalling Software Packages

Uninstalling software packages can help keep your Ubuntu system clean and efficient. Follow these best practices to ensure you do it safely and effectively. Here are five key tips to guide you through the process:

• 🔄 Regular Maintenance: Perform regular system maintenance. Uninstall unused software periodically and keep your system updated. This helps maintain optimal performance and security.
• 🔍 Verify the Package Name: Double-check the exact name of the package before uninstalling. Use commands like dpkg --list, snap list, or flatpak list to avoid removing the wrong software by mistake.
• 💾 Backup Your System: Always create a backup before uninstalling any software. Use tools like Timeshift to make a restore point. This protects your data in case something goes wrong.
• 🚫 Use the Right Uninstallation Command: Use the appropriate command for the package type. For DEB packages, use apt remove or apt purge. For Snap packages, use snap remove, and for Flatpak, use flatpak uninstall.
• 🧹 Clean Up Residual Files: After uninstalling, remove leftover configuration files and dependencies. Use apt autoremove for DEB packages or flatpak uninstall --unused for Flatpak packages to keep your system tidy.

To Sum Up

In this article, I’ve explored various methods to uninstall software packages on Ubuntu, including using commands and graphical tools. I also shared some best practices to ensure you handle uninstallation safely and effectively.

If you found this guide helpful, I recommend checking out some other articles to expand your knowledge:

• Explore methods to check memory in Linux, assisting you in monitoring system performance and diagnosing potential issues.
• Discover how to use the apt search command to quickly find packages, making software management easier and more efficient.
• Learn how to install a specific version of a package with apt, helping you avoid compatibility issues and get the exact features you need.

Frequently Asked Questions