We’ve already discussed how to install Linux apps on a Chromebook. However, if you want to uninstall the installed Linux apps, you can easily do so from the App Launcher or by using the terminal. Both methods are simple and quick.
When you uninstall Linux apps from your Chromebook that are no longer in use, you can free up some storage, and your Chromebook’s performance will improve as it will not add extra load to the system resources.
Uninstall Linux Apps on Chromebook
Uninstalling Linux apps is easy, but the process can vary a bit depending on the app and how it was installed. You can remove a Linux app using either the App Launcher or the Terminal. If the app doesn’t offer an uninstall option in the GUI, the Terminal is always an option. While uninstalling through the App Launcher is quick and convenient, using the Terminal gives you more control over the process.
Just keep in mind that some Linux apps, after being removed, might leave behind files or configurations. If you want a full cleanup, you can also use the Terminal to get rid of any leftover files or dependencies.
1. Using the App Launcher
To uninstall any application from a Chromebook, you can use the App Launcher. Simply open the App Launcher, find the app you want to remove in the app drawer, and uninstall it. This method works for most apps, including Linux apps.
1. Open the App Launcher from the bottom-left corner
2. Locate the Linux Apps folder and open it to see all your installed Linux applications.
3. Right-click the app you want to remove and select Uninstall option to remove it.
4. A confirmation window will pop up. Click Uninstall again to confirm, then wait for the process to finish. Removing Linux apps from your Chromebook might take a little time.
Once the process is complete, the application will be removed from your Chromebook. However, if you don’t see the Uninstall button in the GUI, don’t worry not all Linux apps provide a built-in uninstall option. In that case, you’ll need to use the Terminal to remove the app
2. Using the Terminal
Here are the steps you can follow to uninstall a Linux application using the Terminal:
1. Click on the App Launcher icon.
2. Open the Terminal application and click on the penguin icon to access the terminal interface.
3. To uninstall a Linux app, you first need to know its package name. You can use the following command to list all installed Linux applications and their package names:
sudo apt list --installed
4. After you’ve got the package name, just run this command to uninstall it: sudo apt remove <package-name>. Make sure to replace <package-name> with the name of the app you want to remove. For example, if you’re looking to uninstall VLC, you’d type:
sudo apt remove vlc5. You will be prompted to confirm the uninstallation. Type Y and press Enter to proceed.
6. The above command will only remove the application, not the associated configuration files. If you want to use the application again, you don’t need to run the command below. However, if you want to remove any unused dependencies that may have been left behind, run the following command:
sudo apt autoremove
Remove Unused Linux Apps and Free Up Storage
Uninstalling unused Linux apps on your Chromebook is a simple way to free up valuable storage space and boost your device’s performance. Whether you use the App Launcher for a quick removal or the Terminal for more control over the process, both methods effectively help you manage your system’s resources.
Regularly cleaning up unnecessary apps and dependencies not only keeps your Chromebook running smoothly but also ensures you have plenty of space for the apps and files that matter most to you.
